Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers for an Easy Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For those who enjoy a bit of texture, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes right before serving. These simple additions can brighten the overall profile of the dish and add a pop of color to the final presentation.

Always remember to taste the sauce before serving and adjust with a pinch of salt if necessary, keeping in mind that the sausages themselves are already seasoned.

If the sauce appears too thin at the end of the cooking process, the sausages and vegetables can be removed, and the sauce can be simmered on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce it further.

This will concentrate the flavors and create a thicker, more luxurious consistency that clings better to the meat. This extra step is entirely optional but can provide a more polished finish if desired for a special occasion.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Variation: Incorporate spicy Italian sausage links and add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking to introduce a pleasant heat that balances the sweetness of the peppers.
• Mediterranean Style: Add a handful of sliced black olives and capers to the slow cooker along with the peppers. These ingredients add a briny depth that complements the tomato sauce and sausages perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Ensure the food has cooled to room temperature, but do not leave it out for longer than two hours.

Placing the container in the refrigerator promptly will help preserve the quality and safety of the dish. When properly stored, the leftovers will retain their flavor and can be enjoyed for several days, making this an excellent option for meal planning.

This dish is a fantastic candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Prepare the dish as instructed and allow it to cool completely before storing.

When ready to serve, simply reheat the portion needed. Many find that the integration of the sausage juices with the peppers and sauce is even more pronounced the following day, providing a quick and delicious meal option.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish hot, directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a warm serving platter. It pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread, which is perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful sauce. Alternatively, it can be served over a bed of polenta, pasta, or alongside roasted potatoes to create a more substantial meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

For a lighter serving option, consider pairing the sausages and peppers with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing balances the richness of the sausage, providing a refreshing contrast. Regardless of the side dishes chosen, the focus remains on the tender, flavorful combination of the main ingredients, which stand out as the centerpiece of the meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers for an Easy Dinner

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

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage links
• 3 cups sliced red and yellow bell peppers
• 1 cup sliced onions
• 1 cup tomato-based pasta sauce

Instructions

1. Slice the red and yellow bell peppers and the onions into uniform strips to ensure even cooking. Place the Italian sausage links into the base of the slow cooker, then arrange the sliced peppers and onions over the top of the meat.
2. Pour the tomato-based pasta sauce over the sausage and vegetable mixture. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 hours. The sauce will bubble and thicken as the vegetables release their moisture and the sausages become tender.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, ensure the sausages have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use tongs to remove the sausages and peppers from the slow cooker, placing them onto serving plates. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

7 g

Sodium

950 mg

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