Slow Cook Sausage and Peppers with Sauce – A Comfort Classic Made Easy

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of slow-cooked Italian sausage mingled with sweet peppers, onions, and rich marinara sauce wafting through your home. This Slow Cook Sausage and Peppers with Sauce recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers hearty, crave-worthy flavor with minimal effort. It’s rustic, robust, and endlessly versatile—perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or an easy meal prep solution that tastes better the next day.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a satisfying home-cooked meal that doesn’t involve standing at the stove for hours, this recipe is a surefire winner. With simple ingredients and the magic of a slow cooker, this dish checks every box: it’s easy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is ideal for busy home cooks, weeknight warriors, and anyone who loves the bold flavors of Italian cuisine without all the fuss. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned crockpot pro, this meal is effortless yet impressive. It’s also perfect for:

• Meal preppers looking for big-batch recipes.

• Low-carb or keto eaters (just skip the bun or use a low-carb alternative).

• Entertainers needing a hearty dish that can sit warm during a game night or potluck.

• Families that need a weeknight go-to everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a look at what goes into this savory slow-cooked sausage and pepper dish:

• 1 package Italian sausages (5 links, uncooked)

• 2 bell peppers, sliced (use one red and one green for color and flavor contrast)

• 1 large onion, sliced

• ½ tsp garlic salt (or a mix of salt and garlic powder)

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce (Rao’s is recommended for its low sugar and rich flavor)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½–¾ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (optional) — avoid pre-shredded for best melt and taste

Equipment You’ll Need

To make this recipe from start to finish, here’s what you’ll want on hand:

• Slow cooker or Crockpot (5–6 quart size is ideal)

• Large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best for searing)

• Sharp knife (for slicing peppers and onions)

• Cutting board

• Measuring spoons

• Spatula or tongs

• Oven (for broiling, optional)

• Baking sheet (if broiling cheese or assembling in buns)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Sausages

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sear each Italian sausage for 2–3 minutes per side. You’re not trying to cook them through, just creating a golden brown crust for added depth of flavor.

2. Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place the browned sausages in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top them with sliced onions and bell peppers. Sprinkle garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over the top.

3. Add the Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce over the veggies. Spread it gently to make sure all ingredients are coated.

4. Slow Cook

Cover and cook on:

• High for 3–4 hours

• Low for 6–7 hours

Sausages will be juicy and tender, and the peppers will be melt-in-your-mouth soft.

5. Add Cheese (Optional)

If using cheese, sprinkle ½ to ¾ cup of freshly shredded mozzarella (or any preferred white cheese like Monterey Jack or Italian blend) over the sausage and pepper mix.

Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish or leave it in the removable crockpot insert. Broil for 1–2 minutes on high, about 4 inches from the heat source, until bubbly and golden.

6. Serve It Up

This dish is fantastic served on toasted buns with melted cheese or spooned over pasta, zoodles, or even mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Avoid pre-shredded cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese delivers the best texture.

• Customize your sausages: Use hot, sweet, or mild Italian sausage based on your preference. Chicken or turkey sausage works too.

• Boost the veggies: Add mushrooms or zucchini slices for extra nutrition.

• Sauce swap: Rao’s marinara is low in sugar and high in flavor, but feel free to use your favorite pasta sauce or homemade marinara.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezer

Freeze in individual or family-size portions for up to 3 months. Let cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or sauce if needed to loosen the mixture.

Delicious Pairings

Here are some tasty ways to round out your sausage and peppers meal:

Sides:

• Garlic bread or ciabatta rolls

• Pasta (penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni)

• Cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower (keto option)

• A crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette

Drinks:

• A bold red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel

• Sparkling water with lemon

• Italian soda or a cold lager beer

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen sausages?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before searing and slow cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.

Do I have to sear the sausages first?

While it’s technically optional, searing dramatically improves flavor and texture. The Maillard reaction (browning) brings depth and complexity you won’t get from slow cooking alone.

Can I skip the cheese?

Absolutely. The dish is flavorful enough without it. The cheese is an optional indulgence.

How can I make this low-carb?

Skip the bun and serve your sausage and peppers in a bowl or over riced cauliflower or spiralized zucchini.

Is it spicy?

Only if you choose hot Italian sausage. For a milder version, use sweet or mild sausage and adjust spices to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about combining humble ingredients into a comforting dish that feels like home. This Slow Cook Sausage and Peppers with Sauce recipe is rich in Italian-inspired flavor, customizable to suit different dietary needs, and easy enough for any skill level. Whether served on a toasted bun, over pasta, or straight from the bowl, it’s a meal that satisfies on every level.

It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to slow down and savor—a perfect antidote to a busy day and a crowd-pleaser for every kind of eater.

Love It? Share It!

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Let’s make every meal memorable—one slow-cooked bite at a time.