© Original Recipe By The Sizzle Spot ©
Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers: A Savory and Colorful Meal 🥘🌶️✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a delicious and hassle-free dinner idea, this slow cooker sausage recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Combining juicy sausages with vibrant peppers and aromatic spices, this sausage and peppers dish is a hearty, flavorful, and healthy option that cooks itself while you focus on other tasks. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to become a family favorite.
2. Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage links or ground sausage
- 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Olive oil for sautéing (optional)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Best Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by slicing the bell peppers and onions into strips. If using sausage links, cut them into thick slices or keep whole if preferred. Mince the garlic and set all ingredients aside.
Step 1: Sauté the Sausages and Vegetables
In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Brown the sausage slices for 3-4 minutes until they develop a nice color. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the sliced peppers, onions, and garlic for 5 minutes until they soften slightly. This step intensifies the flavor of the final dish.
Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned sausages and sautéed vegetables into your spacious Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker. Add the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all the flavors evenly.
Step 3: Set and Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid, set to low, and cook for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sausages to become tender.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot, perhaps over rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Sausage and Peppers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm gently on the stove. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Serve over cooked pasta or rice for a filling dinner.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a simple mixed greens salad.
- For a low-carb option, enjoy the sausage and peppers with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Top with grated cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ground sausage instead of sausage links?
Yes, ground sausage works perfectly. Simply brown the sausage in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This substitution makes the dish even easier to prepare.
What are good substitutions for the bell peppers?
You can swap bell peppers with other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
How long does it take to prepare this slow cooker sausage recipe?
The preparation time is approximately 15-20 minutes, with about 6-8 hours of slow cooking. It is ideal for busy days when you want a ready-to-eat meal.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the sausages used are gluten-free, and avoid adding bread or pasta if you’re strictly gluten-free.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer – This versatile gadget can help you quickly cook or reheat the sausages or vegetables for added texture.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set – Perfect for sautéing vegetables or browning sausages with ease and durability.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer – A multifunctional appliance to complement your kitchen arsenal.
8. Conclusion
This slow cooker sausage recipe offers a perfect blend of tender sausages, sweet peppers, and savory seasonings, all cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s the ideal easy weeknight dinner that your family will love and that you can prepare ahead of time. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a regular on your meal rotation. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the convenience of hands-off cooking!
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Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
This slow cooker sausage and peppers dish offers a flavorful, effortless meal perfect for busy evenings. Juicy sausages simmered with sweet bell peppers and onions, seasoned with herbs and spices, creating a comforting and satisfying dinner.
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausages (pork or chicken)
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown sausages for about 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Add sliced peppers, onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until sausages are cooked through and peppers are tender.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage with peppers
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg