Sausage and peppers is a timeless combination that brings the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen table. When using a Crockpot, or slow cooker, this classic dish can be prepared with minimal effort, allowing the ingredients to meld together for hours to create a rich, flavorful meal. Here are five easy Crockpot recipes for sausage and peppers that are perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions:
Recipe 1: Classic Sausage and Peppers
- Ingredients:
- 5 Italian sausages (sweet or hot)
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, and yellow)
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1⁄2 cup chicken broth or white wine
Start by browning the sausages in a skillet to get a nice color. Meanwhile, slice the bell peppers and onion into thick strips. Place them in the Crockpot along with the garlic, diced tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper. Nestle the browned sausages into the mixture. Add the broth or wine for some extra moisture. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
🌟 Note: Browning the sausages isn't just for color; it also helps to seal in the flavors, which then blend well with the peppers and onions in the Crockpot.
Recipe 2: Sausage and Peppers with Potatoes
- Ingredients:
- 4 Italian sausages
- 2 bell peppers, any color, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1⁄2 cup chicken stock
Layer the ingredients into your Crockpot starting with the potatoes, followed by the peppers, onions, and garlic. Place the sausages on top. Pour the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and stock over everything. Cook on low for 7-9 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
Recipe 3: Spicy Sausage and Peppers
- Ingredients:
- 6 spicy Italian sausages
- 4 jalapeños, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe adds a kick with jalapeños and spices. Slice everything and place in the Crockpot. Add the sausages last, then pour over the crushed tomatoes and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
Recipe 4: Crockpot Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
- Ingredients:
- 6 Italian sausages
- 3 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 6 hoagie rolls or buns
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Layer the sausages, peppers, onion, and garlic in the Crockpot. Pour the marinara sauce over them, ensuring everything is well-coated. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve in warm buns for an easy, hearty sandwich.
Recipe 5: Low-Carb Sausage and Peppers
- Ingredients:
- 5 Italian sausages (choose lower-fat options if possible)
- 4 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe reduces the carbohydrate content while keeping all the traditional flavors intact. Start by browning the sausages. Layer the peppers, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings in the Crockpot. Drizzle with olive oil and place the sausages on top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
🔎 Note: For those on a low-carb diet, consider serving this with a side of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
These Crockpot recipes for sausage and peppers showcase how versatile and straightforward this classic pairing can be. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal for a cold night, a dish for a casual get-together, or something to cater to specific dietary needs, there's a recipe here that fits the bill. Each of these recipes allows the flavors to deepen over time, providing a rich, layered taste experience with minimal effort from the cook. Experiment with different types of sausages or spice levels to personalize your meal further. Enjoy the simplicity of preparing these dishes while your Crockpot does the hard work for you, ensuring dinner is ready when you are.
Can I use different types of sausages in these recipes?
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Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of sausage you like or have on hand, from sweet Italian to spicy chorizo or even vegan sausage alternatives.
How long can I store leftovers?
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can these recipes be adapted for an Instant Pot?
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Yes, you can adapt these recipes for an Instant Pot. Reduce the liquid by about half, use the sauté function for browning the sausages, then cook on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes with a quick release for sandwiches, or natural release for the others.
