If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet easy to make, then my Italian sausage and peppers crockpot recipe is just what you need! Imagine coming home to a warm, savory dish that’s been simmering all day, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. The beauty of using a crockpot is that you can set it and forget it—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. I remember the first time I made this dish; my family couldn’t get enough! The combination of juicy sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic garlic is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your home, too!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (you can choose sweet or spicy based on your taste)
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color you love, but I usually go for a mix of red and yellow for extra sweetness!)
- 1 onion, sliced (white or yellow works best for a nice flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (don’t drain them; the juices add great flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (this really ties all the flavors together)
- Salt and pepper to taste (always taste as you go!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the sausage; it adds a lovely richness)
How to Prepare the Italian Sausage and Peppers Crockpot
Getting this Italian sausage and peppers crockpot dish ready is a breeze! I promise you’ll love how simple it is. This dish practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you! Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. This adds flavor and helps brown the sausage.
- Once the oil is hot, add the 1 pound of Italian sausage. Brown it for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until it gets nice color. This step adds great flavor!
- Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked; it will finish cooking in the crockpot.
- Now, layer the sliced bell peppers and onion in the bottom of your crockpot. This creates a lovely bed for the sausage to rest on.
- Place the browned sausage right on top of the vegetables. It’s okay if it overlaps a bit; it’ll all cook together beautifully.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic over everything. Trust me, this is where your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, juices included. This adds moisture and flavor that will meld together as it cooks.
- Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just let it do its thing!
- When it’s done, serve it warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this dish. You can serve it over pasta or with some crusty bread for a complete meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy days!
- Combines rich flavors of Italian sausage and fresh veggies in one pot.
- Healthy and gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone.
- Minimal prep time means more time for you to relax.
- Versatile—serve it over pasta, in a sub, or with crusty bread!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, if there are any!
- Easy for beginners—no complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip browning the sausage! It adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the dish.
- Feel free to mix up the veggies! Zucchini or mushrooms can be great additions.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste—always taste as you go to get it just right!
- If you’re in a hurry, you can slice the sausage instead of browning it whole, but browning is best for flavor.
- Make sure to cover the crockpot properly to prevent moisture from escaping; this keeps everything nice and juicy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; the flavors just get better!
Nutritional Information
This Italian sausage and peppers crockpot dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition! Here’s a quick overview of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this hearty meal while keeping an eye on your nutritional needs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your Italian sausage and peppers crockpot dish is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of water or broth to bring back the moisture. Trust me, the flavors will have mingled even more, making your next meal just as delightful as the first!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen Italian sausage?
Yes, you can use frozen sausage! Just make sure to brown it in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. It may need a little extra cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or even hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms to keep the dish delicious and filling.
What should I serve it with?
This Italian sausage and peppers crockpot dish is great on its own, but I recommend serving it over pasta, in a sub, or with some crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful juices!
How do I know when it’s done cooking?
It’s done when the sausage is fully cooked and the veggies are tender. You can check the sausage with a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (71°C).
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough, and you may need to adjust cooking times slightly if you add a lot more ingredients.
Italian Sausage and Peppers Crockpot: 10-Minute Setup!
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and tasty Italian sausage and peppers dish made in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the Italian sausage for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Layer the sliced bell peppers and onion in the crockpot.
- Add the browned sausage on top of the vegetables.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve warm, enjoy!
Notes
- Use sweet or spicy sausage based on your preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: italian sausage and peppers crockpot, slow cooker recipes, easy dinner recipes
