This Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers dish is a tasty one-pot meal! Juicy sausages cook slowly with colorful bell peppers and onions, making it full of flavor.
I love coming home to this hearty meal after a long day. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic—so simple and good! Plus, your house will smell amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can choose between sweet or spicy sausage based on your heat preference. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too.
Bell Peppers: The variety of colors adds sweetness and visual appeal. If you can’t find all three colors, feel free to use just one or two. Zucchini or mushrooms are excellent veggie alternatives.
Onion: I recommend yellow or sweet onions for their mild flavor. Red onions can be used for a sharper taste, while shallots offer a subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder is a decent substitute—just use about 1/4 teaspoon for each clove.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are super convenient. If you’d prefer fresh, about 3-4 medium tomatoes, chopped, will work. You can also use crushed or fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor.
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Sausage and Vegetables?
Cooking sausage and vegetables in a slow cooker is a breeze once you get the timing right! Here’s how to achieve great results:
- Start with the sausage at the bottom; this helps it cook evenly.
- Layer the vegetables on top. This allows the juices from the sausage to drip down, enhancing their flavor.
- Cooking on low for 6-8 hours gives the best tender results, but high for 3-4 hours works if you’re short on time.
- Check the sausage with a meat thermometer; it should reach 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Give everything a good stir before serving to mix those delicious juices!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, as preferred)
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread or rolls (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time. You can let it cook in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, making it perfect for busy days. Just set it and forget it until meal time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Layer the Ingredients:
Start by placing the Italian sausage at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the base of our tasty dish. Next, layer the sliced green, red, and yellow bell peppers over the sausage, followed by the sliced onion. This colorful mix not only looks good but tastes amazing too!
2. Add Garlic and Tomatoes:
Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the vegetable layer. Now, take the canned diced tomatoes (with all those yummy juices) and pour them over the top. Don’t forget to add the tomato paste as well; this will give our dish a rich flavor!
3. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you want some heat), and a pinch of salt and pepper over everything. These spices will really enhance the flavors of the sausage and veggies.
4. Cook Until Tender:
Now, cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The goal is to have the sausage fully cooked and the vegetables tender, soaking up all those delicious juices.
5. Final Touches:
Once cooking time is up, stir everything together to combine the flavors. You can taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice pop of color and freshness.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sausage and peppers hot over crusty bread or in rolls for a satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute Another Type of Meat for the Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausages for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as leaner meats may cook faster than traditional sausage.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Bell Peppers?
No problem! You can use frozen bell peppers instead. Just toss them in frozen, but keep in mind they may release more liquid as they cook. Alternatively, canned bell peppers can work in a pinch; just rinse and drain them before adding.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. If you’d like to freeze it, portion it into freezer bags, and it will keep for up to 2 months.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and layer them in with the other ingredients. Add heartier veggies earlier in the cooking process for the best results.
