Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

Crockpot Sausage and Peppers is one of the most iconic comfort dishes that beautifully combines rustic Italian flavors with the convenience of slow cooking. Juicy sausages, tender bell peppers, fragrant onions, and savory seasonings come together to create a rich, flavorful dish that practically makes itself. Every bite feels hearty, warm, and deeply satisfying.

With minimal prep, no complicated techniques, and ingredients you likely already have, Crockpot Sausage and Peppers is the kind of dish you can rely on any day of the week. It fills your home with the comforting aroma of simmering peppers, garlic, and herbs, and the result is a meal that tastes like pure nostalgia.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers maximum flavor with almost no effort. The sausages cook to juicy perfection while absorbing the rich mixture of peppers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. The peppers become soft and sweet, the onions melt into the sauce, and everything comes together into a dish that feels like it was cooked low and slow for hours—which it was!

I love how versatile this dish is—you can serve it in hoagie rolls, over pasta, with rice, or even on its own. It’s also incredibly forgiving: you can use Italian sausages, chicken sausages, spicy varieties, or even plant-based options. Even better, it’s a great recipe for busy days when you want something comforting but don’t want to stand over a stove.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try Crockpot Sausage and Peppers because:

• It’s effortless—just slice, place, and cook.
• It’s versatile—works for sandwiches, pastas, rice bowls, or parties.
• It’s budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients.
• It feeds a crowd easily and is perfect for gatherings.
• It reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prepping.
• It’s a true comfort classic with authentic Italian-American flavors.

This dish is a guaranteed hit whether you serve it at a family dinner or potluck!

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Cooking Time:
  • LOW: 6–7 hours
  • HIGH: 3–4 hours
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approx. 390–450 calories per serving, depending on the sausage used.
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 6 Italian sausages (sweet, mild, or hot)
• 3 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
• ½ cup marinara sauce or tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but deepens flavor)

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (adds sweetness and depth)

Quick Directions (Short Version)

1. Slice peppers, onions, and mince garlic.
2. Optional: Brown sausages in a skillet.
3. Add vegetables to crockpot.
4. Add tomatoes, marinara, spices, and sauces.
5. Place sausages on top.
6. Cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.
7. Stir gently and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep the Vegetables

• Slice bell peppers into strips.
• Slice onions.
• Mince garlic.

2. Optional: Brown the Sausages

• Heat olive oil in a skillet.
• Brown sausages for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
• Browning adds flavor but is not required.

3. Build the Crockpot Base

• Place sliced peppers, onions, and garlic in the bottom of the crockpot.
• Add diced tomatoes and marinara sauce.
• Sprinkle in basil, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Add Worcestershire sauce if using.

4. Add Sausages

• Lay the sausages on top of the vegetable mixture.
• No need to stir.

5. Slow Cook

• Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
• Sausages should be fully cooked and peppers soft.

6. Stir and Serve

• Gently stir everything before serving to combine the flavors.
• Taste and adjust seasoning.

How to Serve Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it:

1. In Hoagie Rolls

• Stuff sausages and peppers into toasted hoagie rolls.
• Add mozzarella or provolone for a melty sandwich.

2. Over Pasta

• Serve with penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni.

3. Over Rice

• White rice, brown rice, or seasoned rice.

4. With Mashed Potatoes

• Great for a hearty meal.

5. As a Low-Carb Bowl

• Serve sausages and peppers alone with a side salad.

6. With Polenta

• Creamy polenta is an incredible pairing.

Tips for the Best Sausage & Peppers

• Browning the sausages adds a deeper flavor and prevents them from falling apart.
• Use colorful peppers—red, yellow, and orange add sweetness and color.
• Add mushrooms or extra onions for more bulk.
• For a thicker sauce, use less diced tomato and more marinara.
• Stir only at the end—this helps keep sausages whole.
• Use hot Italian sausages if you love extra heat.

Variations

1. Spicy Sausage & Peppers

• Use hot Italian sausages and add extra crushed red pepper.

2. Sweet Sausage & Bell Pepper Mix

• Use sweet Italian sausage and add a splash of balsamic vinegar.

3. Sausage & Peppers with Potatoes

• Add cubed potatoes to the crockpot for a full meal.

4. Keto/Low-Carb Version

• Skip the marinara sauce and use tomatoes only.
• Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

5. Chicken Sausage Version

• Swap pork sausage for chicken or turkey sausage.

6. Cheesy Sausage & Peppers

• Add sliced provolone or mozzarella during the last 10 minutes.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer

• Freeze cooked sausage and peppers in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat in microwave or on stovetop with a splash of broth or sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Skillet (optional for browning)
• Wooden spoon or tongs

Conclusion

Crockpot Sausage and Peppers is the ultimate effortless comfort dish—bold in flavor, incredibly satisfying, and packed with tender sausages and sweet, slow-cooked peppers. With minimal prep and rich Italian-American flavors, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules while still delivering a home-cooked meal that feels special. Whether served on a roll, over pasta, or with rice, every bite brings warmth and comfort. This is a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again—and your family will ask for it often!