Sausage and Peppers Crock Pot

This Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers recipe brings together juicy Italian sausage with tender bell peppers and onions in a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s a simple set it and forget it meal that is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Whether served on its own, tossed with pasta, or piled into a sandwich, this dish never fails to please.

I first made this on a hectic evening when I had little time, and the whole family couldn’t get enough of those tender peppers and perfectly cooked sausages. Now it’s one of my top go to recipes for easy dinner wins.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: choose sweet or mild depending on your preference fresh sausages give the best flavor
• Bell peppers: a mix of green and red peppers adds color and balanced sweetness select firm, glossy peppers
• Onions: yellow or white onions add sweetness and depth once slow cooked
• Marinara sauce: quality jarred marinara works well here look for a sauce with simple ingredients and good flavor
• Butter: helps sear the sausage adding richness salted is fine for seasoning
• Garlic powder: adds a warm savory note, perfect when slow cooked
• Italian seasoning: herb blend that brings classic Italian aroma and flavor, opt for fresh or higher quality dried herbs
• Salt and pepper: essential to season and bring out the natural flavors of the sausage and vegetables
• Tomato paste: thickens and intensifies the sauce, choose one that is rich in color and flavor

Instructions

Sauté the vegetables:

Slice the green and red bell peppers as well as onions into even strips. This prep work takes the most time but ensures even cooking. Place them into your slow cooker, season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour marinara sauce over and stir gently to combine.

Cook the vegetables:

Cover the slow cooker and cook the vegetables on low for 2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and that the peppers and onions soften nicely, releasing their natural sweetness into the sauce.

Brown the sausage:

While the vegetables cook, heat 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a skillet. Brown the Italian sausages on all sides to create a caramelized crust, which adds extra flavor and texture to the final dish. This step can be skipped if you prefer to forgo browning.

Combine and slow cook:

Add the browned sausages to the slow cooker with the cooked vegetables and sauce. Cover and cook on low for an additional 4 hours. Stir occasionally but be gentle to avoid breaking up the sausages, which become tender from cooking.

Serve:

Once cooked through, you can either serve the sausages whole or remove them, slice, and return to the sauce. This dish is fantastic served on hot dog buns, over pasta, rice, or simply on its own.

Italian sausage is my favorite part here because its spices meld with the bell peppers in a way that makes every bite feel comforting and familiar. This recipe reminds me of family gatherings where the aroma of slow cooked sausage and peppers filled the kitchen and everyone lingered over the table long after dinner.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. This dish reheats beautifully on the stovetop or microwave. For longer storage, portion the leftovers into freezer safe containers and keep frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Ingredient substitutions

Ground Italian sausage works if you can’t find links but the texture differs slightly. If you don’t have marinara sauce you can use canned crushed tomatoes with a teaspoon of tomato paste and season well. For a dairy free option swap butter for olive oil when browning the sausage. Bell peppers can be swapped with poblano or Anaheim peppers for a different flavor twist while maintaining the sweetness.

Serving suggestions

Serve this dish piled high on toasted hoagie or hot dog buns for a classic Italian sandwich experience. Toss with cooked pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a quick sausage pasta. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for a hearty meal. A light green salad or grilled vegetables balance the richness nicely.

This Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers is an easy, flavorful meal that works for weeknights and gatherings. Leftovers freeze well for quick reheats and make great meal prep.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How can I serve sausage and peppers?

They’re delicious on hot dog buns, over pasta, rice, or egg noodles, and also great served on their own.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Try southern fried potatoes, mac and cheese, grilled vegetables, or pasta salad for complementary flavors.

→ Can I cook sausage and peppers in the oven?

Yes, roast sausage, peppers, and onions at 400°F on a lined pan for 25-35 minutes, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned as desired.

→ Is it possible to add more sauce?

Absolutely, warming up additional marinara sauce can enhance moisture and flavor if desired.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze up to 3 months for longer preservation.