Description
Ever wondered how to bring the vibrant, hearty flavors of an Italian street festival to your kitchen without spending hours cooking? Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers is your ticket to a mouthwatering, no-fuss meal! This classic dish combines juicy Italian sausages with colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, and a rich tomato sauce, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker
Ingredients
- Italian Sausage (1.5 lbs, mild or spicy):
- Why it’s important: The star of the dish, providing juicy, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the veggies and sauce.
- Substitutions: Turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
- Bell Peppers (2, any color, sliced):
- Why it’s important: Adds sweetness, color, and a slight crunch to balance the richness of the sausage.
- Substitutions: Use a mix of red, yellow, or green peppers, or swap in mushrooms or zucchini for variety.
- Onion (1, sliced):
- Why it’s important: Provides a sweet, savory base that softens into the sauce.
- Substitutions: Red onion or shallots for a slightly different flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced):
- Why it’s important: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic depth.
- Substitutions: 1 tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz, undrained):
- Why it’s important: Creates a rich, tangy sauce that ties the dish together.
- Substitutions: Fresh diced tomatoes (about 2 cups) or crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds earthy, Italian flavor.
- Substitutions: Fresh oregano (1 tbsp) or Italian seasoning.
- Dried Basil (1 tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings a sweet, herbaceous note.
- Substitutions: Fresh basil (2 tbsp, added at the end) or thyme.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Crusty Rolls or Pasta (for serving):
- Why it’s important: Crusty rolls make perfect sausage sandwiches, while pasta soaks up the sauce for a hearty meal.
- Substitutions: Polenta, rice, or hoagie buns for variety.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish):
- Why it’s important: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and color.
- Substitutions: Fresh basil, chives, or skip for simplicity.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Slice 2 bell peppers and 1 onion into thin strips.
- Mince 3 garlic cloves.
- If sausages are in casings, leave them whole or cut into smaller pieces for easier serving.
- Tip: Keep veggie slices similar in size for even cooking.
Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker
- Place 1.5 lbs Italian sausage in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, minced garlic, 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 sausages are coated and the veggies are evenly distributed.
- Tip: Nestle the sausages into the sauce to keep them moist during cooking.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the sausages are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C for pork) and the vegetables are tender.
- Stir halfway through if possible to blend the flavors.
- Tip: If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes on high to reduce it.
Step 4: Serve
- For sandwiches, place a sausage in a crusty roll, top with peppers, onions, and sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.
- For pasta, spoon the sausage, veggies, and sauce over cooked pasta (like penne or spaghetti) and garnish with parsley.
- Tip: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
