If you’re looking for the perfect summertime dish, then you’ll love this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe. Italian sausage, bell peppers, marinara tomato sauce, sweet yellow onions, and seasonings are just a few of the common things that are used to make it. This is an easy recipe for quickly making a main course dish.
Cooking sausage and peppers in a crock pot is a great hands-off way to make a flavorful hearty meal. The low slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together while the sausage becomes perfectly tender. But exactly how long does it take to cook sausage and peppers in a crock pot?
The cooking time can vary somewhat depending on a few factors:
- Type of sausage used
- Amount of sausage and peppers
- Model of crock pot
- If the ingredients are frozen vs. thawed
In general, cooking sausage and peppers in a crock pot takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high Allowing plenty of time for the flavors to blend together results in the best outcome
Here’s a more in-depth look at how long to cook sausage and peppers in a crock pot, along with tips for maximizing flavor and texture:
Selecting the Right Sausage
The first step is choosing quality sausages that will hold up well during slow cooking. Good options include:
- Italian sausages (sweet or hot)
- Bratwurst
- Kielbasa
- Chorizo
Leaner sausages like chicken apple sausage can also work but may require a shorter cook time. Avoid very lean sausages as they can become dry and crumbly with extended cooking.
Pre-cooked sausages are not recommended, as they will overcook and dry out. Always opt for raw, uncooked sausages when making this dish in the crock pot.
Amount of Sausage and Peppers
The total amount of sausage and peppers may require adjusting the cook time.
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Smaller amounts (2-3 sausages and 2-3 peppers) – Will likely cook faster, around 3-5 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high.
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Larger quantities (4+ sausages and 4+ peppers) – Will need more time to cook through, around 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
To ensure even cooking, try to keep the sausage and pepper layer fairly uniform in thickness in the crock pot.
Crock Pot Model and Settings
Not all crock pots heat to the exact same temperature, which can impact total cook time. Check your manual to see if your specific model runs hot or cool.
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Hotter crock pots – Food may cook faster than the times given so check early for doneness.
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Cooler crock pots – May require adding more time to the estimates to ensure the sausage cooks through.
Get to know your crock pot’s quirks to adapt recipes accordingly. And always verify the internal temperature of the sausage with a meat thermometer.
Frozen vs. Thawed
For best flavor and texture, thaw frozen sausage and peppers overnight in the fridge before cooking.
If short on time, add 1-2 hours to the cook time if starting with frozen ingredients to allow for thorough thawing and cooking.
Stir occasionally to help distribute heat evenly around partially frozen foods. And as always, check that the sausage reaches a safe internal temperature above 160°F.
Step-by-Step Guide
Now let’s walk through the simple process of cooking sausage and peppers in a crock pot:
1. Prep the ingredients
- Slice bell peppers into strips
- Peel and slice onion
- Mince garlic
- Slice raw sausages into bite-sized pieces
2. Brown the sausages (optional)
- Adds flavor from caramelization
- Cook in batches if needed
- Remove browned sausages and set aside
3. Layer peppers and onions in crock pot
- Creates a bed for the sausages
- Allows flavors to mingle
4. Add browned sausages
- Arrange in an even layer over the peppers
5. Season
- Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning etc.
6. Pour in crushed tomatoes or sauce
- Provides moisture and flavor
7. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours
- Allow time for flavors to develop
- Check for doneness at minimum time
And that’s all there is to it! With a simple layering method and the right amount of time, you’ll have tender, flavor-packed sausage and peppers cooked to perfection in your crock pot.
Flavor and Texture Tips
To take your sausage and peppers to the next level, keep these tips in mind:
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Sear or brown the sausages first for caramelized flavor
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Use flavorful sausages like Italian or chorizo
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Add vegetables like diced tomatoes, onion, garlic
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Use bell peppers in different colors for visual appeal
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Make sure peppers are cut into large pieces to retain texture
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Add herbs, spices, wine etc. to customize flavor
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Allow plenty of time for the flavored to develop fully
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Check for doneness with a meat thermometer to confirm safety
Serving Suggestions
Once your sausage and peppers are cooked to tender, juicy perfection in the crock pot, here are some tasty ways to serve them:
- On a hoagie roll as subs
- Scooped over rice or pasta
- Inside tacos or fajitas
- On pizza
- Mixed into omelets
- Served over mashed potatoes
- As a topping for nachos
- On a platter with crusty bread
This versatile, family-friendly dish is one to add into your regular meal planning rotation. By selecting quality ingredients, layering them properly in the crock pot, and allowing an ample cook time, you’ll achieve outstanding results each time.
Common Questions
How do you know when sausage and peppers are done in a crock pot?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature of the sausage. It should reach 160°F. The peppers will be fork tender when fully cooked.
