The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers is a classic Italian-American comfort food dish. I’ve added my spin on it by cooking it in the crockpot! I included make-ahead and freezer meal directions in this post!
This simple comfort meal costs about $12.92 to make and serves eight. That is only $1.62 per serving. For a complete meal, serve it alongside this Italian Salad and this Baked Mac and Cheese.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe is in one word: effortless! You dump all of the ingredients into the slow cooker insert and let it cook!
This recipe is loaded with peppers, onion, and Italian sausage! I love this recipe because you make the sauce along with the sausage and peppers. It doesn’t get any easier than that!
This crockpot Sausage and Peppers recipe is fabulous for weeknight dinners, and it’s a favorite for serving for game day, tailgating, and even potlucks!
Can you put raw sausages in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cooking the sausage raw in the crockpot with the veggies, seasonings, and sauce will produce a tasty, juicy, and tender piece of sausage that is cooked to perfection.
Can I use frozen sausages in the slow cooker?
Yes! From the freezer, add everything to the slow cooker—cook on high for 1 1/2 hours, and then on low for 6 hours.
What sides to make with sausage and peppers?
A few of my favorite side dishes to serve with this meal are:
- Boston Baked Beans
- Food Truck Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
- Skillet Green Beans
- Panera’s Mac and Cheese
- Creamy Homemade Coleslaw
- Crispy Baked Oven Fries
How to make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe:
STEP ONE: First, place the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir the ingredients together.
STEP TWO: Next, add the veggies. Stir to combine.
STEP THREE: To finish, cover, and cook on low for six hours. Before serving, stir in the chopped basil.
Cook’s Tools:
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- large slow cooker (This is the 3rd slow cooker I’ve tried, and the last one I’ll ever buy!)
Cook’s Note – Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers:
- You can use a mix of hot, sweet, or mild Italian sausage in this recipe; use what you love! I like using a mix of hot and sweet.
- You can serve these on some nice Italian rolls or grinders, as I did. They’re also delicious served over pasta or on their own!
- If you love sausage and peppers, then you need to try my Pasta recipe!
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers MAKE-AHEAD DIRECTIONS:
Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker insert and place it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to cook the sausage and peppers, place the insert on the slow cooker base, cook on high for 30 minutes, and then on low for 6 hours.
FREEZER MEAL DIRECTIONS:
Place all of the ingredients in a zip-top freezer bag. Squeeze all of the air out of the bag before sealing the top, and place it in the freezer.
These sausages and peppers will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. From the freezer, add everything to the slow cooker—cook on high for 1 1/2 hours, and then on low for 6 hours.
How much will this Sausage and Peppers in the Slow Cooker recipe cost to make:
RECIPE COST: $12.92
PER SERVING COST: $1.62
NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes – $1.64
- ¼ cup chicken broth – $0.08
- 1 teaspoon salt – $0.06
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – $0.07
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano – $0.03
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds – $0.18
- ½ teaspoon dried basil – $0.10
- 8 Italian sausage links – $3.91
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – $0.01
- 1 large green bell pepper – $0.58
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves – $1.96
- 1 large yellow onion – $0.62
- 8 fresh Italian sandwich rolls – $3.68
How long are these sausage and peppers good for:
SERVE: Like with all recipes involving meat, you can keep this dish at room temperature for up to two hours before it will need to be stored in the refrigerator.
STORE: You can keep the sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
More Slow Cooker Recipes:
- Crockpot Little Smokies
- Easy Crockpot Chili
- Crockpot Spare Ribs
- Refried Beans
- Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
- Sweet Chipotle Pork Tacos
- Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Chicken Gyro Bowls
- Beef Stew
- Crockpot Broccoli Casserole
- Kielbasa Kapusta
- Ham Chowder
- Pot Roast
- Baked Ziti
Sausage and Peppers made in a Slow Cooker!
Ingredients
SAUCE:
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup Marsala wine or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
SAUSAGE MIXTURE:
- 8 Italian sausage links thawed
- 1 large green bell pepper seeded and sliced
- 1 large yellow onion sliced
FOR FINISHING:
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 8 fresh Italian sandwich rolls toasted
Instructions
- Place the sauce ingredients into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Add the sausage, bell peppers, and onions; stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Stir in the chopped basil.
- Serve over sandwich rolls.
Video
Notes
- I like to use a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage, but you can use any variety you'd like.
- You can add up to 4 more sausages without having to increase the amounts of the other ingredients.
Nutrition
This post first appeared on FFF on October 28, 2016. I’ve since updated the pictures and added a recipe video.
Lymda says
This recipe for sausage and peppers will suit my daughters family lifestyle well. I am curious…..how many will it serve?
Thank you and keep up the good common sense work.
