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    Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker » Sausage and Peppers (Slow Cooker recipe)

    LAST UPDATED: October 11, 2021 • FIRST PUBLISHED: January 31, 2021 By Toni Dash 8 Comments

    Sausage and Peppers (Slow Cooker recipe)

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    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS TITLE

    Sausage and Peppers is a colorful Italian favorite that’s loaded with flavor! Make it in the slow cooker for a hands-off meal that’s delicious over rice or on a roll covered in cheese.

    SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS TITLE

    Everyone loves sausage and peppers!

    Simmered in tomato sauce with Italian seasonings, this Italian-American dish is easy to make in the slow cooker.

    Perfect as a football watching food or a family dinner.

    Easy Sausage and Peppers

    This recipe is as easy as they come. Sometimes the simplest recipes really are the best!

    A blend of aromatic spices brings out the savory flavor of the Italian sausage. The bright color of fresh bell peppers and tomatoes makes the dish look as good as it tastes!

    I also love how many ways you can serve the slow cooker Sausage and Peppers.

    Serve it on a toasted bun or keep it low carb with a bowl of cooked rice.

    Sausage Peppers and Onions taste amazing over pasta or Zoodles too!

    You’ll love this as a hassle free weeknight dinner or a serve-yourself party food.

    sausage and peppers ingredients

    Recipe Ingredients + Notes

    Here’s what you need to make crockpot Sausage and Peppers.

    Crushed Tomatoes. Unseasoned with no added sugars.

    Seasonings. Onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. This delicious combination of seasonings delivers the perfect flavors.

    Italian Seasoning is a fantastic all-purpose blend for easy Italian recipe cooking.

    Italian Sausage. Uncooked and in casing. Don’t use the pre-cooked sausage here. Try our homemade Italian Seasoning blend!

    Yellow onion. Sliced and added with the bell peppers.

    Green, yellow and red bell peppers.  I use this combination of peppers because I love the color variety.

    If you prefer, you can use all one color or only two colors instead. Remove the seeds and inner membrane before slicing.

    Red pepper flakes. These are optional. Omit them if you want your end dish to be less spicy.

    Mozzarella cheese. This will be used on top of final sandwiches if serving that way.

    Shred it yourself for best melting. Store bought shredded cheese does not melt well due to the caking agents added.

    Fresh parsley. Chopped to add a pop of fresh flavor before serving.

    Cooked rice or French rolls for serving. Regular or gluten-free buns can be used. If you can’t find long French rolls substitute hot dog buns!

    What Sausage to Use

    Mild Italian Sausage gives this Sausage and Peppers recipe the perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors.

    Use a hot Italian sausage for a spicier dish or a sweet sausage for a mild version.

    Chicken or turkey sausage make great substitutes for the traditional pork sausage here as well.

    You could even swap out the Italian sausage for another similarly sized sausage link. Try Bratwurst or Kielbasa for a tasty variation!

    Whichever version you use be sure it is not already cooked. Do not use a ‘heat and serve’ variety.

    sausage and peppers on buns

    How to Make it – Step-by-Step

    Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers is the perfect “set it and forget it” kind of recipe!

    STEP 1. Add ingredients to the Crock Pot.

    Pour the tomatoes and spices into the bottom of your slow cooker (photo 1). Arrange the sausage in a single layer over the sauce (photo 2).

    Top the sausage with the sliced peppers and onions (photo 3). 

    STEP 2. Cover and cook

    Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 5 – 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 -3 hours.

    When done, the sausage will be cooked through and tender. The peppers and onions will soften into the simmering sauce (photo 4). 

    sausage and peppers recipe steps 1-4

    STEP 3. Serve 

    Garnish with parsley just before serving (photo 5).

    Serve over a bowl of cooked white or brown rice, or make Sausage and Peppers sandwiches.

    To make sandwiches: Slice French rolls and fill with the sausage, peppers and onions (photo 6).

    Place the sandwiches on a lined baking sheet and sprinkle with freshly grated mozzarella cheese.

    Broil for 1 -2 minutes or until the cheese is melted (photo 7). Enjoy!

    sausage and peppers recipes steps 5-7

    Recipe FAQ + Pro Tips

    Why make Sausage and Peppers in the slow cooker?

    There are several reasons that the crock pot is my preferred method for this recipe.

