Elevate your comfort food favorites with this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe, a flavorful one-pot meal that transforms a classic into a visually stunning, feel-good creation. Infused with warm spices and tender vegetables, this dish brings together the best of rustic, cozy flavors with a refined, elegant touch. Get ready to savor the comforts of home in a way that’s both nourishing and inspiring.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers a Flavorful One Pot Meal
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe is a true delight for the senses, blending the best of comfort and culinary artistry. As the fragrant aromas of simmering sausage, vibrant peppers, and aromatic herbs fill your kitchen, you’ll be transported to a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to deliver deeply satisfying flavors and a visually stunning presentation, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight family meal or an elegant dinner party. With its simple, hands-off preparation in the slow cooker, you can enjoy the comforts of home without sacrificing quality or presentation.
Ingredients
At the heart of this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe are high-quality, whole-food ingredients that come together to create a truly gourmet experience. You’ll need Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, chicken broth, and a blend of aromatic spices to infuse this dish with depth and complexity. The combination of savory sausage, sweet peppers, and fragrant herbs will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
- 1 lb – Italian sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 3 – bell peppers, sliced into strips
- 1 – onion, diced
- 3 cloves – garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can – diced tomatoes
- 1 cup – chicken broth
- 1 tsp – dried oregano
- 1 tsp – dried basil
- 1/2 tsp – salt
- 1/4 tsp – black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Italian Sausage: Plant-based sausage or extra-firm tofu — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Hot Italian Sausage: Sweet Italian sausage — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers a Flavorful One Pot Meal
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe is a true hands-off delight, allowing the flavors to meld together effortlessly in the slow cooker. Follow these simple steps to create a visually stunning and comforting one-pot meal.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by slicing the Italian sausage into bite-sized pieces, dicing the onions and garlic, and cutting the bell peppers into strips. This prep work will ensure a seamless cooking process and allow the flavors to meld together effortlessly.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
In a slow cooker, layer the sliced sausage, diced onions and garlic, and bell pepper strips. Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and a blend of dried oregano, basil, and other savory spices. Cover and let the flavors simmer together on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the sausage to become tender and the vegetables to become perfectly soft and infused with the aromatic seasonings.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Once the slow cooking process is complete, you can choose to serve the Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers as is, or for a more elegant presentation, transfer the mixture to a serving dish. Top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and a final touch of refinement.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Sear the Sausage: To add even more depth of flavor, consider searing the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker. This will create a beautiful caramelized crust that will infuse the dish with an irresistible aroma.
- Add a Kick: For a hint of heat, you can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve Over Grains: Serve this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers over creamy polenta, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a bed of fragrant, steamed rice for a heartwarming, complete meal.
- Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or even a handful of spinach or kale to boost the nutritional value and provide even more delicious, nourishing options.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh green salad, crusty bread.
Storage: Leftover Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat the leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors only improve over time. Prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate or freeze for easy reheating when needed.
Nutrition Information
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe is not only a delight for the senses but also a nourishing choice for your family. With a balance of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and a modest amount of healthy fats, this one-pot wonder is a well-rounded meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 26 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different sausage varieties, such as hot Italian, sweet Italian, or even smoked sausage, to suit your personal preferences.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free Italian sausage or substitute the sausage with cooked, crumbled ground turkey or beef.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe is highly versatile. Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or even a handful of spinach or kale to boost the nutritional value and provide even more delicious, nourishing options.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Leftover Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be made in the Instant Pot. Simply sauté the sausage, onions, and garlic using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook for 15-20 minutes.
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Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers: A Flavorful One Pot Meal
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers is a flavorful one pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The sausages are cooked to perfection with bell peppers and onions, creating a delicious and hearty dish.
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage
2 bell peppers, sliced
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
2. 2. Transfer the sausage to the slow cooker.
3. 3. Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
4. 4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. 5. Stir to combine all ingredients.
6. 6. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
7. 7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
8. 8. Enjoy your flavorful one pot meal!
Notes
For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage.
Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg