Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers: A Comforting Italian-American Classic

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the smell of sausage and peppers simmering away on a Sunday afternoon. For me, it brings back memories of family gatherings, football games on TV, and plates piled high with crusty bread and saucy goodness. The beauty of Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a hearty, flavorful dish that feels like home.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight meal or prepping for a potluck, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with hardly any effort. Let’s dive into what makes this slow-cooked staple a must-have in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

• Minimal prep with big flavor
• Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
• Versatile—serve it on hoagie rolls, over rice, or with pasta
• Easy to customize for heat and spice level
• Smells amazing while it cooks

It’s the kind of dish that welcomes you home with open arms.

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

To make the best Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers, here’s what you’ll need:

Meats

• Italian sausage (mild or hot, pork or chicken)

Vegetables

• Bell peppers (red, yellow, and green)
• Yellow onion
• Garlic cloves

Sauces and Seasonings

• Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Pro Tip: Use fresh garlic instead of powder for richer flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers

Step 1: Brown the Sausages

While this step is optional, searing the sausages adds extra depth to the flavor and helps them keep their texture during the slow cooking process.

Use a cast iron skillet or non-stick sauté pan for best results.

Step 2: Slice the Vegetables

Cut bell peppers and onions into long strips for that classic sausage and peppers look.

Step 3: Assemble in the Crock Pot

Layer the onions and peppers at the bottom. Place sausages on top. Pour over the sauce and sprinkle with garlic and seasonings.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Set the slow cooker to:

• Low: 6–8 hours
• High: 3–4 hours

Let the flavors mingle while you get on with your day.

Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture

• Sear first: It helps lock in juices and adds a smoky note.
• Don’t overcook the veggies: Keep peppers slightly crisp by adding them halfway through cooking.
• Use quality sausage: Look for sausage with visible herbs and good casing.

You can also add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions: From Hoagie Rolls to Pasta

This dish is endlessly flexible. Here are some of the most popular ways to serve it:

• On toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone
• Over spaghetti, rigatoni, or zucchini noodles
• With steamed rice or mashed potatoes
• In a grain bowl with farro or quinoa
• Paired with a crisp green salad and garlic bread

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Swap pork sausage for chicken or turkey sausage
• Use spicy and sweet sausage together for contrast
• Add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes
• Make it low-carb by skipping the bread and using roasted cauliflower
• Turn up the heat with extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce

This base recipe is a blank canvas for your personal spin.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

Make-Ahead

Assemble everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just plug in the Crock Pot in the morning.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warm

Freezing

Freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

The peppers may soften slightly after freezing but will still taste great.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

While it depends on your sausage and sauce choices, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

To lighten it up:

• Choose low-fat chicken sausage
• Use no-sugar-added tomato sauce
• Skip the bread or go with whole grain

This recipe can be gluten-free if served without bread or with a gluten-free alternative.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Sausage and Peppers

Here are some flavorful sides that complement this dish:

• Garlic bread or ciabatta
• Roasted potatoes
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Italian chopped salad
• Polenta or creamy grits

For drinks, try it with:

• A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel
• Sparkling water with lemon
• Apple cider (especially in fall)

Warm, saucy, and bursting with flavor, Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers is a dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re feeding family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving comfort food, this one delivers every time. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to your needs, and always hits the spot.

Looking for more comforting slow-cooked meals? Check out our family dinner recipes and slow cooker favorites over on My Mama Recipes.

Let your Crock Pot do the work—deliciousness awaits.

Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers: A Comforting Italian-American Classic

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• Author: Manar Annan
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This comforting Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers recipe features Italian sausage slow-cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and marinara sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, pasta, or grain bowls, it’s an easy and flavorful dish for any night of the week.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 Italian sausages (mild or hot, pork or chicken)

• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced

• 1 large yellow onion, sliced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

• (Optional) Brown the sausages in a skillet over medium heat until golden, then set aside.

• Slice the bell peppers and onion into strips. Mince the garlic.

• In a Crock Pot, layer onions and peppers on the bottom.

• Place sausages on top of the vegetables.

• Pour marinara sauce over everything.

• Sprinkle with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

• Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for 3–4 hours.

• Serve in hoagie rolls, over pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Notes

Browning sausages adds extra flavor, but is optional.

For crispier peppers, add them halfway through cooking.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.

Works well with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian American

Keywords: crock pot sausage and peppers, slow cooker recipes, Italian sausage, bell peppers, comfort food, weeknight dinners, sausage recipes, easy crock pot meals