Description
This hearty Crockpot Sausage & Peppers recipe combines Italian sausage links with a colorful blend of bell peppers and onions simmered in a flavorful marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting, hands-off meal that delivers rich taste and tender textures, it’s an easy dish to prepare and serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 2 (19 oz) packages Italian sausage links
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to sear links)
Vegetables & Sauce
- 6 bell peppers (mix of colors, sliced into strips)
- 2 onions (sliced into strips)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Sear the Sausages: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the Italian sausage links and sear for about 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and slightly crispy to develop flavor.
- Prepare the Crockpot Mixture: While the sausages are browning, place sliced bell peppers, onions, minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Add Sausages to Crockpot: Position the seared sausage links on top of the pepper and onion mixture in the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender and saucy.
- Combine and Serve: Stir everything together before serving to ensure the sausages are well coated with the delicious sauce and vegetables.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Searing the sausages before slow cooking adds extra depth of flavor and improves texture.
- You can use any combination of bell pepper colors for a vibrant dish.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference, adding more Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free if using gluten-free sausage and marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American