Crockpot Sausage and Peppers is perfect for family dinners, game day, and meal prep. Juicy Italian sausages are slow cooked in a delicious marinara sauce with tender peppers and onions. Serve in a bun, or enjoy this delicious recipe all on its own!
Easy Crockpot Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Yes, you can make sausage and peppers in a crockpot! Slow cooking this meal allows for the flavors to marry, and also results in tender peppers and onions. The sausages come out juicy and tender as well. Of course, this recipe is also keto friendly!
This recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients. You'll want to use fresh sausages. I like to sear them for extra flavor before adding them to the crockpot, though this isn't required.
I also like to use a combination of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for variety. Feel free to use whichever peppers are your preference!
Ingredients you'll need
- Italian Sausage Links- I used Johnsonville brand mild Italian sausages.
- Bell Peppers - You can use any color of bell peppers. I used green, yellow, and red for a nice variety of flavors.
- Onion - Onions pair well with the bell peppers, and add a delicious extra layer of flavor. Feel free to leave them out if you're not a fan.
- Marinara Sauce - Feel free to use your favorite marinara sauce. I used Rao's brand.
- Seasonings - For this recipe, we'll be using salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. The red pepper flakes add a little extra kick. Feel free to leave them out if you don't like spicy flavors.
How to make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
- Start by browning the sausages on the stovetop. You don't need to cook them all the way through.
- Slice the bell peppers and onions.
- Add the sausages, bell peppers, onions, marinara sauce, and seasonings to the crockpot. Next, gently mix everything together.
- Cook on high for 3 - 4 hours, or low for 6 - 7 hours.
Tips and Variations
- You could substitute the Italian sausage for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or bratwurst.
- Add in different veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Top with provolone or shredded cheese for added flavor.
- Serve in hoagie rolls, over pasta, or with potatoes if you aren't concerned about the carbs.
How long to cook
Sausage and peppers should be cooked for 3 - 4 hours if using the low setting, and 6-8 hours if using the high setting on your crockpot. Sausage is considered fully cooked once it reaches an internal temperature between 160 - 165 degrees.
What to serve with
Sausage and peppers can be eaten in a bun or served over cauliflower rice. You could also serve it over pasta if you aren't concerned about carbs. It also tastes great all by itself!
Storage and reheating instructions
Leftovers may be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat individual portions, and enjoy!
You can also freeze leftovers for up to 4 months. Allow the sausages to cool before freezing, and seal them tightly in a freezer bag. Allow to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Do the sausages need to be precooked when making crockpot sausage and peppers? No, sausages do not need to be precooked before adding them to the crockpot.
Can you cook frozen sausages in a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook frozen sausages in a slow cooker. They will just take a little longer to cook.
When should you add bell peppers to the slow cooker? You can add bell peppers to the slow cooker at the beginning of the cooking time.
Try these other easy crockpot recipes:
Crockpot Sausage and Peppers
Juicy sausages and tender peppers slow cooked in a delicious marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 - 3 pounds Italian sausage links, (I used 2 packs of Johnsonville mild Italian sausage links)
- 3 bell peppers, sliced (feel free to use different colors)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups marinara sauce, (I used Rao's)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Add a small amount of oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Next, add the sausages to the skillet (you may need to add them in 2 separate batches). Brown the sausages for about 3 minutes on each side. You do not want to cook them all the way through.
- Add the sausages, sliced peppers, sliced onions, marinara sauce, and seasonings to the crockpot. Gently mix everything together.
- Cover the crockpot with a lid, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3 - 4 hours. It is done cooking when the vegetables are tender, and the sausages are fully cooked through.
Notes
- Searing the sausages before cooking is optional.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 510Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 29gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 1455mgCarbohydrates: 13gNet Carbohydrates: 11gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 27g
All nutritional information and calculations are provided as a courtesy. Nutritional values are estimates only. Variations may occur due to product, and brand selection. You should not rely on this information for medical advice.
Kay is passionate about living a healthy low carb lifestyle. She loves low carb comfort foods that are also family-friendly!
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