Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe

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There’s something about a hearty, slow-cooked meal that instantly puts me at ease, and this Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe is one of my ultimate comfort food favorites. The savory aroma of sausages simmering with bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—effortless to prepare yet incredibly rewarding in flavor.

I love making this on a busy weekday when I need dinner to cook itself while I handle everything else. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, melding the spicy, smoky sausage with the natural sweetness of peppers and a tangy tomato base. It’s a classic pairing that never gets old—and it’s just as perfect for feeding a hungry family as it is for meal prepping lunchboxes for the week.

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Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Peppers Recipe

• Effortless prep – Just slice, toss, and let the slow cooker take over.
• Big flavor, low fuss – The sausages stay juicy, the peppers tender, and everything soaks up the rich tomato goodness.
• Versatile – Serve it over pasta, in a hoagie roll, or straight from the bowl.
• Family favorite – Both adults and kids love it, and it’s easy to double for a crowd.
• Meal prep friendly – It reheats beautifully, so it’s ideal for batch cooking.

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What Kind of Sausage Should I Use?

When it comes to sausage and peppers, the type of sausage you choose sets the tone for the whole dish. I usually go for Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy depending on my mood. Sweet Italian sausage gives you a mild, herby flavor that plays well with the sweetness of the bell peppers. On the other hand, spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick that really wakes up the whole meal.

You can also use chicken or turkey sausage if you’re looking for a leaner option. They hold up well in the slow cooker and still pack a good amount of flavor. Smoked sausages like kielbasa can work too, but they’ll give a smokier twist to the dish—which is great if you’re after something a bit different.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. If you don’t have every ingredient on hand, you can still make something delicious:

• Peppers – Use any combination of red, yellow, orange, or green. Red and yellow are sweeter, while green adds a slight bitterness for contrast.
• Onions – Yellow onions are classic, but red or sweet onions work just as well.
• Tomato Sauce – No sauce? Crushed tomatoes or marinara will do. You can even use diced tomatoes with a bit of tomato paste for a chunkier texture.
• Garlic – Fresh is ideal, but garlic powder will give you a quick shortcut.
• Seasonings – Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or basil can be swapped based on what you have in the pantry.
• Sausage Alternatives – As mentioned, chicken or turkey sausage is a leaner swap. Plant-based sausages also hold up surprisingly well in this dish for a vegetarian version.

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Ingredients for This Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Each ingredient in this recipe brings something essential to the table. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Italian Sausage (sweet or spicy) – The star of the show. It brings bold, savory flavor and hearty protein to the dish.
• Bell Peppers (red, yellow, green) – Their natural sweetness balances the sausage beautifully. I like using a colorful mix for visual appeal and flavor variety.
• Yellow Onion – Adds depth and a hint of sweetness once it cooks down. It also helps build the base flavor of the sauce.
• Garlic Cloves – Essential for that aromatic punch. Fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with warmth.
• Tomato Sauce – Binds everything together in a rich, tangy blanket of flavor.
• Olive Oil – Just a touch is used to sear the sausages before slow cooking, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Salt and Black Pepper – For seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that echoes the sausage’s seasoning and ties everything together.

These simple ingredients, once slow-cooked, transform into a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal that feels far more complex than the prep suggests.

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Step 1: Sear the Sausages (Optional but Recommended)

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Lightly brown the sausages on all sides—about 2–3 minutes per side. You’re not cooking them through, just locking in some of that juicy flavor and giving them a delicious golden crust. If you’re short on time, you can skip this, but the flavor payoff is worth it.

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Step 2: Slice the Vegetables

While the sausages are searing, slice your bell peppers into strips and your onion into thin slices. Mince the garlic cloves. This step brings brightness and sweetness to the final dish—plus, the colors look gorgeous in the pot.

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Step 3: Layer Everything Into the Slow Cooker

Place the sliced onions and peppers in the bottom of the slow cooker. Nestle the seared sausages on top. Then pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir just to distribute the sauce and seasonings.

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Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The sausages will become juicy and tender, and the peppers will soak up all the savory, tomato-rich flavor.

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Step 5: Slice and Serve

If you used whole sausage links, remove them toward the end of the cook time, slice them into thick rounds, and return them to the slow cooker for the last few minutes. That way, every bite gets coated in the saucy goodness. Stir everything once more before serving.

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How Long to Cook the Sausage and Peppers

The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility. Depending on your schedule, you can choose between two easy cooking times:

• Low Setting: 6 to 7 hours — perfect for letting it simmer slowly while you go about your day.
• High Setting: 3 to 4 hours — ideal if you’re starting later and need it ready in time for dinner.