Can you overcook sausage and peppers in a crock pot?
It is possible to overcook them if left for a very extended period of time, causing the peppers to become mushy and sausages dried out. As long as you follow the recommended cook times and monitor doneness, overcooking should not be an issue.
Is it necessary to brown the sausages first?
Browning adds great flavor, but it is not essential. You can simply add the raw sausage to the crock pot and allow the long cook time to fully cook it.
What liquids can be used in sausage and peppers?
Tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, broth, beer, and wine all make good options. Avoid using too much liquid or the dish may become watery.
Should you stir sausage and peppers while cooking in a crock pot?
An occasional gentle stir can help distribute flavors and heat evenly. But in general, stirring is not necessary and you simply layer the ingredients and let them slowly cook.
The Perfect Combo
Cooking sausage and peppers in a crock pot marries two classic ingredients into one fantastic dish. With the right techniques and cook times, you’re guaranteed tender, juicy, and flavor-packed results every time.
Aim for at least 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 on high, adjust for your specific crock pot model, and use a thermometer to verify doneness. Then serve up this hearty meal in creative ways the whole family will love. Happy crock pot cooking!
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Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
- ▢ 2 lbs. sweet Italian sausage
- ▢ 24 oz. jar marinara sauce
- ▢ 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- ▢ 1 green bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- ▢ 1 yellow bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- ▢ 2 yellow onions, peeled and sliced
- ▢ 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ▢ salt and pepper to taste
- Slice and deseed the bell peppers and slice the onions. Mince the garlic.
- Add all ingredients to the crock pot.
- Put the lid on top and set the temperature to low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Take the sausages out of the crock pot after 6 hours and cut them into small pieces. Add back to the crock pot and stir.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
- You could use ground sausage, spicy Italian sausage, hot Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or beef sausage instead.
- Once the sausage and peppers dish is completely cool, put it in a container that won’t let air in and put it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- This recipe will freeze well. Put it in a container that can go in the freezer and keep it there for up to three months.
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Why you should try this sausage and peppers recipe
It’s great to have a quick meal ready that doesn’t need a lot of ingredients, a big skillet, or the oven to be heated up. And having a recipe like this on hand is even more important for something that can be used in many ways and feeds a lot of people.
I love how the sausage tastes with the peppers and onions, and the marinara sauce makes it all better. Check out my serving suggestions to see the many things this delicious meal can be paired with.
- Italian Sausage: For extra flavor, I like to use sweet Italian sausage, but you can use any brand and flavor you like. If you like things a little spicy, hot Italian sausage is a great choice.
- It’s impossible to have too many peppers in this dish, so feel free to use a red, yellow, and green bell pepper that have all been peeled and cut into strips.
- Sweet Yellow Onion: To make this sausage and peppers dish heartier, I suggest slicing and chopping two small onions.
- Marinara Sauce: Any brand of marinara sauce will do. You’ll need a big jar (at least 24 ounces).
- Seasonings: Black pepper and salt finish off the taste.
- Garlic: I use 4 cloves of garlic in this recipe because I think more garlic makes it taste better.
Step One – Slice and deseed the bell peppers and slice the onions. Mince the garlic.
Step Two – Add all ingredients to the crock pot. Cover and cook the sausage peppers and onions on LOW for 6 hours (or HIGH for 4 hours).
Step Three: Once the time is up, take the sausages out of the crock pot and cut them into small pieces. Then, add back to the crock pot and stir.
Step Four – Then, add back to the crock pot and stir. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve and enjoy!.
- People love to put this pepper recipe on top of mashed potatoes, white rice, or cauliflower rice.
- You can also put a drained serving on a hoagie roll or hoagie buns.
- It can be made into a pasta dish by adding cooked penne pasta. You could also serve this with garlic bread or garlic sticks.
- It would taste great with dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning if you want to add even more flavor.
- When it comes to sides, a small side salad is always a good choice.
There should be red, yellow, and green bell peppers, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. You should also have marinara sauce. You will need the following supplies: a slow cooker (6 quart or bigger).
Once the sausage and peppers dish is completely cool, put it in a container that won’t let air in and put it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This recipe will freeze well. Store in a freezer safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
They cook perfectly in the crock pot. You could quickly brown them before putting them in the crock pot if you like the way the outside is charred. This is just personal preference and is not necessary.
Yes, you can. If you only want to use crushed tomatoes, I suggest adding more seasonings, like Italian seasoning, chili powder, olive oil, and fire-roasted tomatoes.
Turkey sausage, spicy Italian sausage, hot Italian sausage, ground sausage, or beef sausage would all be great substitutions.
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