If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, look no further than Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers. This dish is a delightful mix of savory Italian sausage, colorful peppers, and zesty tomatoes, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can prepare this dish in just a few easy steps, then let it simmer and develop its delicious flavors while you go about your day.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe. First, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it on a hoagie roll for a hearty sandwich or over rice for a comforting dinner, the options are endless! The combination of sweet and spicy Italian sausage creates a delightful flavor profile that complements the tender vegetables beautifully. This recipe also allows you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You can simply brown the sausage, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish truly scrumptious. Below you can find the list of what you’ll need:
- 19-ounce package Italian Sausage Links (sweet or hot, 5-count)
- 2 large Bell Peppers (sliced; any color)
- 1 large Yellow Onion (sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 14.5-ounce can Crushed Tomatoes
- ½ cup Chicken Broth
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Hoagie Buns, Cooked Rice, Mashed Potatoes, or Cooked Pasta (for serving)
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to follow these easy steps to create your Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers:
- Brown the Sausages: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sausage links, cooking them until all sides are nicely browned. This step seals in the flavors and gives the sausages a lovely texture. Make sure to turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: While the sausages are browning, slice your bell peppers and yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Once the sausages are done, transfer them to the slow cooker.
- Layer the Vegetables: Begin by placing the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread them out evenly to create a flavorful base for the sausages.
- Add the Sausages: Next, arrange the browned sausages over the top of the colorful vegetable mixture.
- Combine the Sauces: Open the can of crushed tomatoes and pour it over the sausages and vegetables in the slow cooker. Follow this by adding the chicken broth to keep everything moist during the cooking process.
- Season Your Dish: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the sausages are well-coated in the seasoning and sauce.
- Cook It: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low heat and let it cook for 5-7 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The sausages should be thoroughly cooked and the peppers tender by the time cooking is complete.
- Optional Serving Style: If you prefer, once cooking is done, you can remove the sausages, slice them into bite-sized pieces, and return them to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to ensure the sausages mingle with the veggies and sauce perfectly.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Serving this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers dish is as enjoyable as preparing it. You can go traditional by placing the flavorful mixture on hoagie buns for a satisfying sandwich packed with taste. Simply scoop out a portion of the sausage and pepper mix, pile it onto a hoagie roll, and watch it disappear!
Alternatively, you might want to serve it over a bed of cooked rice, creating a more robust meal. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce, making every bite a flavor explosion. You can also serve it alongside mashed potatoes for a creamy contrast or over cooked pasta for a complete Italian-inspired dinner. No matter how you choose to serve it, this dish will be a hit!
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
To elevate your Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers experience, consider these expert tips:
- Sausage Selection: The type of sausage you choose can dramatically change the flavor. If you enjoy spice, opt for hot Italian sausage. For a milder taste, sweet sausage works wonderfully.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to expand the vegetable mix by adding other favorites like zucchini, mushrooms, or even carrots. This not only increases the nutritional value but also enhances the dish’s flavor complexity.
- Don’t Rush Browning: While it may seem like an extra step, browning the sausages is crucial for flavor. Take your time to develop a rich, golden crust on them before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Adjust Seasoning: Everyone’s taste buds are different, so adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you like a bit more zip, add more red pepper flakes. For a herby flavor, try increasing the dried basil.
- Garnish: Before serving, consider garnishing your dish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. This adds visual appeal and a fresh flavor boost.
How to Store Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is quite likely!), storing this dish is straightforward. Allow the food to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing the leftovers. Portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, and label them with the date. Frozen dishes like this can last up to three months, ensuring you have a delicious meal waiting for you whenever the craving strikes!
Variation of Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
This dish is versatile, inviting a variety of adaptations. Here are a few delightful variations to consider:
- Add Different Proteins: Instead of exclusively using Italian sausage, mix it up with chicken sausage or turkey sausage. These alternatives can make the dish lighter while still delivering fantastic flavors.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meatless option, replace the sausage with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplant, or lentils. Add some chickpeas for extra protein and flavor.
- Fajita Style: Turn this into a Mexican-inspired dish by adding a sprinkle of taco seasoning and serving it with tortillas. Top with avocado and pico de gallo for a refreshing twist.
- Italian Baked Dish: Use the sausage and peppers mix as a filling for stuffed peppers or layered in a baking dish with noodles, mozzarella cheese, and then baked to perfection.
- Soup Variations: Turn the mixture into a delicious soup by adding more broth and some beans. This is a great way to warm up on chilly nights.
FAQ on Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
What is Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers?
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers is a savory dish made with Italian sausage, bell peppers, and spices cooked slowly in a slow cooker. It’s perfect as a filling for hoagie rolls, served over rice, or enjoyed as a hearty meal on its own.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers?
Cooking this dish in a slow cooker generally takes 5-7 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your dietary preferences.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers?
You can serve this dish on hoagie rolls for a sandwich, over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner, or even alongside pasta for a delicious Italian meal.
How do I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to three months for later enjoyment. Reheat before serving.
With this comprehensive guide, you can now confidently make and enjoy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers, transforming staple ingredients into a sensational meal! Feel free to tweak the recipe to your tastes, making it your own as you savor this delightful dish. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 19 ounces Italian Sausage Links (sweet or hot, 5-count)
- 2 large Bell Peppers (sliced; any color)
- 1 large Yellow Onion (sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 14.5 ounces Crushed Tomatoes
- ½ cup Chicken Broth
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional) Adjust based on spice preference
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
For Serving
- to taste Hoagie Buns, Cooked Rice, Mashed Potatoes, or Cooked Pasta Choose one or more options for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the sausages by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the sausage links until browned on all sides.
- While sausages are browning, slice the bell peppers and onion and mince the garlic.
- Transfer browned sausages to the slow cooker.
Cooking
- Layer the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange the browned sausages over the vegetables.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth over the mixture.
- Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 5-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
- For serving, you can slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces before serving.
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