If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful dish that practically cooks itself, look no further than this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe. This classic combination of savory Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic herbs melds together slowly, creating a mouthwatering medley of tastes and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just want a comforting meal waiting for you at the end of the day, this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe is an absolute winner that’s as simple as it is satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for capturing the rich, comforting essence of this dish. Each one plays a special role, from the bold spices to the fresh produce, giving you a balance of flavor, color, and texture that makes every bite a delight.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Use quality sausage to ensure that rich, savory base flavor that defines the dish.
- 2 bell peppers, sliced: Red and green peppers add a sweet crunch and gorgeous color contrast.
- 1 onion, sliced: Brings freshness and a subtle sweetness that complements the sausage.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant warmth that elevates the entire pot.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): This adds juice and tanginess, creating a luscious sauce to tie everything together.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that layers the dish with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust these to bring out the best in all the other ingredients.
- Fresh basil for garnish: Adds a bright, fresh note right before serving, making the dish pop with color and zest.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. This step is key because it seals in all those juices and develops a golden crust that adds incredible flavor to the final dish. Don’t rush this part—let the sausage get a nice color before moving it to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Transfer Sausage to Slow Cooker
Once browned, transfer the sausage to your slow cooker. This is where the magic begins, as the sausage will slowly release its flavorful oils and infuse the other ingredients with depth and richness.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Next, toss in the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. These fresh ingredients bring bright, vibrant flavors and a satisfying texture to the dish. The garlic, in particular, will mellow and sweeten during the slow cooking.
Step 4: Pour in Tomatoes and Season
Pour the diced tomatoes over the sausage and veggies, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently to combine all the flavors and ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The long, slow simmer is what makes this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe truly exceptional, melding aromas and tenderizing every ingredient beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once done, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and herbal intensity that will brighten every bite, then get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh basil is perfect, but you can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra richness. These simple touches elevate the dish’s presentation and taste instantly.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce, a side of creamy polenta, or even fluffy rice for a filling and balanced meal. Roasted potatoes or a green salad could also provide a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For something fun, serve the sausage and peppers over buttery garlic noodles or stuff the mixture inside warm hoagie rolls to make irresistible sausage and pepper sandwiches that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sausage and peppers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen even more as it sits, making the next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, then freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick, and enjoy as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage brings classic flavor, you can experiment with chicken, turkey, or even spicy chorizo sausages depending on your taste preferences.
Do I need to brown the sausage first?
Browning the sausage is highly recommended as it adds a richer flavor and better texture, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and cook everything together in the slow cooker.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own blend using dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary to keep that signature Italian herb profile.
Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt it for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the sausage then cooking on high pressure for about 10 minutes with a quick release.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage and canned tomatoes do not contain any added gluten-containing ingredients. Always double-check labels to be safe.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you fall in love with this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe as much as I have. It’s the kind of dish that combines convenience with incredible flavor, warming you up and satisfying your taste buds without any fuss. Give it a whirl—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
The Viral Gelatin Trick Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe featuring Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and a savory tomato base. Perfect for an easy, comforting one-pot meal that simmers all day to meld the delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 1 lb Italian sausage
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked and browned on all sides. This step helps to render fat and develop flavor.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned sausage into the slow cooker to begin slow cooking.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker over the sausage.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour the can of diced tomatoes into the slow cooker, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently stir all ingredients in the slow cooker to combine everything evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the vegetables are tender and flavors are fully blended.
- Serve: Serve the sausage and peppers hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Enjoy: Enjoy this comforting and flavorful one-pot slow cooker meal!
Notes
- You can use hot or mild Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil can be used but add it earlier in the cooking process.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or over cooked pasta or rice.
