italian sausage in slow cooker recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
italian sausage in slow cooker recipe
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The Best italian sausage in slow cooker recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – Italian Sausage in Slow Cooker. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients.

The slow cooker does all the work, so you can just throw everything in and let it cook while you focus on other things. I love that it’s a one-pot meal, too – less cleanup for me! The result is tender, juicy sausage that’s infused with the perfect blend of herbs and spices.

My kids adore this dish, and it’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies. Plus, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family. I’ve made this recipe countless times, but I still get excited every time I serve it up.

It’s just one of those dishes that never gets old. As a busy mom, I appreciate that it’s ready in under an hour – which is perfect for our chaotic schedules. And the best part?

It’s actually good for us! The sausage is lean protein, and the veggies add fiber and antioxidants. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your family will thank you.

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

4.8 from 919 votes

This slow cooker recipe transforms Italian sausage into a tender, flavorful meal with sweet bell peppers and onions. The sausages simmer in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly cooked and infused with herbs.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sausages and Vegetables

2 pounds sweet or hot Italian sausage links
2 large bell peppers (red and green), sliced into strips
1 large yellow onion, sliced into half rings
4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2Add the Italian sausage links and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned, but not cooked through.
3Transfer the sausages to the slow cooker.
4In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion.
5Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
6Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7Pour the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste into the skillet.
8Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
9Cook for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
10Pour the tomato and pepper mixture over the sausages in the slow cooker.
11Stir gently to coat the sausages.
12Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the sausages are cooked through and tender.
13Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
14Serve the sausages and peppers on hoagie rolls, over cooked pasta, or with crusty bread.
15Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (5-6 quart)
Large skillet
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 1150mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 9g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also add sliced mushrooms or zucchini along with the peppers for extra vegetables.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions Works

This Italian Sausage in Slow Cooker recipe is always a hit with my family – we love serving it up on busy weeknights or when we have friends over.

It’s so easy to make and requires minimal prep time – just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can serve it up as-is or add some crusty bread or pasta on the side for a filling meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions

Q1: What type of Italian sausage should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using sweet or mild Italian sausage – it has a milder flavor than hot or spicy sausage and pairs well with the slow cooker’s gentle heat.

Q2: Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

No, you should use Italian sausage specifically for this recipe. The sausage contains fennel seeds and other herbs that give it its unique flavor – using ground beef would change the flavor profile entirely.

Q3: How long does the sausage need to cook in the slow cooker?

The sausage needs to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q4: Can I add potatoes to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add sliced potatoes to the slow cooker along with the sausage and veggies – they’ll cook perfectly together.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains meat – specifically Italian sausage – so it’s not suitable for vegetarians.

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