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Introduction

Ever wondered how to whip up a hearty Italian meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day in a cozy trattoria? That’s the magic of Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers! This dish combines juicy Italian sausages with sweet bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce, all infused with classic Italian herbs. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a flavorful, fuss-free meal. Ready to bring a taste of Italy to your table with minimal effort? Let’s dive into this delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe!

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Overview: Why Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers is a Star

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers is a rustic, comforting dish that’s packed with bold Italian flavors. The sausages become tender and juicy, while the peppers and onions soak up the herby tomato sauce. It’s a versatile meal that can be served in a sandwich, over pasta, or even on its own for a low-carb option.

Time Requirement: 10 minutes prep, 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, plus 5 minutes for serving.
Difficulty Level: Super easy! It’s a “dump and go” recipe, perfect for beginners or busy days.
Why It’s Special: This dish is quick to prep, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s versatile—serve it as a sandwich, over pasta, or with veggies—and the slow cooker makes it hands-off. The combination of sausage, peppers, and herbs delivers a taste that’s both comforting and restaurant-worthy.

This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or meal prep. It’s a dish that everyone, from kids to adults, will love!

Essential Ingredients

The beauty of Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one adds flavor, texture, or color to create a robust, satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Italian Sausage (1.5 lbs, mild or spicy): Juicy sausages are the star, bringing bold, savory flavor.
- Substitution: Turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option, or plant-based sausage for vegetarian.
Bell Peppers (2, any color, sliced): Add sweetness and vibrant color (red, yellow, or green work).
- Substitution: Poblano peppers for a slight kick or extra bell peppers for variety.
Onion (1, sliced): Brings savory depth and a bit of crunch.
- Substitution: Red onion or shallots for a milder, sweeter flavor.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Substitution: ¾ tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz, undrained): Creates a rich, tangy sauce base.
- Substitution: Fresh diced tomatoes (about 1½ cups) or crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Adds earthy, Mediterranean flavor.
- Substitution: Fresh oregano (1 tbsp) or Italian seasoning.
Dried Basil (1 tsp): Brings a sweet, herbaceous note.
- Substitution: Fresh basil (2 tbsp, added after cooking) or dried thyme.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors.
- Substitution: Sea salt or low-sodium options for dietary needs.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Substitution: Fresh basil, chives, or a sprinkle of dried parsley.
For Serving: Crusty rolls (like hoagie or ciabatta) or cooked pasta (spaghetti or penne) to soak up the sauce.
- Substitution: Polenta, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles for low-carb.

Why They’re Important: The sausage is the hearty base, peppers and onions add freshness and crunch, tomatoes create the savory sauce, and herbs bring that classic Italian vibe. The parsley garnish brightens it all up for a perfect finish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers is as easy as it gets—just combine everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice 2 bell peppers and 1 onion into thin strips. Mince 3 garlic cloves.
If the Italian sausages are in casings, you can leave them whole or remove the casings and crumble for a different texture.
- 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: If you prefer a thicker sauce, drain half the tomato liquid before adding.

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 keep everything coated, but avoid lifting the lid too often—it slows cooking.
- Tip: If using whole sausages, check for doneness at the lower end of the time range to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Check the Sauce

Once cooked, check the sauce consistency. If it’s too thin, remove the sausages and simmer the sauce on high for 10-15 minutes, or mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water, stir it in, and cook on high for 10 minutes.
If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tbsp water or broth.
- Tip: The sauce should be rich and cling to the sausages and veggies without being watery.

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Assembly: Serving Your Italian Sausage and Peppers

Now it’s time to plate this hearty dish and make it look as good as it tastes! Here’s how to assemble Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers:

Prepare the Base: Toast crusty rolls (hoagie, ciabatta, or baguette) or cook pasta (spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni) according to package instructions. For a lighter option, try zucchini noodles or polenta.
Add the Sausage and Veggies: For sandwiches, place a sausage (whole or sliced) in a roll and top with peppers, onions, and sauce. For pasta, spoon the sausage, veggies, and sauce over a bed of pasta, or crumble the sausage for easier mixing.
Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. A dusting of Parmesan or a slice of provolone (melted under the broiler) adds cheesy goodness.
- Presentation Tip: Serve sandwiches on a wooden board for a rustic look, or plate pasta in wide bowls to show off the colorful sauce. A sprig of parsley or a drizzle of olive oil makes it restaurant-worthy.
Optional Sides: Pair with a green salad, roasted zucchini, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Pro Tip: Set out extra sauce, Parmesan, and parsley so everyone can customize their plate. It’s a fun, family-style way to enjoy this dish!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers is perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storing Leftovers:
- Let the sausage, veggies, and sauce cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave (1-2 minutes, stirring halfway) or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Veggies and Sauce: Slice bell peppers, onion, and garlic up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Mix tomatoes and herbs in advance and refrigerate.
- Sausage: Place sausages in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add veggies and sauce in the morning.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked sausage, veggies, and sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Rolls/Pasta: Toast rolls or cook pasta fresh for the best texture, but you can prep pasta a day ahead and reheat with a splash of water.

Tip: Use leftovers in wraps, as a pizza topping, or over polenta for a quick, flavorful meal.

Recipe Variations

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers is super versatile—here are some fun ways to mix it up:

Veggie Boost: Add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra heartiness and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for a fiery twist.
Cheesy Version: Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella or top with provolone slices before serving for a melty finish.
Mediterranean Twist: Add ¼ cup chopped olives, capers, or artichoke hearts for a tangy, briny flavor.
Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a bed of spinach instead of rolls or pasta.
White Wine Swap: Add ½ cup white wine for a lighter, brighter sauce, or use broth for a non-alcoholic option.

Get creative and make it your own—this recipe loves a little experimentation!

Conclusion

You’re now ready to make Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers that’ll bring the taste of Italy to your table! This dish is all about bold, rustic flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight, a game-day feast, or meal-prepping for the week, it’s sure to be a hit. So fire up your slow cooker, toss in those ingredients, and let the kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of sausages and peppers. Play with toppings, try new sides, and enjoy every hearty, saucy bite. Buon appetito!

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers

Author: Alyssa

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Description

Ingredients

Italian Sausage (1.5 lbs, mild or spicy): Juicy sausages are the star, bringing bold, savory flavor.
- Substitution: Turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option, or plant-based sausage for vegetarian.
Bell Peppers (2, any color, sliced): Add sweetness and vibrant color (red, yellow, or green work).
- Substitution: Poblano peppers for a slight kick or extra bell peppers for variety.
Onion (1, sliced): Brings savory depth and a bit of crunch.
- Substitution: Red onion or shallots for a milder, sweeter flavor.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Substitution: ¾ tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz, undrained): Creates a rich, tangy sauce base.
- Substitution: Fresh diced tomatoes (about 1½ cups) or crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Adds earthy, Mediterranean flavor.
- Substitution: Fresh oregano (1 tbsp) or Italian seasoning.
Dried Basil (1 tsp): Brings a sweet, herbaceous note.
- Substitution: Fresh basil (2 tbsp, added after cooking) or dried thyme.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors.
- Substitution: Sea salt or low-sodium options for dietary needs.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Substitution: Fresh basil, chives, or a sprinkle of dried parsley.
For Serving: Crusty rolls (like hoagie or ciabatta) or cooked pasta (spaghetti or penne) to soak up the sauce.
- Substitution: Polenta, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles for low-carb.

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