Introduction
Craving a hearty, Italian-inspired dish that’s packed with bold flavors and perfect for a cozy meal? Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers is your answer! This robust recipe combines juicy Italian sausage with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce, infused with classic herbs. Ideal for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or meal prep, this dish delivers comforting, Mediterranean flavors with the ease of a slow cooker. Ready to discover how simple it is to create this crowd-pleasing favorite? Let’s get cooking!
Overview
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers is a classic Italian-American dish featuring Italian sausage cooked with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes, seasoned with oregano and basil, served on crusty rolls or over pasta and garnished with fresh parsley. The slow cooker makes it hands-off and flavorful.
- Time Requirement: 10 minutes prep, 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.
- Difficulty Level: Easy! Ideal for beginners, with minimal prep and no advanced cooking skills needed.
- Why It’s Special: This recipe is hearty, budget-friendly, and bursting with savory, Italian flavors. The slow cooker ensures tender sausage and melded vegetables, while the herbs add authentic flair. It’s gluten-free adaptable (with gluten-free rolls or pasta), perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep with a rustic vibe.
Whether you’re hosting a sandwich party or craving a comforting pasta dish, this Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers is sure to impress. Let’s dive in!
Essential Ingredients
The magic of Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one adds flavor, texture, or richness to create a harmonious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Italian Sausage (1.5 lbs, mild or spicy):
- Why it’s important: Provides juicy, flavorful protein that’s the star of the dish.
- Substitutions: Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for vegetarian (adjust cooking time to 4–5 hours on low for plant-based).
- Bell Peppers (2, sliced, any color):
- Why it’s important: Adds sweet, colorful crunch and balances the richness of the sausage.
- Substitutions: Any color bell pepper, roasted red peppers, or zucchini for variety.
- Onion (1, sliced):
- Why it’s important: Brings sweet, savory depth to the sauce.
- Substitutions: Yellow or red onion, shallots, or 1 tsp onion powder.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Substitutions: ¾ tsp garlic powder or 1.5 tsp garlic paste.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz, undrained):
- Why it’s important: Forms the rich, tangy base of the sauce.
- Substitutions: Fresh diced tomatoes (2 cups), crushed tomatoes, or fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds earthy, Italian herbaceousness.
- Substitutions: Fresh oregano (1 tbsp), dried Italian seasoning, or marjoram.
- Dried Basil (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Provides sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the tomatoes.
- Substitutions: Fresh basil (1 tbsp, added at the end), dried parsley, or thyme.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the sausage and sauce.
- Crusty Rolls or Pasta (for serving):
- Why it’s important: Provides a hearty base for sandwiches or a saucy pasta dish.
- Substitutions: Gluten-free rolls, gluten-free pasta, polenta, or zucchini noodles for low-carb.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and pop of color.
- Substitutions: Fresh basil, cilantro, or omit.
Tip: Choose high-quality sausage (mild for family-friendly, spicy for a kick) and fresh, firm bell peppers for the best texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers is straightforward, with minimal effort for a bold, flavorful dish. Follow these steps for a delicious result.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Place 1.5 lbs Italian sausage (whole or cut into pieces) in the slow cooker.
- Add 2 sliced bell peppers, 1 sliced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 can (14 oz) undrained diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir gently to combine, ensuring the sausage is nestled into the vegetables and sauce.
- Tip: Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the sausage is cooked through (160°F/71°C internally for pork sausage) and the vegetables are tender.
- Check doneness at the lower end of the time to avoid overcooking, as slow cookers vary.
- Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat.
Step 3: Serve
- Stir the mixture gently to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- For sandwiches, slice or leave sausages whole and serve on toasted crusty rolls, spooning the peppers, onions, and sauce over the top. For pasta, slice sausages (optional) and toss with cooked pasta, topping with extra sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
- Tip: Toast rolls or cook pasta just before serving for the best texture. If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on high for 10–15 minutes to reduce.
Assembly
Assembling Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers is all about creating a hearty, rustic plate. Here’s how to bring it together:
- Choose Your Base: Serve on toasted crusty rolls (like hoagie or Italian rolls) for sandwiches, or over cooked pasta (like spaghetti, penne, or gluten-free options) for a saucy dish. Polenta or zucchini noodles work for alternative diets.
- Add the Sausage and Vegetables: For sandwiches, place a sausage (whole or sliced) on each roll and top with a generous scoop of bell peppers, onions, and sauce. For pasta, toss sliced sausage (optional), peppers, onions, and sauce with the pasta, or layer over the top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Presentation Tips:
- Use long plates for sandwiches to showcase the sausage and colorful peppers, or wide bowls for pasta to highlight the sauce.
- Pile sandwiches high with peppers and onions for a hearty look, or mix pasta thoroughly with sauce for a cozy presentation.
- Pair with a side of Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete Italian-American meal.
Tip: For a sandwich bar, set out rolls, sausage, peppers, and sauce with optional mozzarella or provolone cheese for guests to customize.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Keep your Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers fresh and ready to enjoy with these tips:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store cooled sausage, peppers, and sauce (without rolls or pasta) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave (1–2 minutes, stirring halfway) or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Prepare fresh rolls or pasta for serving.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Ingredients: Slice bell peppers, onion, and mince garlic up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.
- Assembly: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Start cooking in the morning.
- Full Dish: Cook the dish a day ahead; flavors deepen overnight. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the sausage.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled sausage, peppers, and sauce (without rolls or pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat with a bit of broth to restore texture.
Tip: Use leftovers in pizza toppings, quesadillas, or over polenta for versatile meals.
Recipe Variations
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers is versatile and easy to customize. Try these creative twists:
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add ½ tsp red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Veggie Boost: Include mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach (add spinach in the last 15 minutes) for added texture and nutrition.
- Cheesy Finish: Top sandwiches with melted mozzarella or provolone, or stir ½ cup grated Parmesan into the pasta version.
- Wine-Infused: Add ½ cup red or white wine to the slow cooker for a richer, more complex sauce.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, capers, or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean flair.
Tip: Keep the sausage and tomato-herb base for authentic vibes, but adjust veggies or spices to suit your taste.
Conclusion
You’re now ready to make Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers—a dish that’s as hearty as it is flavorful! With its juicy sausage, tender peppers, and rich tomato sauce, this recipe brings Italian-American comfort to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep with a rustic twist. Play with veggies, spices, or serving styles to make it your own, and enjoy the process as much as the meal. Grab your slow cooker, whip up this savory masterpiece, and savor every delicious bite. Buon appetito!
Print
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers
Description
Ingredients
- Italian Sausage (1.5 lbs, mild or spicy):
- Why it’s important: Provides juicy, flavorful protein that’s the star of the dish.
- Substitutions: Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for vegetarian (adjust cooking time to 4–5 hours on low for plant-based).
- Bell Peppers (2, sliced, any color):
- Why it’s important: Adds sweet, colorful crunch and balances the richness of the sausage.
- Substitutions: Any color bell pepper, roasted red peppers, or zucchini for variety.
- Onion (1, sliced):
- Why it’s important: Brings sweet, savory depth to the sauce.
- Substitutions: Yellow or red onion, shallots, or 1 tsp onion powder.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Substitutions: ¾ tsp garlic powder or 1.5 tsp garlic paste.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz, undrained):
- Why it’s important: Forms the rich, tangy base of the sauce.
- Substitutions: Fresh diced tomatoes (2 cups), crushed tomatoes, or fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds earthy, Italian herbaceousness.
- Substitutions: Fresh oregano (1 tbsp), dried Italian seasoning, or marjoram.
- Dried Basil (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Provides sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the tomatoes.
- Substitutions: Fresh basil (1 tbsp, added at the end), dried parsley, or thyme.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the sausage and sauce.
- Crusty Rolls or Pasta (for serving):
- Why it’s important: Provides a hearty base for sandwiches or a saucy pasta dish.
- Substitutions: Gluten-free rolls, gluten-free pasta, polenta, or zucchini noodles for low-carb.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and pop of color.
- Substitutions: Fresh basil, cilantro, or omit.
Tip: Choose high-quality sausage (mild for family-friendly, spicy for a kick) and fresh, firm bell peppers for the best texture and flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Place 1.5 lbs Italian sausage (whole or cut into pieces) in the slow cooker.
- Add 2 sliced bell peppers, 1 sliced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 can (14 oz) undrained diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir gently to combine, ensuring the sausage is nestled into the vegetables and sauce.
- Tip: Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the sausage is cooked through (160°F/71°C internally for pork sausage) and the vegetables are tender.
- Check doneness at the lower end of the time to avoid overcooking, as slow cookers vary.
- Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat.
Step 3: Serve
- Stir the mixture gently to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- For sandwiches, slice or leave sausages whole and serve on toasted crusty rolls, spooning the peppers, onions, and sauce over the top. For pasta, slice sausages (optional) and toss with cooked pasta, topping with extra sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
- Tip: Toast rolls or cook pasta just before serving for the best texture. If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on high for 10–15 minutes to reduce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Yes! Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage work well. Adjust cooking time slightly for plant-based (4–5 hours on low) and check doneness.
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: It’s protein-rich and veggie-packed but can be high in fat and sodium depending on the sausage. Use lean sausage, low-sodium tomatoes, or extra veggies for a lighter option.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Use the “Slow Cooker” function with the same times, or cook on high pressure for 8–10 minutes with a quick release, then check doneness.
Q: Why is my sauce too watery?
A: Vegetables release liquid during cooking. Cook uncovered on high for 10–15 minutes to reduce, or stir in a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp water to thicken.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes! Swap sausage for plant-based sausage, mushrooms, or eggplant, and use vegetable broth if adding liquid. Cook for 4–5 hours on low.
Q: What sides go well with this dish?
A: Pair with an antipasto salad, roasted eggplant, or crusty bread. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the bold flavors perfectly!