You’ll know it’s done when the sausages are cooked through and the peppers are tender but not mushy. If you like your sausage slices a bit firmer, you can slice and add them back during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

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Tips for Perfect Sausage and Peppers

• Sear the sausages: It’s optional, but browning them first adds a deep, caramelized flavor that really enhances the dish.
• Don’t over-stir: Once everything’s in the slow cooker, you don’t need to stir much. Let the ingredients settle into the sauce and do their thing.
• Use a mix of peppers: Combining sweet red and yellow peppers with slightly bitter green ones creates a more balanced flavor.
• Add heat, if you like: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage will add a spicy kick.
• Sauce too thin? Remove the lid in the last 30 minutes to let it reduce slightly.
• Meal prep friendly: Make a double batch and store in portions—you’ll thank yourself all week.
• Toast your rolls: If you’re making sausage and pepper sandwiches, toasting the bread keeps it from getting soggy.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil at the end adds color and freshness.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple slow cooker meals can have a few sneaky pitfalls. Here’s what to steer clear of when making sausage and peppers:

• Skipping the sear – While it’s optional, not browning the sausages can mean missing out on deeper, richer flavor.
• Overcooking the veggies – Bell peppers can turn mushy if cooked too long, especially on high. Aim for just-tender, not limp.
• Using too much sauce – It might seem like more is better, but too much tomato sauce can drown the flavors and make the dish soupy.
• Underseasoning – Don’t forget to taste and adjust your salt and spices, especially since tomato sauce can mute flavors.
• Not slicing sausages before serving – Cutting them up helps absorb more sauce and makes for easier serving.
• Lifting the lid too often – Every time you open the slow cooker, you let heat escape and extend the cook time.
• Forgetting to stir before serving – A gentle mix at the end redistributes all the saucy goodness.
• Using uncooked sausage directly without checking – If you’re not browning first, make sure the sausage is fully cooked through before serving.

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What to Serve With Sausage and Peppers?

Whether you’re leaning into comfort food or keeping things light, this dish plays well with plenty of sides. Here are eight great ideas to round out your meal:

1. Crusty Italian Bread

Perfect for soaking up every drop of that savory tomato sauce.

2. Hoagie Rolls

Load up the sausage and peppers for a sandwich-style serving. Toasted rolls make it even better.

3. Creamy Polenta

The smooth texture is a dreamy contrast to the hearty sausages.

4. Pasta (like penne or rigatoni)

A classic pairing—just spoon everything over your favorite noodles.

5. Steamed Rice

Great if you want something simple to balance the richness of the sausage.

6. Roasted Potatoes

Crispy, golden potatoes work well with the juicy, saucy sausage mixture.

7. Garlic Green Beans

A fresh, crunchy side that adds color and balances the richness.

8. Caesar Salad

Cool, crisp, and creamy—a refreshing side to cut through the heat and heartiness.

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Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this slow cooker sausage and peppers recipe is how well it keeps. Whether you’re planning ahead or just end up with leftovers, here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerator: Let everything cool to room temperature first. Then transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
• Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully. Spoon it into freezer-safe bags or containers, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating tip: Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much after storing. The flavors get even better the next day!

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general breakdown for one serving (assuming this recipe serves 6 people), based on standard Italian sausage and tomato sauce:

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: ~17g
• Fat: ~28g
• Saturated Fat: ~9g
• Carbohydrates: ~10g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sugar: ~5g
• Sodium: ~950mg

Note: Nutrition values can vary based on the specific type of sausage and sauce you use. For a leaner version, swap in chicken or turkey sausage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen sausages for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them first for even cooking. Starting with frozen sausages can throw off the timing and may cause uneven texture.

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2. Do I need to add any liquid besides tomato sauce?

Nope! The sausage and peppers release their own juices, and the tomato sauce keeps everything moist. No extra broth or water needed.

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3. Can I prep this the night before?

Absolutely. You can slice the peppers and onions, sear the sausages, and store everything in a container in the fridge. In the morning, just dump it all into the slow cooker and go.

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4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—just be sure your sausage and tomato sauce are certified gluten-free. Some brands sneak in gluten-containing fillers.

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5. Can I use this for sandwiches?

Definitely! Pile the sausage and peppers onto a toasted hoagie roll, maybe with a slice of provolone, and you’ve got an incredible sandwich.

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6. How spicy is this dish?

That depends on the sausage you use. Sweet Italian is mild, while hot Italian sausage brings the heat. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes to dial it up.

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7. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough. A 6–7 quart slow cooker should handle a double batch comfortably.

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8. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can cook it in a Dutch oven or large pot on low heat on the stove for 2–3 hours, or bake it covered at 325°F for about 90 minutes.

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Conclusion

This Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe is the kind of dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and hearty, it hits all the right notes. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, and the result is tender, juicy sausage with sweet, saucy peppers that practically melt in your mouth.

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