Get ready to fall in love with this incredibly easy and mouthwatering Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe! It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is bursting with flavor, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Sausages: The slow cooking process ensures your sausages are tender and packed with flavor.
Versatile: Serve it on rolls, over pasta, or enjoy it on its own – the possibilities are endless!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pork Sausage Links: The star of the show, providing rich, savory flavors.
Bell Peppers: A colorful mix adds sweetness and crunch.
Onion: Brings a lovely aromatic base to the dish.
Garlic: Because, let’s face it, garlic makes everything better!
Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs to elevate the flavors.
Marinara Sauce: The secret to a luscious, flavorful sauce that ties everything together.
Olive Oil: For browning the sausages and adding a touch of richness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice it Up: Add some red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
Veggie Boost: Throw in some mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Cheese Please: Top with mozzarella in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a gooey finish.
Wine Not?: Add a splash of red wine to the marinara for depth of flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Step 1: Brown the Sausages

Heat olive oil in a skillet and quickly brown the sausages on all sides. This step is crucial for developing those delicious caramelized flavors!

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While the sausages are browning, toss your peppers, onions, garlic, and seasonings in the slow cooker. This veggie mix is going to create an amazing flavor base.

Step 3: Layer and Cook

Pour the marinara over your seasoned veggies, then nestle those browned sausages on top. Cover and let your slow cooker work its magic for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sausages are cooked through and the veggies are tender, it’s time to dig in!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Browning: It might seem like an extra step, but browning the sausages adds so much flavor.
Slice Veggies Evenly: This ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
Layering Matters: Keep the sausages on top to prevent them from getting too soggy.
Adjust the Sauce: If you like it saucier, feel free to add more marinara.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Classic Sandwich: Pile it high on a crusty roll for a traditional sausage and peppers sandwich.
Over Pasta: Serve atop your favorite pasta for a hearty meal.
Low-Carb Option: Enjoy it straight from the slow cooker for a delicious, low-carb dinner.
Side Dish: Pair with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually get better over time!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. It’s like having a homemade frozen dinner ready to go!

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or even back in the slow cooker until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite sausage variety. Just keep in mind that leaner sausages might not be as juicy, so you may want to add a bit more olive oil or marinara.

My vegetables turned out too soft. What can I do?
If you prefer firmer veggies, try adding them halfway through the cooking time instead of at the beginning. This will help them retain more texture.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place everything in a baking dish, and cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the sausages are cooked through and the veggies are tender.

Is it necessary to brown the sausages first?
While not absolutely necessary, browning adds a depth of flavor and improves the texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it for the best results!

This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe is a game-changer for busy households. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!