When life gets hectic (and let’s be real, when isn’t it?), Nothing beats a set-it-and-forget-it meal that smells like Sunday dinner by lunchtime. Enter this crockpot sausage and peppers recipe—a hands-off wonder that delivers full-on flavor. It’s hearty, savory, and ridiculously satisfying.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, stocking up on slow cooker meals, or just craving a taste of comfort, this Italian sausage recipe will be your new go-to. Best part? It practically cooks itself.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Sausage and Peppers
Think of this as comfort food with a passport. Juicy Italian sausages soak up all that saucy, peppery goodness while your slow cooker does the heavy lifting. It’s bold, beautiful, and makes the best sausage hoagies you’ve ever wrapped your hands around.
Here’s What You’ll Need
- 900 g Italian sausage links (8–10 sausages)
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 g Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)
- 0.5 g red chili flakes, optional (¼ teaspoon)
- 480 ml marinara sauce (2 cups)
- 15 g fresh parsley, roughly chopped (1 tablespoon)
How to Make Crockpot Sausage and Peppers
- Add sausage links, all the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to a 6-quart (5.7-liter) slow cooker.
- Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes if you’re in the mood for a kick.
- Pour the marinara sauce over everything and give it a gentle stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–8 hours, until the sausages are cooked through and tender.
- Remove the sausages, slice them into thick pieces, then return them to the slow cooker. Stir to mix with the saucy peppers and onions.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for a Saucy Success
- Prefer a little browning? Quickly sear the sausages before slow cooking for extra flavor.
- Want it saucier? Add an extra cup of marinara or a splash of red wine.
- For a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage; for a kick, go hot.
- Make it low-carb by serving over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
The Backstory: From Italy to My Crockpot
This dish has roots in my Italian-American childhood. My mom would cook sausage and peppers in a giant skillet on the stove, the scent filling the whole house. When I started making it in the slow cooker, I realized I could capture all that nostalgic flavor with a fraction of the effort. Now, it’s my go-to for game days, potlucks, or when I just need a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this dish:
- Tucked into warm hoagie rolls for unbeatable sausage hoagies
- Piled over spaghetti or rigatoni for a comforting pasta night
- Served solo with a green salad and crusty bread
- Topped with provolone or mozzarella and popped under the broiler for melty magic
Storing & Reheating Like a Pro
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They also freeze beautifully—just portion into freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of marinara if it needs reviving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or turkey sausage?
Absolutely. Leaner sausages work great and still soak up all the flavor.
Can I skip the marinara?
Sure thing. You can use diced tomatoes or leave the sauce out entirely for a more classic skillet-style version.
Is this spicy?
Only if you want it to be! Use sweet sausage and skip the chili flakes for a milder take.
Can I prep this the night before?
Yes! Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just pop it into the cooker in the morning.
Dinner That Practically Cooks Itself
With this crockpot sausage and peppers recipe, you get all the savory satisfaction of an Italian classic without hovering over the stove. It’s a slow cooker dream come true—easy, versatile, and full of bold, comforting flavors. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend feast, this Italian sausage recipe hits the mark every time.
Print
Crockpot Sausage and Peppers: Your Italian-Inspired Slow Cooker Superstar
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
This slow cooker sausage and peppers recipe delivers bold Italian flavors with minimal effort. Juicy sausages, colorful peppers, onions, and marinara cook together for a hearty, comforting meal perfect for hoagies, pasta night, or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
-
900 g Italian sausage links (8–10 sausages)
-
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
-
1 large onion, thinly sliced
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
Salt, to taste
-
Pepper, to taste
-
1 g Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
-
0.5 g red chili flakes, optional (¼ tsp)
-
480 ml marinara sauce (2 cups)
-
15 g fresh parsley, chopped (1 tbsp)
Instructions
-
Add sausages, bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
-
Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes (if using).
-
Pour in marinara sauce and stir gently.
-
Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours, until sausages are cooked through.
-
Slice sausages and return them to the pot. Stir to coat with sauce and peppers.
-
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Browning sausages before slow cooking adds extra flavor.
Add red wine or more marinara for a saucier dish.
Use sweet or spicy sausage based on preference.
Serve over pasta, in hoagie rolls, or with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American