    First, using a slow cooker helps the flavors better combine.

    Each bite is full of vibrant flavor that develops best over longer cooking time.

    You can’t beat the simplicity of a slow cooker recipe either.

    Spend a few minutes prepping the sausage, peppers and onions then walk away.

    You’ll have time to tackle the rest of your to-do list and still sit down to a delicious homemade dinner!

    I don’t have a slow cooker! How can I make this on the stove top?

    Making sausage and peppers on the stove top is simple, but does take a little more attention.

    1. In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, brown the sausage on all sides first, then remove from the pan and drain excess grease.
    2. Add the tomatoes and spices to the stock pot followed by the sausage, peppers and onions.
    3. Cover and cook on low until the sausage is cooked through (160 F).

    sausage and peppers on bun close up

    Storing Leftovers

    Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Enjoy within 3 -4 days by reheating on the stove top or in the microwave.

    Did you know you can freeze sausage and peppers too?

    Transfer to a freezer safe container and it’ll keep well for 3 -4 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and serving.

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    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST !

    sausage and peppers sq

    Sausage and Peppers (Slow Cooker)

    This classic comfort food recipe is easy in the slow cooker. Loads of colorful bell peppers, sliced onions, Italian sausage simmer slowly in a fragrant tomato sauce. Great for sandwiches or over rice.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 6 hours
    Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
    Servings: 6 1 sausage servings
    Calories: 460kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    6 quart slow cooker

    Ingredients

    • 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 16-ounce package mild Italian sausages uncooked in casings (not loose) 5-6 links
    • 1 medium yellow onion sliced
    • 1 medium green bell pepper seeds removed and sliced
    • ½ medium red bell pepper seeds removed and sliced
    • ½ medium yellow bell pepper seeds removed and sliced
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
    • French bread rolls or cooked rice for serving

    Instructions

    • Add the crushed tomatoes and spices (onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper) to the slow cooker.
    • Place Italian sausage links on top of the sauce. Top with a layer of the onions and sliced peppers.
    • Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
      Garnish with the fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately in French bread rolls topped with shredded mozzarella or over cooked rice. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Nutrition information does not include French rolls or rice.
    Cooked in a 6 quart Crockpot.
    Toasting sandwiches
    To toast your sandwiches, prepare the French bread rolls with the sausages, top with cheese and line on a baking sheet. Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the bread and cheese become slightly golden. Serve immediately.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 460kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 1908mg | Potassium: 822mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 4174IU | Vitamin C: 300mg | Calcium: 652mg | Iron: 3mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    How easy is that? Sausage and Peppers with onions, tomatoes and Italian spices will have everyone at the party asking for seconds.

    « Greek Fries – a Fully Loaded Fries recipe
    Instant Pot Baked Beans recipe »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gerald J Cormier says

      February 01, 2021 at 10:18 am

      5 stars
      easy to make and delicious my new way to make sausage and pepper

      Reply
    2. wilhelmina says

      February 01, 2021 at 8:32 am

      5 stars
      This was delicious! I served it over rice and it was a big hit. Next time, I am going to make sure I have buns. I love how versatile this is!

      Reply
    3. Angela says

      February 01, 2021 at 8:32 am

      5 stars
      I saw this recipe and had to try it. A new family favorite. YUM!

      Reply
    4. Liz Shank says

      February 01, 2021 at 8:22 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe! I just pit it all in the slow cooker! Can’t wait!

      Reply
    5. Jen says

      February 01, 2021 at 8:10 am

      5 stars
      This is so perfect for game day. Love that the slow cooker does all the work. These were a huge hit!

      Reply
    6. Lauren Vavala says

      February 01, 2021 at 8:05 am

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite dinners. It’s so easy to make in the slow cooker for those busy weeknights!

      Reply
    7. Sue says

      February 01, 2021 at 7:56 am

      5 stars
      You’ve hit on my weak spot Toni, sausage and peppers are my JAM! I grew up on this and can’t wait to try your recipe.

      Reply
    8. Ramona says

      February 01, 2021 at 7:46 am

      5 stars
      We made these Sunday and it was so easy! The flavors were great and I loved not having to think about it. We served the over leftover mashed potatoes. Going to make them again for the Super Bowl and try the sandwich option.

      Reply

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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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