Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers

This slow cooker sausage and peppers recipe is a set-it-and-forget-it dish that brings big Italian flavor with just minutes of prep. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers in a slow cooker

Flavor: Italian sausage simmers in rich marinara with sweet peppers and onions, creating a bold, cozy, garlicky tomato flavor in every bite.
Why Make It: The first time I made this, it instantly became a busy weeknight standby. The prep is quick, and coming home to a finished meal can’t be beat!
Recommended Tools: A 6-quart slow cooker, plus a large skillet if you’d like to brown the sausages first.
Serving Suggestions: Serve it on hoagie rolls, over pasta, rice, cauliflower rice, or creamy polenta.

italian sausage links , oil , marinara , seasoning , onion , garlic , pepper , salt and pepper with labels to make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Pepper Picks and Swaps

Bell Peppers: Choose bell peppers of all colors for sweetness and slice them thick so they hold up in the slow cooker. Frozen works, but it will be softer.
Sausage: This recipe works well with hot or mild sausages, so choose what works best for you. Chicken or turkey sausages work well, too!
Seasoning: Add red pepper flakes for heat, make your own Italian seasoning, or replace it with oregano and basil.
Marinara: Use a high-quality store-bought marinara or make a homemade marinara.
Variations: Add mushrooms for extra savory flavor, stir in spinach at the end and cook until wilted, or top with provolone or mozzarella for a melty finish.

slicing bell peppers and onion to make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Slice the bell peppers and onion and add them to the slow cooker.
Add the Italian seasoning, garlic, and marinara sauce.
Top with sausages and cook (full recipe below).

Deeper Flavor: In a skillet, brown sausages 2 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker.
Tender Veggies: Slice peppers and onions thick, so they hold up well in the slow cooker.
Juicy Sausages: Place the sausage links on top of the veggies so they braise, not boil.
Sauce Balance: Taste the sauce at the end and add salt or Italian seasoning if needed.
Sandwich Night: Toast hoagie rolls so they don’t get soggy. Spoon on peppers and sauce just before serving.
Firmer Peppers: Add half of the peppers during the last hour of cooking.
Thicker Sauce: Crack the lid for the last 20 to 30 minutes and cook on HIGH to reduce the liquid.

plated hot dog buns with Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Make Ahead and Freezer Wins

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. If needed, add a spoonful of marinara to loosen it up.

Leftovers are great tossed with pasta, piled onto toasted rolls with provolone, or spooned over polenta.

Italian Inspired Cozy Dinners

Did you enjoy this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes

Slice the bell peppers and onions and add them to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Toss well to combine.
Pour the marinara sauce overtop.
Optional: If desired, brown the sausages in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes on each side.
Place the sausages on top of the vegetables. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

These are perfect served in toasted hoagie rolls, or over pasta or polenta.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for 3 months.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Main Course, Slow Cooker

Cuisine American

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