Crockpot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

This easy Crockpot Sausage and Peppers recipe is a simple slow cooker dinner made with juicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, herbs, and tomato sauce. As everything cooks together, the sausages stay tender while the peppers soften and release their natural sweetness into the sauce. It is a hearty, no-fuss meal that works well for busy weeknights, potlucks, game day, tailgating, or a casual family dinner.

If you enjoy easy sausage dinner recipes, this slow cooker sausage and peppers dish is a great one to keep in your regular meal rotation. Serve it on rolls for a classic sandwich, spoon it over rice or pasta for a filling dinner, or enjoy it on its own for a lower-carb option.

Slow Cooker Sausage And Peppers

Slow cooker sausage and peppers is the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel effortless. Once the peppers, onions, seasonings, tomato sauce, and sausage are in the crockpot, the slow cooker does almost all of the work. The result is a comforting meal with rich, savory flavor and very little hands-on time.

The tomato sauce simmers with the sliced bell peppers and onions, creating a flavorful base that coats the sausages as they cook. The peppers become tender, the onions mellow, and the sausage adds a deep, satisfying taste to the sauce. Browning the sausages first is optional, but it gives them extra color and flavor before they finish cooking in the crockpot.

For a classic sausage and peppers sandwich, pile the sausage, peppers, onions, and sauce onto a sturdy steak roll or hoagie bun. The bread soaks up the sauce without needing much else on the plate. If you prefer a plated dinner, slice the sausages into bite-size pieces and serve them over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

For a lighter or low-carb meal, serve crockpot sausage and peppers over cauliflower rice, alongside a salad, or simply enjoy the sausage and vegetables on their own. This recipe is flexible, filling, and easy to adapt to the way your family likes to eat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (454 g) Italian sausage, about 5 links, hot, sweet, or mild
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 orange or yellow bell pepper, optional
• 1 large onion
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 15-ounce (425 g) can tomato sauce
• Red pepper flakes, optional

How To Make Crockpot Sausage And Peppers

Step One: Spray the bottom and sides of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.

Step Two: Cut the peppers and onion in half, then slice them lengthwise. Keep the slices at least 3/4 inch wide so they hold their shape during slow cooking. Add the sliced peppers and onion to the crockpot.

Step Three: Sprinkle the pepper, salt, dried basil, and dried oregano over the vegetables. Toss lightly with tongs to distribute the seasonings.

Step Four: Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the peppers and onions.

Step Five: Turn the crockpot to Low while you prepare the sausage.

Step Six: Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage links, cover, and cook for about 2 minutes per side, turning to brown as much of the sausage as possible. This step is optional, but it adds excellent flavor.

Step Seven: Place the browned sausage links on top of the peppers, onions, and tomato sauce in the crockpot. Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the peppers and onions are tender to your liking and the sausage is cooked through.

Step Eight: Turn the crockpot to Warm. Serve the sausage and peppers on steak rolls, hoagie buns, rice, or pasta.

Storage And Reheating Instructions

Store leftover crockpot sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

To reheat on the stove, place the sausage, peppers, onions, and sauce in a pan over medium heat. Add a small splash of broth or extra sauce if needed, then heat for 5 to 7 minutes, turning the sausage once, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.