Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers
A hearty and comforting dish made with Italian sausage and peppers, perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Italian sausage (sweet or hot) Mix for balance.
- 1 lb Peppers (red, yellow, green) Cut into strips for color and sweetness.
- 2 large Onions (yellow or sweet) Sliced thick to hold up during cooking.
- 28 oz Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce For a cozy, saucy texture.
- 4 cloves Garlic (fresh, minced) The more, the better!
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
- 1 tsp Black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1 pinch Red pepper flakes To add heat.
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar or red wine (optional) For added flavor.
- 1 tsp Brown sugar (optional) If tomatoes taste acidic.
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the sausage in a skillet for extra flavor. This is optional but recommended.
- Layer the peppers and onions in the slow cooker first before adding the sausage on top.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, sprinkle in the garlic and seasonings, and add the balsamic vinegar if using.
- Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, stirring once if possible.
- Taste and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. Slice the sausages into smaller pieces if desired.
Notes
For a lighter sauce, skim off excess fat before serving. Add fennel seeds for authentic Italian flavor. This dish is versatile; feel free to swap the sausage type and adjust the spices to your liking.