Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions
There’s something so comforting about coming home to the enticing aroma of a meal that’s been simmering away all day. It feels like a warm hug after a hectic day, don’t you think? This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions recipe takes me back to childhood memories of family gatherings where the hearty, savory scents would fill the house long before the food was ever served. Gather around the table, everyone would say, and soon you’d find yourself served a delightful plate of these tender sausages nestled among vibrant, caramelized bell peppers and onions.
This recipe is perfect for those chilly evenings when you need an easy weeknight dinner that feels special. It requires minimal prep and lets your slow cooker do the heavy lifting, allowing you to unwind while the flavors develop beautifully. No wonder this is a family favorite! This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy weeknight dinner that can be prepared in minutes.
- Slow cooking enhances the flavors, creating a comforting and rich dish.
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Versatile: serve it on a bun, over pasta, or as a hearty main with a side salad.
- Can easily be customized with different vegetables and toppings to suit your taste.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 1 pkg Italian sausages (5, uncooked)
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (red & green)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt (or salt + garlic powder)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce (Rao’s recommended)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2-3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (optional, not pre-shredded)
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions
Let’s Make It Together:
- Start by heating a skillet on medium heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil to the pan.
- Sear the Italian sausages for 2-3 minutes on each side until they start to brown. You don’t need to cook them through; this will help enhance the flavors while they slow cook.
- Transfer the browned sausages to the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers on top of the sausages, arranging them nicely.
- Sprinkle the garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning over the veggies.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the onion and pepper mixture.
- Cook the sausage and peppers on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours until the peppers are soft and the Italian sausage is fully cooked.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt before serving for a creamy, indulgent finish.
- Serve on a bun, topped with extra cheese if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat that complements the spices beautifully.
- Veggie Lovers Delight: Toss in some zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Italian Style: Swap marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce for a rich, indulgent twist.
- Cheesy Goodness: Make it a cheese lover’s dream by layering provolone and mozzarella for a gooey finish!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the ingredients a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just add everything to the slow cooker in the morning for a ready-to-eat meal by evening.
- Ingredient Swaps: Don’t hesitate to swap the Italian sausages for turkey sausages if you’re looking for a lighter option.
- Slicing Tips: For evenly sliced veggies, use a mandoline; it’ll save you time and ensure consistency.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 plate (with sauce)
- Calories: 350
- Carbs: 15g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 900mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite types of sausages or add different vegetables.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before enjoying again!
How long does it last?
The dish will last up to 3 days in the fridge. If you want to extend life, consider freezing it, which can last for up to 3 months.
A Cozy Closing Note
With its rich, savory flavors and irresistible aroma, this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions dish is destined to become a staple in your home, making every gathering feel like a warm embrace. So gather your loved ones, serve this hearty meal, and share the warmth of a delicious home-cooked experience. Save this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions to your dinner ideas board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions
Ingredients
For the Dish
- 5 pieces Italian sausages (uncooked)
- 2 pieces bell peppers, sliced (red & green)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt (or salt + garlic powder)
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce (Rao's recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5-0.75 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (optional) not pre-shredded
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by heating a skillet on medium heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil to the pan.
- Sear the Italian sausages for 2-3 minutes on each side until they start to brown. You don’t need to cook them through; this will help enhance the flavors while they slow cook.
- Transfer the browned sausages to the bottom of a slow cooker.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers on top of the sausages, arranging them nicely.
- Sprinkle the garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning over the veggies.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the onion and pepper mixture.
Cooking
- Cook the sausage and peppers on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours until the peppers are soft and the Italian sausage is fully cooked.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt before serving for a creamy, indulgent finish.
Serving
- Serve on a bun, topped with extra cheese if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