Jillian says
I would say this recipe would easily serve 8 (1 sausage link per person). If her family has little kids, it would serve more. I hope this helps!
Sarah says
Hey! I’d like to make this tonight. Would I be able to use regular style bratwursts?
Jillian says
Sure, give it a try! Let me know how it turned out!
Kris says
The sausage and peppers were delicious. Didn’t change a thing.
Jillian says
Kris, I’m SO glad you loved the recipe! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Silvia says
Is the sausage pre cooked before placing it in the slow cooker ?
Jillian says
Hi Silvia, the sausage is not precooked before you put it in the slow cooker.
Sylvia says
I have used this recipe just not in the slow cooker. Thanks
Jillian says
Glad you liked it!
Lorna says
Jillian,
Has this recipe been tried with turkey sausages? How would you adjust the cooking time, if at all?
Jillian says
You can definitely use turkey sausage, and no need to alter the cooking time. Let me know how it turns out for you!
Kathryn says
Do you think this would be ok left on low longer than 6 hours? I’m trying to decide if I can make this during the week (I’m out of the house about 10 hours) or if its a weekend meal. I can set my crock pot to a certain length of time then it goes to warm.
Jillian says
I think it will be fine. And I would definitely set it to warm if you can. Also, with the extra cooking time you might want to add a little bit of water so the sauce doesn’t reduce too much.
Michelle says
Do the sausages need to be frozen or not? Thank you
Jillian says
Hi Michelle, the sausages should be thawed.
Valarie says
Sounds so yummy! Can I add more bell pepper and/or onion? 1 of each sounds skimpy for 8 servings of adults! (we love bell peppers and onions!) not trying to change your dish, sounds perfect as is. Just wondering if I could cheat a little?
Jillian says
You absolutely can add more bell pepper and onion! Let me know hoe it turns out for you!
Marcy says
Could this be cooked for a shorter time on high? I’m getting a late start!.
Jillian says
You bet, 3 hours on high should work. Just make sure you stir them every hour so the tomato sauce doesn’t burn around the slow cooker’s edges.
Anna says
I’ve already tried this once and loved it. I’m going to a picnic and I’m wondering can you double this recipe for a larger crowd? And how would that affect the cooking time?
Jillian says
Hi, Anna! When doubling this recipe you don’t need to increase the cooking time. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold a double batch!
Michaela says
Hi Jillian! Can I cut the sausage up before putting it in the slow cooker?
Jillian says
I have never tried it, but I bet you could. The slices might look a little misshapen once they’re cooked through.
Chris says
I only have tomatoe sauce? Is this ok?
Jillian says
Chris, that should still work. Enjoy!
Robert says
Hi Jillian,
Thanks very much for this recipe. It was yummy in my tummy. I’m going to make this regularly from now on.
I halved the recipe because it’s just us two. The two left in the picture are for my girl. They will be gone in 1 – 2 hours or so.
I couldn’t get the Italian sandwich rolls here in The Netherlands. So I baked Ciabatta.
My result is here : https://imgur.com/gallery/FFeLa
Jillian says
Yum, Ciabatta with this recipe would be amazing! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your recipe results! 🙂
Don Spera says
Do you include all the I ingredients in the bowl to put in the fridge overnigjt…or just the sausage, peppers and onions?
Jillian says
Hi Don, you can throw everything into the slow cooker insert, and then cover and place in the fridge overnight. Just give everything a good stir before slow cooking. I hope this helps!
Julie Breining says
Do you take the casing off the sausage?
Jillian says
Nope, leave the casing on.
joshua says
I have links that are wrapped as in a spiral of link not sandwich size. Should I cut the whole thing into sandwich size links or leave it whole until after cooking. I’m worried cutting the casing will change this somehow?
Jillian says
Wait to cut the links until after it cooks. I hope this helps!
Raygene says
I have sausage links, and wanted to know if I should cut them or leave them whole?
Jillian says
I’d cut them apart before placing them in the slow cooker. But honestly, either way will do.
Daisy says
Can you make this on the stovetop?
Jillian says
Yes, it will just need some babysitting and stirring.
Dave says
Hi, I was thinking about cooking the sausage separately and just doing the vegetables and sauce in the crockpot, so my non-meat eaters can enjoy it too. Do you think that will work out ok? Should I add something to the crock pot to account for not having the sausage in there? thanks!
Jillian says
I think that it will work just fine! If you want, you can double up on the veggies in this recipe.
ColleenB.~ Tx. says
Doesn’t say in instructions but was wondering; Do You remove the skin from the sausages before cooking?
Jillian says
Hi Colleen, you keep the skin/casing on the sausage. I think you can kind of see that in the pictures.
Best,
Jillian