Juicy Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe for Lazy Sundays

Crafting a mouthwatering crock pot sausage and peppers dish promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising a delectable meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Italian sausages nestled with colorful bell peppers create a rustic symphony of flavors waiting to unfold.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty feast that speaks directly to your soul.

Home cooks adore this effortless recipe that delivers maximum taste with minimal preparation.

Minimal effort translates to maximum satisfaction when you serve this crowd-pleasing meal.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible one-pot wonder.

What Goes into a Hearty Sausage and Pepper Dish

• Italian Sausage Links: Hearty protein that gives the dish its main flavor, choose sweet or spicy based on preference, fresh or pre-cooked work well.

• Bell Peppers, Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add sweetness and depth, mix colors for visual appeal and varied flavor, bell peppers can be red, green, or yellow.

• Marinara Sauce: Rich tomato base that creates moisture and flavor, store-bought or homemade work perfectly.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic herb blend and basic seasonings to enhance overall taste profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for those who enjoy heat, can be adjusted to personal preference.

Cooking Low and Slow for Maximum Flavor

Step 1: Prepare Sausage

Optional method: Heat a skillet over medium flame and brown sausage links until golden, creating a rich exterior color. This step develops deeper flavor profiles before transferring to slow cooker.

Step 2: Layer Vegetable Medley

• Bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
• Sweet onions
• Fresh garlic cloves

Step 3: Create Flavor Symphony

• Italian herb mix
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat lovers)

Step 4: Slow Cook Magic

• Low setting: 6-7 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

Cooking completes when sausage reaches perfect internal temperature and vegetables become wonderfully tender.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Slice sausage into bite-sized pieces
• Serve whole links

• Fluffy white rice
• Al dente pasta
• Toasted hoagie rolls
• Crisp garden salad

Tips for Juicy Sausage and Tender Peppers

• Boost Flavor with Browning: Sear sausages in a skillet before slow cooking to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that adds depth to the dish's overall taste.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat – use sparingly for mild preference or generously for those who love a spicy kick.
• Perfect Serving Suggestions: Pair with crusty bread, creamy polenta, or zesty pasta to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and complement the sausage and peppers.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this recipe in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time.
• Diet-Friendly Adaptations: Swap traditional pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option, or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian alternative.

How to Store Sausage and Peppers Without Soggy Results

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 34 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled sausage and peppers to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Warm portions in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out.
• Heat individual servings in microwave-safe dishes, covering with a damp paper towel and stirring midway to ensure even heating.

What to Serve with This Bold Main Dish

• Choose a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that matches the hearty, spicy flavors of sausage and complements the rich marinara sauce.
• Slice a fresh baguette, toast with garlic butter, and use it to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crispy texture contrast to the tender sausage and peppers.
• Toss a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the heavy, savory main dish and provide a refreshing counterpoint with crisp vegetables.
• Select a medium-bodied amber ale or Italian-style lager that cuts through the richness of the sausage and enhances the overall meal's flavor profile.

Sausage Variations Worth Trying

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace marinara sauce with homemade gluten-free tomato sauce and use gluten-free Italian sausage for a celiac-safe meal.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap sausage with plant-based sausage links or chunky portobello mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains robust flavor and texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip rice and pasta, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic sausage and pepper combination.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add extra red pepper flakes, incorporate diced jalapeños, or use hot Italian sausage to create a more intense, fiery version of the original recipe.

FAQs for Sausage and Peppers Fans

• Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with other varieties like chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or spicy bratwurst based on your preference and dietary needs.

• Is it necessary to brown the sausage before putting it in the slow cooker?

Browning is optional but recommended. It helps develop a deeper flavor and creates a nice caramelized exterior on the sausage before slow cooking.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes, use hot Italian sausage, or include a diced jalapeño along with the bell peppers to increase the heat level of the dish.

• Can this recipe be made in an oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake it in a covered casserole dish at 350°F for about 45-60 minutes, ensuring the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and the peppers are tender.

Why Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Is Always a Hit

• Toss ingredients into the slow cooker with minimal prep, creating a hands-off cooking experience that saves time and reduces kitchen cleanup.
• Enjoy this dish over rice, pasta, or in hoagie rolls, making it adaptable for different meals and preferences without extra cooking steps.
• Packed with hearty sausage, colorful peppers, and rich marinara sauce, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors.
• Adjust cooking time between low and high settings, perfect for busy schedules and allowing flexibility for meal timing without compromising taste.

Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers deliver Italian-inspired comfort straight from your slow cooker. Juicy sausages nestle with sweet bell peppers, creating a robust meal you’ll savor with every satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 pounds (0.9 kg) Italian sausage links (mild, sweet, or spicy)

Vegetables:

• 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Chopped parsley or grated Parmesan (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear Italian sausage links in a hot skillet until golden brown, developing rich caramelized edges and intensifying the meat’s natural flavors.
2. Transfer seared sausages to the slow cooker, creating a stable base layer for the dish.
3. Layer colorful bell peppers and sweet onions around and between the sausage links, ensuring even distribution.
4. Mince fresh garlic and scatter across the vegetable layer to infuse aromatic depth into the entire preparation.
5. Generously drench the ingredients with robust marinara sauce, allowing it to cascade and coat every component.
6. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, creating a fragrant herb profile that complements the hearty proteins.
7. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then optionally add red pepper flakes for a subtle fiery kick.
8. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the ingredients to simmer and meld together, cooking on low temperature for 6 hours or high temperature for 4 hours.
9. Verify sausages are thoroughly cooked with an internal temperature reaching 160°F and vegetables are tender and succulent.
10. Slice sausages or serve whole, presenting over steamed rice, al dente pasta, or nestled within toasted hoagie rolls for a versatile meal.

Notes

• Seal in extra flavor by quickly searing sausage before slow cooking, creating a rich caramelized exterior that boosts overall taste profile.
• Adjust spice levels by controlling red pepper flakes – use sparingly for mild heat or generously for a zesty kick that transforms the dish.
• Swap traditional pork sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the same delicious Italian-inspired essence.
• Create a low-carb version by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta or bread, maintaining the recipe’s hearty satisfaction.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg