The Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe is a true comfort food classic that brings vibrant colors, robust flavors, and easy prep together for an unforgettable meal. Imagine tender sweet Italian sausages slowly cooked with colorful red and green peppers, sweet onions, and a rich marinara sauce that melds all those tastes into something truly special. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, hearty dinner that feels like a big, delicious hug. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table with smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collection of cooking ingredients is neatly arranged on a white marbled surface, including a clear yellow tray of five Johnsonville Italian sweet sausages at the center, surrounded by fresh green and red bell peppers, and one large whole onion on the right side. At the top left, there is a large container of McCormick garlic powder with a red lid, a white bowl filled with salt and pepper, a stick of Land O Lakes butter wrapped in paper placed horizontally, a bottle of Italian seasoning with a black lid, and a jar of Rao's homemade marinara sauce with a green lid on the right. The overall layout is clean, with each item clearly visible in a well-organized grid style. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe just right starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in the dish, from the sweetness of the peppers to the savory bite of the Italian sausages.

Red peppers: Adds vibrant color and a sweet, juicy crunch that balances the dish.
Green peppers: Provides a slightly earthier flavor and beautiful contrast to the reds.
Large onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth when slow-cooked alongside the peppers.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance all the fresh flavors perfectly.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that injects an aromatic Italian flair into every bite.
Garlic powder: Offers a mellow garlic presence without overpowering the other ingredients.
Marinara sauce: Loads of rich tomato flavor to tie all the vegetables and sausage together.
Salted butter: Used for browning the sausages, its creaminess deepens the taste.
Johnsonville Italian Sweet Sausages: The star of the dish, juicy and bursting with traditional Italian seasoning.
Hot dog buns or cooked pasta: Essential for serving, providing a trusty base to enjoy every bit of the sauce and sausage.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by slicing the red and green peppers along with the large onion into strips. Layer these colorful, fresh vegetables into your slow cooker, which will become the flavorful base that the sausages slowly cook atop. Season them generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to give the veggies an irresistible aroma right from the start.

Step 2: Add Marinara and Cook the Veggies

Pour the marinara sauce over the seasoned peppers and onions, stirring them gently to coat everything evenly. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for two hours. Cooking the vegetables first lets them soften beautifully and allows their juices to mingle with the tomato sauce, building the flavor foundation for this Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe.

Step 3: Brown the Sausages

While the peppers and onions slowly cook, heat some salted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the Italian sweet sausages on all sides until they develop a golden crust. This step adds a rich, savory depth that takes the dish beyond simple slow cooking. Although optional, I highly recommend browning for that extra layer of flavor and appealing texture.

Step 4: Combine Sausages with Veggies and Continue Cooking

Once browned, nestle the sausages right on top of the cooked vegetables in the crock pot. Cover and let everything cook on low for about four more hours. Aim to stir gently every hour or so, being careful not to break the sausages because they become wonderfully tender as they cook.

Step 5: Optional Slicing and Final Touches

If you’d prefer, remove the sausages after cooking and slice them into rounds before adding them back to the crock pot. This way, every bite can be a perfect pairing of sausage and pepper. It’s a fun twist that gives the meal a slightly different texture and appearance while maintaining all the deliciousness.

How to Serve Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

The image shows a black slow cooker with two separate views side by side on a white marbled surface. On the left side, the slow cooker is filled with cooked sliced bell peppers and onions; the peppers are red, yellow, and green with a soft, slightly shiny texture. On the right side, the same slow cooker is packed with browned sausages neatly arranged in a circular pattern, showing a golden-brown color with a slight crisp on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten up the rich flavors of the sausage and peppers. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top while serving adds an extra layer of indulgence. Don’t forget some crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat to cut through the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own served in soft hot dog buns or alongside cooked pasta to soak up every last bit of that tasty marinara sauce. A simple green salad or steamed veggies make great companions if you want to add some crunch and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe on toasted garlic bread or even as a filling for baked potatoes or stuffed peppers. These creative serving ideas elevate the dish while keeping it approachable and fun for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sausage and peppers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delightful, if not better.

Freezing

If you want to keep this meal longer, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing so the texture stays just right when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warm throughout. If the sauce looks too thick after refrigeration, stir in a splash of water or broth to bring back that perfect crock pot sauciness.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Johnsonville Italian Sweet Sausages are classic here, you can use spicy Italian sausage or even turkey sausage for a leaner option. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

Do I have to brown the sausages before adding them to the crock pot?

Browning definitely adds flavor and texture but isn’t mandatory. You can skip this step and still have delicious results, especially when you’re short on time.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prep the vegetables and seasonings a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Then, assemble and slow cook when you’re ready for dinner.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing after cooking?

Yes, it freezes very well. Just be sure to cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight before reheating for the best texture.

What can I serve this with for a complete meal?

Besides buns and pasta, roasted potatoes or a hearty grain like quinoa or couscous work fantastically. Adding a crisp green salad rounds everything out nicely.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, no-fuss meal bursting with flavor, the Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and brings people together effortlessly. Whether it’s weeknight comfort or weekend casual dining, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. So go ahead, fire up your crock pot and enjoy the love that this beautiful dish brings to your table.