Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers – Cozy, Saucy & Set-It-and-Forget-It Delicious

This slow-cooked classic is pure comfort: tender peppers and onions simmered in a rich tomato sauce with juicy sausage. Perfect for piling onto hoagie rolls, serving over rice, or spooning straight from the pot. Easy, hearty, and weeknight-friendly!

ingredients:

• 1.5–2 lbs Italian sausage links (mild or hot)

• 1 large yellow onion, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed or diced tomatoes

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning)

directions:

sear for extra flavor

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Brown the sausage links on all sides for 3–4 minutes. (You don’t have to cook them through—just get that golden color.)

Tip: You can skip this step if you’re in a hurry.

load the crock pot

Add sliced onions, peppers, and garlic to the slow cooker. Lay sausages on top.

add the sauce

Stir together crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour over everything.

slow cook to perfection

Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours, until the sausage is tender and the peppers are silky.

serve it up

Slice sausages or leave whole. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or tucked into warm hoagie rolls with melted provolone.

tips:

• Add 1–2 tbsp balsamic vinegar for a sweet-tangy depth.

• Use hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick.