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Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Meals

Enjoy an effortless, flavorful dinner with this Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers recipe. Tender sausage simmered with vibrant peppers and onions in a simple tomato sauce makes for a true dump-and-go meal the whole family will love.

The finished Italian sausage, peppers, onions, and tomato sauce in a black slow cooker insert.

What You’ll Love About Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers:

  • Comfort Food: Savory sausage with peppers and onions creates a warm, satisfying meal that appeals to everyone.
  • Simple Prep: Minimal hands-on time—combine the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work for busy nights.
  • Flexible: The recipe is a great base to adapt—swap peppers, adjust heat, or change the sausage to suit your taste.

Ingredients and Substitutions:

  • Crushed tomatoes – The base for the sauce. You can use diced or whole tomatoes blended smooth if needed.
  • Chicken broth – Adds depth to the sauce; substitute vegetable or beef broth if preferred.
  • Fennel seeds, dried oregano, dried basil – These herbs build classic Italian flavor. If one is missing, Italian seasoning works well.
  • Garlic powder – Replace with one clove of minced garlic for fresher taste.
  • Red pepper flakes – Optional for heat; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
  • Italian sausage links – Use hot, sweet, or mild depending on your preference.
  • Yellow onion – Adds sweetness and texture; sliced for the slow cooker.
  • Green bell pepper – Traditional choice, but red, yellow, or orange peppers add color and sweetness.
  • Fresh basil – Optional but brightens the finished dish when stirred in at the end.
  • Sandwich rolls – Use hearty rolls and toast them with butter to avoid sogginess if serving as sandwiches.
All of the ingredients needed to make this recipe with text overlay labeling the ingredients.

How To Make Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers:

This summary covers the main steps. See the recipe card below for the full ingredient amounts and details.

  1. Stir together the sauce ingredients—crushed tomatoes, broth, fennel seeds, oregano, garlic powder, dried basil, and red pepper flakes—in the slow cooker.
  2. Add the sausage links, sliced yellow onion, and sliced green bell pepper.
  3. Mix gently to combine so the sauce coats the meat and vegetables.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. When finished, stir in chopped fresh basil for brightness.
  5. Serve on toasted rolls or over pasta, rice, or polenta.
A picture collage showing how to make this recipe from stirring together the sauce to adding the finished sausage and peppers on rolls.

Top 3 Tips For Success:

  1. Choose quality sausage: Good sausage makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
  2. Toast the rolls: Lightly butter and toast sandwich rolls to add crunch and prevent them from becoming soggy.
  3. Verify doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure sausages reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

Make It A Meal

Serve the sausage and peppers on toasted Italian rolls for a classic sandwich. Add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side for a balanced weeknight dinner.

A close-up picture of Italian sausage and peppers in a toasted bun.

Serving & Storage:

Serve: Refrigerate any leftovers within two hours of cooking for food safety.

Store: Keep cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Freeze: Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Recipe FAQs:

What do you eat with sausage and peppers?

Classic options include hearty sandwich rolls (hero, ciabatta, hoagie), pasta, rice, or polenta. A light salad pairs nicely to round out the meal.

Do you have to peel casing off sausage before cooking?

No—you can cook sausages with the casing on. In a slow cooker the casings soften and remain edible. If you prefer, you can remove the casing and crumble the sausage before cooking.

Is it better to cook on high or low in a slow cooker?

Both work, but cooking on low for about 6 hours gives the best flavor development and is ideal for a hands-off all-day meal. Cooking on high for 3–4 hours will reduce time but slightly changes texture and flavor melding.

A close-up picture of 4 sausages in tomato sauce.

More From The Cozy Fork:

  • Cafe Rio Salad
  • Easy Tres Leches Cake
  • Ambrosia Salad
A close up picture of cooked sausage and peppers in a Crock Pot.
5 from 1 vote

Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers

Juicy sausage and colorful peppers simmered in a simple tomato sauce make an easy, comforting meal.
Prep: 5
Cook: 6
Total: 6 5
Servings: 8 people
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Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Crock Pot
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing spoon
  • Instant-read thermometer

Ingredients

SAUCE:

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

SAUSAGE MIXTURE:

  • 8 Italian sausage links
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced

GARNISHES & SERVE:

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 8 Italian sandwich rolls, toasted

Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Combine the sauce ingredients in the slow cooker and stir.
  • Add sausage, sliced onion, and sliced pepper; stir to combine.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm sausages reach at least 160°F (71°C).

GARNISH & SERVE:

  • Stir in chopped basil when cooking is complete.
  • Serve on toasted Italian sandwich rolls and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich,
Calories: 572kcal,
Carbohydrates: 36g,
Protein: 22g,
Fat: 37g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian

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