Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of Italian sausages simmering with colorful bell peppers and onions in your crockpot.
With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set this delightful dish on a slow simmer and forget about it while you tackle your busy day.
Whether you’re planning to serve it over pasta or tuck it into a hoagie roll, this comforting meal is sure to satisfy. But there’s more to discover…
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 whole Italian sausages
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Sausage and Peppers Crockpot recipe, follow this timeline:
- Reading the Recipe (5 minutes):
- Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (15 minutes):
- Gather ingredients: Italian sausages, olive oil, red and green bell peppers, yellow onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Gather equipment: Crockpot, knife, cutting board, and skillet.
- Slice the red and green bell peppers and yellow onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Cooking (4 hours):
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the sausages for about 5 minutes, turning to guarantee all sides are browned.
- Transfer the browned sausages to the crockpot.
- Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot.
- Stir the ingredients to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider removing the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Resting Time (5 minutes):
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serving:
- Serve the sausage and peppers over pasta or in a hoagie roll for a complete meal.
This timeline helps you efficiently manage your time, guaranteeing a smooth preparation and cooking process for the Sausage and Peppers Crockpot dish.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Brown the sausages in the skillet for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
Transfer the sausages to the crockpot.
Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the crockpot.
Add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Stir the ingredients in the crockpot to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Over Pasta: Serve the sausage and peppers over your favorite pasta, such as penne or spaghetti, for a hearty Italian meal.
- In a Hoagie Roll: Place the sausage and peppers in a hoagie roll for a delicious and easy-to-eat sandwich.
- With Rice: Pair the dish with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- On a Bed of Polenta: Serve over creamy polenta for a comforting and satisfying dish.
- With Crusty Bread: Accompany the dish with crusty bread to mop up the delicious juices and enhance the meal.
Storage
Store any leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.
Freezing
To freeze sausage and peppers, allow the dish to cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with date.
Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Sausage and Peppers, use a microwave or stovetop.
For the microwave, cover and heat on medium power.
On the stovetop, heat gently, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
The Sausage and Peppers Crockpot recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish.
It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort.
By using a crockpot, the flavors meld together beautifully over the course of a few hours.
The combination of Italian sausages, bell peppers, and onions creates a classic Italian-American flavor profile.
Remember to brown the sausages first to enhance their taste before adding them to the crockpot.
This step is essential for achieving that rich, savory flavor.
The dish can be customized to your taste preferences by choosing either sweet or spicy sausages.
Additionally, adjusting the seasoning allows for flexibility in flavor intensity.
For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
Serve this delightful dish over pasta or in a hoagie roll for a satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Sausages Instead of Italian Sausages?
You can definitely swap chicken sausages for Italian ones. They’ll add a lighter flavor, but make sure they’re well-browned first. Adjust the seasoning slightly to maintain the dish’s balance. Experiment and enjoy your personalized twist!
Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives for This Recipe?
You’ve got options! Swap Italian sausages with plant-based sausages. They offer a similar texture and flavor. Confirm they’re browned well for depth. Pair them with vibrant peppers and onions, and you’ll have a tasty vegetarian dish.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Sausage and Peppers?
You’re thinking of side dishes? Go for a warm, crusty bread to soak up flavors. A fresh green salad or creamy polenta also makes a delightful pairing, adding brightness and texture to your meal. Enjoy!
How Spicy Are Italian Sausages Typically?
Italian sausages typically range from mild to spicy, depending on your preference. You’ll find the sweet variety offers a gentle, flavorful taste, while spicy sausages bring a delightful kick, perfect for those who love heat in their dishes.
Can I Make This Recipe in an Oven Instead of a Crockpot?
You can definitely make this in the oven. Just brown the sausages, then combine everything in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour. You’ll enjoy the same delicious flavors!
Sausage and Peppers Crockpot Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 whole Italian sausages
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large red bell pepper sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper sliced
- 1 large yellow onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the sausages in the skillet for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
- Transfer the sausages to the crockpot.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the crockpot.
- Add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir the ingredients in the crockpot to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
