Crockpot Italian Sausage and Peppers Recipe for Tender Flavor

Sweet and savory, this slow cooker Italian sausage and peppers recipe is easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients to create a comforting crockpot meal.

This crockpot Italian sausage and peppers recipe quickly becomes a weeknight favorite. Prep takes about 10 minutes, then the slow cooker does the rest. With just a few ingredients, the savory, slightly spicy Italian sausage pairs beautifully with sweet bell peppers for a family-friendly dinner. It’s also ideal for tailgating, game nights, and potlucks.

The recipe yields about six to eight servings. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to four days or can be frozen for up to three months, making this an easy make-ahead option for lunches or busy evenings.

Recipe Ingredients

• 2 lbs sweet Italian sausage links
• 1 cup sliced red bell peppers (about two peppers)
• ½ cup sliced yellow bell peppers (about one pepper)
• 1 cup yellow onion, sliced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Seasoning: 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or substitute dried oregano)
• Hoagie buns, optional

Over medium heat, sear the sausage links on both sides until the skins are lightly browned.

Transfer the browned sausages to the slow cooker.

Top the sausages with the sliced peppers, onion, chicken broth, and seasonings.

Toss gently to combine the ingredients.

Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours if you’re short on time. Sausages are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

When the cooking time is complete, remove the sausages and serve in hoagie buns. Melted cheese, such as provolone, on top is a great finishing touch.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
• This dish freezes well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Notes

• For a richer, slightly different flavor, substitute a can of beer or a cup of red or white wine for the chicken broth.
• Browning the sausages first enhances flavor, but you can skip this step and place raw sausages directly in the slow cooker. Pre-cooked sausages like kielbasa or smoked Polish sausage also work well.
• Use red, orange, and yellow bell peppers for a sweeter taste; green peppers are fine but less sweet.
• Any onion type—white, yellow, or red—can be used based on what you have on hand.
• If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the other seasonings.
• Although low-and-slow yields the most tender sausages, cooking on high for 2 to 3 hours is an acceptable faster option.

Recipe FAQs

What can I serve with crockpot sausage and peppers?

This dish is versatile. Serve it in hoagie buns with melted provolone, over rice or cauliflower rice, atop pasta with a can of heated diced tomatoes, or alongside a simple salad. Zucchini noodles, mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or roasted vegetables also pair nicely.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—this slow cooker sausage and peppers recipe can be gluten-free, low-carb, and compatible with Whole30 or keto diets if you confirm that the Italian sausage and chicken broth you use are labeled gluten-free.

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