Hey there, fellow food lover! If you’re looking for a cozy, effortless meal that’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly, then you’ve hit the jackpot with this crockpot sausage and peppers recipe! I remember the first time I made this dish for a family gathering; it was a chilly Sunday evening, and I wanted something comforting yet simple. Everyone kept coming back for seconds, and I ended up sharing the recipe with half the family! Trust me, once you toss everything into the slow cooker, you can forget about it for hours while it does all the magic. I’ve been using my slow cooker for years now, and this recipe is definitely a go-to. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a relaxed Sunday dinner. Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious dish!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 2 bell peppers (sliced; feel free to use any color you like!)
- 1 onion (sliced; yellow or white works best)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced; because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz; no need to drain, we want that sauce!)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a blend of herbs that makes this dish sing)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season to your liking!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Step-by-Step Preparation
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get into the fun part—preparing this delicious crockpot sausage and peppers! It’s as easy as 1-2-3, so don’t worry if you’re new to cooking!
- Start by placing the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic right in the bottom of your crockpot. This veggie base is going to soak up all the wonderful flavors!
- Next, lay the sliced Italian sausage on top of those colorful vegetables. It’s important to spread them out a bit so they cook evenly. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
- Now, grab that can of diced tomatoes and pour it over the sausage. No need to drain it; we want all that juicy goodness to meld together as it cooks.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, and don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can make it your own—feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preferences!
- Once everything is in the pot, cover it up and set your crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low—it’s more forgiving, and you can enjoy a stress-free day!
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, give everything a good stir to combine those flavors. Taste it and see if it needs a little more seasoning. You’re the chef here!
- Finally, when it’s all cooked and delicious, serve it hot with crusty bread or over rice. Just look at all those vibrant colors and know that you’ve made something special!
Tips for Success
To make sure your crockpot sausage and peppers turns out absolutely delicious, here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years:
- Distribute the sausage evenly: When you place the sliced sausage on top of the veggies, try to spread it out instead of piling it all in one spot. This way, every bite gets that savory flavor!
- Tweak the seasoning: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. If you love a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage for that extra kick.
- Mix in other veggies: Feel free to get creative! Zucchini, mushrooms, or even some spinach can add lovely flavors and nutrition. Just be sure to cut them to a similar size as your peppers and onions.
- Make it your own: Whether you’re serving it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, this dish is super versatile. Try experimenting with different sides to find your family’s favorite!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a perfect pot of comfort food that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this comforting dish! Here’s an estimate of what you can expect in each serving of crockpot sausage and peppers. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good ballpark:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 20g
This hearty dish is not only satisfying but also packs a good amount of protein and flavor. So, enjoy every bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious!
FAQ Section
Got some questions about your crockpot sausage and peppers? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few common queries that might pop up:
- Can I use different types of sausage? Absolutely! While Italian sausage is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a spicy chorizo for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it’s cooked through!
- What can I serve with crockpot sausage and peppers? This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or even pasta. You can also serve it over a bed of quinoa for a healthier twist. It’s versatile, so find what your family enjoys most!
- How can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
Hope this helps make your cooking experience even smoother!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation: With minimal chopping and no complicated steps, you can whip this dish together in no time. Just toss everything in your crockpot and let it do the work for you!
- Delicious flavors meld together: The slow cooking process allows all those savory ingredients to blend beautifully, creating a rich and mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Perfect for meal prep: This recipe is ideal for making ahead of time. Cook a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week—it’s even better the next day!
- Family-friendly and satisfying: With its hearty sausage and colorful veggies, this dish appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s a comforting meal that everyone can enjoy together around the table.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious crockpot sausage and peppers is simple! Once it’s cooled down to room temperature, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. This will keep them fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you’re like me and love meal prepping, you can also freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It should keep well for about a month.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. For stovetop reheating, just put it in a pan over medium heat and stir occasionally until it’s piping hot. You might even want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it nice and moist!
Call to Action
I can’t wait for you to try this crockpot sausage and peppers! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you add any special twists? Please leave a comment below to share your experience or rate the recipe! Your feedback means the world to me and helps fellow cooks find the joy in this dish too. And if you’re feeling social, snap a photo of your creation and tag me on social media. Let’s spread the love for cozy, delicious meals together!
Crockpot Sausage and Peppers: 6 Steps to Success!
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious crockpot sausage and peppers recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the Italian sausage on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the canned tomatoes over the sausage.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir before serving to combine the flavors.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage.
- You can add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crockpot sausage and peppers, slow cooker recipes, easy dinner recipes
