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.
Adriana Lopez Martin says
What a nice option for a weekly dinner and not to mention for game day night, perfect to feed a crowd! I am planning my menu for the Super Bowl and I bet this dish will be loved by everyone. Thanks for the idea!
Staci says
This is now my go-to sausage and peppers recipe, thank you! Do the nutrition facts include the sandwich roll?
Jillian says
Hi Staci, I just undated the recipe card to include the sandwich roll.
Staci says
Thank you!
Marie says
What a fantastic dump and cook recipe! This would be a big hit at parties. Thank you for providing make ahead and freezer meal directions too.
Natalie says
Looks so delicious and comforting! Perfect for cold winter days!
Geri Vorse says
Can you add cut up uncooked chicken breast to this?
Thank you GG
Jillian says
Yes, that will work, too.
Laura | Wandercooks says
Oh my god, your photos are making my mouth-water, especially the idea to serve this on fresh bread rolls – to die for!
Tisha says
OH my!!! So much flavor I need to get my hands on these!
Brian Jones says
I make my own sausages all of the time and always have a stock in the freezer, this is the perfect lazy day dinner for me!
Dayna says
This slow cooker recipe is one of my all time FAVES!
Ant P says
Hi, do you need to cook the sausages first before or just at them thawed?
Jillian says
Just add them thawed. 🙂
mimi rippee says
This looks fabulous, and I love sausage anything! But I hadn’t thought about using it like a sandwich. Almost like a meatball sub, but a sausage. With peppers in a lovely tomato sauce! Fabulous!
Jillian says
Thank you, and eating it like a sub is life-changing! 🙂
Kel says
Do the sausages turn out really soft?
Jillian says
No, they turn out like they should.
Kristine Born says
I know this is a fast recipe, but would the sausage be any different if I grilled them first? I am thinking that would eliminate some of the grease.
Jillian says
You can grill the sausages before putting them into the crockpot.
Mike says
We love this recipe, the prep time is short and the full and robust taste makes it a hit every time I make it.
Jillian says
Mike, it’s one of my favorite dinners to make for exactly the same reasons as you stated. So glad you enjoy this recipe. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Kim says
Is this a keto friendly recipe???
Jillian says
I am not an expert on the Keto diet. With that said, I do not believe this is Keto-friendly because it has too many carbs.
Nicole says
Do you think I could do this on high for half the time??
Jillian says
Yes, that will work. Enjoy!
Shell says
Hi I was wondering if you can cut up the sausage instead of adding them in whole?
Jillian says
Yes, you can absolutely do that.
Mel says
Thank you for this, it is my favorite recipe for sausage sandwiches! So easy and delicious. We always use any leftover sauce for pasta the next day, 2 yummy meals with minimal effort!
Jillian says
Mel, we do the same at my house! So glad you enjoy the recipe. Thanks for stopping by to let me know! 🙂
Sara says
I have this in the crockpot right now. However, I used just regular brats…think this will turn out ok?
Jillian says
Hi Sara, The brats will definitely cook in time, I just have never tried brats in this recipe so I’m not sure how they will taste. Come back and let me know how they taste!
Tracy says
CAn you triple this recipe? Or would you have to increase cooking times. Looking to make for a crowd.
Jillian says
You can triple the recipe. No need to increase the cooking time. Enjoy!
Amanda says
They taste amazing that way! I’m not a fan of sausage so I went with the brats and I a love it!
Cari says
This has been a staple recipe in my family since I can remember. I always loved when my mom would make this for dinner. Of course she would use the pressure cooker for quick cook options.
We brown the sausage first to 1, give it some color, and 2, for a little more flava. Lol.
Continuing the tradition with my kids, and this is also one of my go to’s for pot luck. Always a hit with that
Thank you, now I’m hungry lol
Donna says
Love this recipe! Have made it several times and will be making it again tonight! So easy, so delicious and a real crowd pleaser!
Lyn says
I enjoyed this recipe, easy to prepare and tasty.
However I would make adjustments cooking this again. I reduced the salt and pepper to 1/2 teaspoon and it was too much. Next time I would completely omit both. The salt was overpowering the rest of the ingredients. I used raw green onion sausage and it was delicious. It cooked through in less than 6 hours and the gravy was good. I served it over rice, and with a toasted hoagie bun as a sandwich. Super easy!
Tabbytha says
The best and easiest recipe ever. I especially like the instructions on making ahead, freezing, and the changes in cooking time based on whether items are refrigerated or frozen.
Jillian says
So glad you enjoy it! I make it often! 🙂
Mary F. Connors says
Miss Jillian,
You said this was the third Crock-Pot you tried and the last one you will ever buy. Could you please tell me what kind it is and maybe post a picture of it.
Thank you,
Mary F. Connors
Jillian says
Hi Mary, in the post I link to the one I have in the Cook’s Tools section. I hope this helps!