Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers

Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers is an easy slow cooker dinner made with Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, marinara sauce, and simple seasonings. This hearty crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners. The sausages cook slowly until tender while the peppers and onions become soft and flavorful in a rich tomato sauce. Serve this classic Italian-style dish on hoagie rolls, hot dog buns, or over pasta for a filling meal. Popular keywords include slow cooker sausage and peppers, crockpot Italian sausage recipe, easy sausage dinner, sausage pepper sandwich recipe, and one pot slow cooker meals.

Ingredients

• 4 red bell peppers, sliced
• 4 green bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 ¼ cups marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 (19 oz) packages sweet Italian sausages (e.g., Johnsonville)
• Hot dog buns or cooked pasta, for serving

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Instructions

1. Place the sliced red peppers, green peppers, and onion into a 4–6 quart slow cooker.
2. Season the vegetables with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce and mix everything well.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Sear the sausage links on both sides until golden brown. (This step is optional but adds extra flavor.)
6. Add the browned sausages to the slow cooker.
7. Cover and continue cooking on LOW for another 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Avoid breaking the sausages while stirring.
8. If desired, slice the sausages before serving and return them to the slow cooker.
9. Serve hot on buns or over pasta.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker meal is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. The peppers and onions become tender and naturally sweet as they cook, blending perfectly with savory Italian sausage and marinara sauce. It’s a simple, low-effort dish that works well for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.

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Tips

• Browning the sausages first adds deeper flavor and a better texture, but it can be skipped for convenience.
• Stir gently during cooking to keep the sausages intact.
• Slice vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of water or broth.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Swap sweet sausage for hot Italian sausage for a spicier version.
• Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
• Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
• Replace marinara with crushed tomatoes and extra seasoning for a more rustic sauce.
• Serve over rice or mashed potatoes instead of pasta or buns.

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FAQs

Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes, you can cook on HIGH for about 3–4 hours, but LOW cooking gives better flavor and texture.

Do I need to brown the sausages?
No, it’s optional. Browning adds flavor but is not required.

Can I slice the sausages before cooking?
Yes, but they may become softer and break apart more during slow cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve on toasted sub rolls for classic sausage sandwiches
• Pair with pasta like penne or rigatoni
• Add shredded mozzarella or provolone on top for extra richness
• Serve with a simple green salad or roasted potatoes for a full meal