Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers: Easy, Flavor-Packed Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like the hearty, comforting aroma of sausage and peppers simmering all day in a crock pot. This classic Italian-American dish brings together savory Italian sausage with sweet, tender bell peppers and onions, all slow-cooked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce. The slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy — just prep your ingredients, toss them in, and let the flavors meld over several hours with minimal effort. The result is a tender, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or casual family dinners.

The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of red chili flakes gives the dish a wonderful depth and a slight kick that elevates the traditional flavors. It’s also highly versatile; serve it on its own, over pasta or rice, or in a sandwich roll for a classic sausage and peppers sub. With fresh parsley sprinkled on top, this dish looks as good as it tastes. If you love rich, comforting meals that require minimal hands-on cooking, this crock pot sausage and peppers recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-off Cooking – Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work.
2. Tender, Juicy Sausages – Slow cooking makes the sausages melt-in-your-mouth tender.
3. Vibrant, Sweet Peppers and Onions – Soft, flavorful veggies complement the meat perfectly.
4. Rich, Homemade Marinara Sauce – Infused with garlic and Italian seasoning for deep flavor.
5. Versatile Meal – Serve as is, over pasta, or in a sandwich roll.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage links
• Green pepper (thinly sliced)
• Red pepper (thinly sliced)
• Yellow pepper (thinly sliced)
• Large onion (thinly sliced)
• Garlic (finely minced)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red chili flakes (optional)
• Marinara sauce
• Fresh parsley (roughly chopped)

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra red chili flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Add Mushrooms: Include sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Sweet Sausage Substitute: Use sweet Italian sausage for a milder taste.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free and serve with gluten-free pasta or bread.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage for plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Thinly slice the green, red, and yellow peppers, and the onion. Mince the garlic finely.

Step 2: Layer in the Crock Pot

Place the Italian sausage links at the bottom of the crock pot. Add the sliced peppers, onions, and minced garlic on top.

Step 3: Season

Sprinkle salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes (if using) evenly over the ingredients.

Step 4: Add Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce over the sausage and vegetables.

Step 5: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until sausages are cooked through and peppers are tender.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use fresh Italian sausages for best flavor; remove casing if preferred for a crumbled texture.
• Don’t over-slice the peppers and onions to avoid mushiness.
• Stir gently halfway through cooking if possible to mix flavors.
• For a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes to let excess liquid evaporate.
• Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

How to Serve

Serve sausage and peppers hot, spooned over cooked pasta or rice for a comforting meal. For a classic Italian-American touch, serve in a toasted hoagie or sub roll with melted provolone or mozzarella cheese. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground Italian sausage instead of links?
   Yes, brown the ground sausage first before adding to the crock pot.
2. Do I need to brown the sausages before slow cooking?
   Browning adds flavor but is optional.
3. Can I use jarred peppers instead of fresh?
   Fresh peppers provide better texture and flavor, but jarred can be used in a pinch.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
   It depends on the sausage and amount of chili flakes; adjust to your taste.
5. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
   Yes, use the sauté function to brown sausages first, then pressure cook for 15 minutes.
6. What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
   Use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes with herbs.
7. How many servings does this recipe make?
   About 6-8 servings depending on portion size.
8. Can I add other vegetables?
   Yes, mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant work well.
9. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Typically yes, but check your marinara sauce ingredients to be sure.
10. How do I prevent sausages from sticking to the crock pot?
    Use a slow cooker liner or spray the crock pot with cooking spray before adding ingredients.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers is a simple, flavorful dish that brings the essence of Italian cooking to your table with minimal effort. Slow cooking melds the savory sausages with sweet peppers, onions, and robust marinara for a meal that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether served over pasta, rice, or in a sandwich roll, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy days and relaxed weekends alike. Easy to customize and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a must-have recipe for your slow cooker repertoire.

Print