italian sausage crock pot recipe

The Best italian sausage crock pot recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes: Italian Sausage Crock Pot Recipe. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. The origin of Italian sausage dates back to the 17th century, when Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States.

This crock pot recipe is an adaptation of those classic flavors, with the added convenience of slow-cooked goodness. The combination of sweet and spicy sausage, tender vegetables, and rich tomato sauce is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a comforting meal for your family, this Italian Sausage Crock Pot Recipe is sure to hit the spot.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort on your part. Simply brown the sausage, add the remaining ingredients to your crock pot, and let the magic happen over the next 6-8 hours.

When you come home from work or school, you’ll be greeted with a delicious meal that’s ready to devour. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites too – they can’t get enough of that sweet and spicy sausage flavor! As for me, I appreciate how this recipe is perfect for any occasion: whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special Sunday supper.

And did I mention that it’s also quite healthy? With lean sausage, plenty of veggies, and minimal added sugars, this recipe checks all the right boxes for a nutritious meal that’s still super tasty.

Italian Sausage Crock Pot Recipe

4.8 from 1103 votes

This slow cooker Italian sausage recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal. The sausages are cooked with bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce until tender.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sausages and Vegetables

2 pounds Italian sausage links (sweet or hot)
2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
1 large onion, sliced into half-rings
4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

For Serving

6 hoagie rolls or sub rolls, split and toasted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2Add the Italian sausage links and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until browned all over.
3Transfer the sausages to a plate and set aside.
4In the slow cooker, combine the sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic.
5In a separate bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chicken broth until smooth.
6Pour the tomato mixture over the vegetables in the slow cooker and stir gently.
7Nestle the browned sausages into the sauce and vegetables, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
8Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the sausages are cooked through and tender.
9The internal temperature of the sausages should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
10Using tongs, remove the sausages from the slow cooker and slice them into 1-inch thick pieces.
11Return the sliced sausages to the sauce and stir gently.
12Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
13Toast the hoagie rolls under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, until lightly golden.
14Spoon the sausage and pepper mixture onto the rolls, dividing evenly.
15Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

6-quart or larger slow cooker
Large skillet (optional, for browning sausages)
Tongs
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Italian Sausage Crock Pot Recipe Works

This Italian Sausage Crock Pot Recipe is always a hit with my family – they love how flavorful and filling it is! And as for me?

Well, I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – whether we’re cooking for a crowd or just need something quick and comforting. And did I mention how healthy it is?

With lean sausage and plenty of veggies, this recipe checks all the right boxes for a nutritious meal that’s still super tasty. As an added bonus, leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months – perfect for busy families on-the-go!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sausage Crock Pot

Q: What type of sausage should I use for this recipe?

For this Italian Sausage Crock Pot Recipe, I recommend using sweet Italian sausage – it’s what gives this dish its signature flavor! You can find sweet Italian sausage at most grocery stores in the meat department.

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?

No problem! If you prefer ground beef, you can definitely use it as a substitute in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

This recipe makes a lot of food, so feel free to store leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! This recipe was designed specifically for use in a crock pot or slow cooker. Simply brown the sausage as directed, then add all remaining ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Q: What if I don’t have any tomatoes on hand?

No worries! You can substitute canned crushed tomatoes or even diced tomatoes if you don’t have fresh tomatoes available.

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