Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Sweet Pepper Subs Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more robust flavor, you can brown the sausage links in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker, though this is optional.

Browning adds a caramelized exterior that enhances the overall depth of the sauce. If you choose to brown them, reduce the slow cooker time slightly as the meat will already be partially cooked.

If you find the sauce is too thin after the cooking time is complete, you can remove the lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking. This allows some of the excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a thicker, more concentrated sauce that clings better to the sausages and peppers when served on rolls.

Variations

• Cheesy Sausage Subs: Add a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese to the top of your sub rolls right before serving. Place the assembled subs under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
• Spicy Sausage and Peppers: Substitute the sweet Italian sausage with hot Italian sausage. Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for an extra kick of heat that pairs perfectly with the sweet peppers.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until piping hot throughout.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Ensure the food has cooled to room temperature for no more than two hours before placing it in the fridge to maintain safety and quality. When reheating, ensure the sausages are heated thoroughly to at least 165°F (74°C).

This recipe is excellent for preparing in advance. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator overnight.

In the morning, simply place the insert into the base and start the cooking process. This makes it a perfect, stress-free meal for busy days.

Serving ideas

Serve the sausages and peppers hot on toasted hoagie rolls or sub buns. The rolls can be lightly buttered and toasted in the oven for a few minutes to provide a crisp contrast to the tender, saucy filling.

You may also add a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of the hot filling to melt before serving.

Alternatively, this mixture is wonderful served over a bed of al dente penne or rigatoni pasta. The sauce acts as a hearty ragu, and the sausages can be sliced into smaller rounds before serving to ensure a bit of meat in every bite. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Sweet Pepper Subs

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage links
• 3 cups sliced bell peppers and onions
• 1 packet Italian dressing mix
• 24 oz marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Place the sweet Italian sausage links into the base of the slow cooker. Arrange the sliced bell peppers and onions evenly over the top of the sausage links to ensure they cook in the juices.
2. Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the peppers and onions. Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce over the top, ensuring that all ingredients are well-coated and submerged in the sauce.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours until the sausages reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Once finished, remove the sausages, let them rest for 5 minutes, then serve over toasted rolls with the pepper and sauce mixture.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

15 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.