Sausage and Peppers Crock Pot

This hearty Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers recipe is a wonderful go to meal when you want something flavorful, satisfying, and hands off. It combines tender bell peppers, sweet onions, and juicy Italian sausages simmered slowly to develop rich, comforting flavors perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

I first made this recipe when I needed a fuss free dinner after a hectic day. Now it’s a family favorite everyone asks for regularly, especially when my husband raves about the saucy, tender sausage bites.

Ingredients

• Italian sausages: the star of the dish choose sweet or mild for balanced flavor and quality casings for texture
• Green and red bell peppers: provide sweetness and color pick firm, vibrant peppers without blemishes
• Onions: add natural sweetness and a flavorful base yellow or white onions work best here
• Marinara sauce: adds a rich tomatoey depth opt for a good quality store brand or homemade for the best taste
• Butter: used for searing sausages gives richness and helps develop a brown crust
• Garlic powder: brings subtle savory garlic flavor that blends into the sauce
• Italian seasoning: a mix of herbs like oregano and basil to enhance the overall taste
• Salt and pepper: essential seasonings to bring everything together
• Tomato paste: intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce
• Note: Choose fresh, firm vegetables and good quality sausages for best results. Reading the ingredient list on marinara sauce helps you avoid added sugars or preservatives.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Cook onions and bell peppers in the slow cooker on low for about 2 hours. This step softens them into a tender base full of flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season them with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper before adding the sauce. Pour marinara sauce over the veggies and stir well.

Brown the Sausages:

While peppers and onions are cooking, heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and sear the Italian sausages until nicely browned on all sides. This caramelization locks in the flavor and gives the sausages extra texture. You can skip this if you want, but browning enhances the overall dish.

Combine and Slow Cook:

Once sausages are browned, add them to the slow cooker on top of the peppers and onions. Cook on low for another 4 hours, stirring every hour gently to avoid breaking up the sausages. This lets the flavors meld and the sausages finish cooking thoroughly without turning mushy.

Slice and Serve:

If you prefer, remove the sausages after cooking, slice into thick rounds, then return to the slow cooker. This makes serving on sandwiches or over pasta easier. Serve hot by itself, on buns, or over pasta, rice, or egg noodles for a filling meal.

My favorite part of this recipe is the sausages themselves, browned perfectly to get that caramelized crust before slow cooking. It reminds me of a Sunday dinner from my childhood where my family would gather around the table sharing stories and enjoying this same comforting dish.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing in airtight containers. In the fridge, it keeps well for up to five days. For longer storage, portion into freezer safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer ground sausage or turkey sausage, you can brown and use those instead of links. For a vegetarian option, try substituting with plant based sausage and add mushrooms to give earthiness. Swap marinara sauce with your favorite tomato sauce or even a spicy arrabbiata for more heat.

Serving Suggestions

Sausage and peppers taste fantastic stuffed into crusty hoagie rolls for an easy sandwich. Toss with pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a quick Italian style dinner. Serve alongside simple sides like garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Enjoy this easy, flavorful slow cooker meal that makes weeknights simple and satisfying. It reheats well and is great for feeding a crowd.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I serve sausage and peppers?

Serve them on sandwiches, over pasta, rice, or enjoy on their own for a hearty dish.

→ What sides complement this dish?

Consider southern fried potatoes, mac and cheese, grilled vegetables, or a fresh pasta salad.

→ Can this be made in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes. Arrange sausage, peppers, and onions on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season, then bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.

→ Can I add extra sauce?

Absolutely. Warm marinara sauce can be added for a saucier finish.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

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