Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

Some recipes earn a permanent place at the family table, and this Crockpot Sausage and Peppers is one of them. It is the sort of meal that fills the house with a wonderful aroma and brings everyone into the kitchen asking when supper will be ready.

I have made this recipe for busy weeknights, football parties, and family gatherings. It never disappoints. Best of all, there is very little work involved. Just place everything in the slow cooker, put the lid on, and let it do the cooking for you.

The sausage becomes tender, the peppers soften beautifully, and the sauce takes on all those wonderful flavors. It is hearty, satisfying, and always welcome on the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 4 main ingredients
• No browning required
• Easy to prepare in minutes
• Perfect for busy families
• Great for parties and game day gatherings
• Easy to double for larger crowds
• Delicious served several different ways

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet Italian sausage
• 3 medium bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 (25-ounce) jar marinara sauce

Optional for Serving

• Hoagie rolls or sausage rolls
• Cooked pasta
• Garlic bread
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded Italian cheese blend
• Cooked spaghetti squash
• Cauliflower rice

Equipment Needed

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large spoon

Directions

Step 1: Fill the Slow Cooker

Place the sausage in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the sliced peppers and onions. Pour the marinara sauce over everything.

Give the mixture a gentle stir so the vegetables are coated with sauce.

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Cover with the lid.

Cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or LOW for 7 to 8 hours.

Try not to lift the lid during cooking. The slow cooker works best when the heat stays inside.

Step 3: Slice the Sausage

When the cooking time is finished, carefully remove the sausages from the slow cooker.

Place them on a cutting board and slice into 1-inch pieces.

Step 4: Return to the Sauce

Place the sliced sausage back into the slow cooker.

Stir gently to combine everything with the sauce.

Taste the sauce and add salt if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot and enjoy.

Pile the sausage and peppers onto toasted rolls for a hearty sandwich, spoon over pasta for a comforting supper, or serve with garlic bread to soak up every bit of the sauce.

Helpful Kitchen Tips

• Use a mixture of bell pepper colors for a pretty presentation.
• Choose a marinara sauce that you already enjoy eating. Since there are so few ingredients, the sauce flavor really shines through.
• If your family likes a little heat, use spicy Italian sausage or half sweet and half spicy.
• For a larger meal, add thawed frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
• Keep the lid closed while cooking. Every time the lid is lifted, valuable heat escapes.

Recipe Notes

About the Salt

This recipe does not call for added salt at the beginning. Sausage and marinara sauce already contain salt, and the amount varies from brand to brand.

After cooking, taste the sauce and add salt only if you feel it needs it.

Feeding a Crowd

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to stretch.

Need more servings? Add extra sausage, another jar of sauce, and a few more peppers and onions. The recipe grows beautifully for parties and family gatherings.

Add Meatballs

For an extra hearty meal, stir in a bag of thawed frozen meatballs along with the sausage. They cook wonderfully in the sauce and make the meal go even further.

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing.

Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Each serving provides approximately:

• Calories: 553
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg

Additional nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and iron.

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions