If you’ve ever wanted a fuss-free, unbelievably flavorful dinner that practically cooks itself, then you’re going to adore this Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe. I remember the first time I made it, and how my house smelled like a cozy Italian kitchen all day long. It’s such a simple recipe, but it never disappoints — perfect for busy weekdays or when you want to impress family without sweating over the stove!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss everything in the Crock Pot, set it, and forget it—no babysitting required.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already.
Rich, Comforting Flavors: The slow cooking melds the sausage and peppers perfectly, creating a sauce that’s bursting with goodness.
Family Favorite: My crew begs for seconds every time I make this, and I bet yours will too!

The dish is served on a white plate with decorative ridges along the edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a mound of soft, white mashed potatoes with a slightly fluffy texture. On top of this is a thick, chunky sauce made of red and orange roasted bell peppers and onions, creating a mix of warm orange, red, and translucent tones. Sitting on the sauce are several browned meat pieces, roughly shaped and textured, richly coated with the sauce, adding a darker brown color layer with hints of red from the sauce. To the right of the plate, there is a silver fork with a shiny smooth texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create that classic Italian flavor combo of savory sausage, sweet peppers, and tangy tomato sauce. When shopping, feel free to grab colorful bell peppers to make your dish pop visually and taste even brighter.

Italian pork sausage: I like using flavorful but not overly spicy sausage; it adds richness and depth.
Bell peppers: Use a mix of colors—red, yellow, green, or orange—for balance and sweetness.
Onion: Yellow or white onions both work well; they add a subtle sweetness when slow-cooked.
Tomato: Fresh tomato adds texture and bright acidity to the sauce.
Spaghetti sauce: A good-quality jarred sauce will save you time and bring home that comforting tomato flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Don’t feel like you have to stick strictly to the recipe—customize and make it your own!

Spicy Kick: I add hot Italian sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, which my spice-loving family goes nuts for.
Vegetarian Version: Swap sausage for plant-based meat alternatives and add mushrooms for extra meaty texture.
Herb Infusion: Fresh basil or oregano stirred in at the end gives it a restaurant-quality finish.
Cheesy Twist: Sometimes I toss in mozzarella cubes toward the end for a melty surprise.

How to Make Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by greasing your Crock Pot lightly—I prefer a quick spray of olive oil to prevent sticking. Then slice your bell peppers, onion, and tomato into even pieces so they cook evenly. Cutting the sausage into 2-inch chunks ensures they stay juicy and tender without breaking apart.

Step 2: Layer and Pour

Add the sliced peppers, onions, and tomato to the bottom of the Crock Pot for even cooking. Next, nestle in the sausage chunks, spreading them out to prevent overcrowding. Pour the spaghetti sauce over everything—this melds all the flavors together as it simmers all day.

Step 3: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Seal the lid and cook on low for about 8 hours. This slow, gentle heat is what makes the sausage tender and lets the peppers and onions soak up all that tomato goodness. If you’re short on time, you can do high for 4 hours, but low and slow is my secret to unbelievably soft peppers and rich flavors.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Cook Sausage First for Extra Flavor: If you have the time, browning sausage pieces in a skillet before adding to the Crock Pot adds a deeper, caramelized flavor.
Don’t Overload the Pot: Give ingredients room to cook evenly; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy peppers.
Stir Midway for Best Results: Give the ingredients a gentle stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and distribute flavors.
Use Fresh Bell Peppers: Fresh peppers hold their color and texture better than frozen—trust me, it makes a difference!

How to Serve Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

A white plate holds a dish with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a fluffy, white mashed texture. The middle layer is a thick, orange-red sauce with cooked onions and small pieces of red and yellow bell peppers. The top layer has three round, brown meatballs covered in the same sauce, with a shiny, slightly oily look. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with part of a red and white cloth and a shiny fork visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally love topping this dish off with freshly chopped basil or parsley. The fresh herbiness brightens the flavors. Sometimes a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers are crusty Italian bread to soak up that rich sauce and a simple green salad for balance. It also pairs wonderfully with creamy polenta or over spaghetti for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or friendly get-togethers, I like serving this in a large rustic bowl right from the Crock Pot with plenty of bread on the side. For a fancy twist, serve the sausage and peppers over cheesy polenta squares and garnish with fresh herbs and toasted pine nuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes amazing as next-day lunch or a quick dinner.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! After cooling completely, I portion it into freezer-safe bags and it keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork in the Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Do I need to brown the sausages before adding them to the Crock Pot?

You don’t have to, especially if you’re short on time, but browning adds extra flavor and a nice texture. I often brown them when I have the chance, but skipping this step still gives excellent results.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a Crock Pot?

Yes! If you switch to an Instant Pot, you’d use the sauté function to brown the sausage and veggies first, then cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. It’s a great shortcut when you can’t wait 8 hours!
How do I prevent the peppers from getting too mushy?

Using fresh, firm bell peppers helps. Also, cooking on low for the recommended time instead of high prevents them from breaking down too much. Cutting into thicker slices rather than very thin strips also keeps some texture.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it combines convenience with big, hearty flavor—and almost everyone I’ve shared it with has asked for the recipe. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some classic comfort food, this dish has your back. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be adding it to your slow-cooker rotation in no time!

Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 52 reviews

Author: Jasmine
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers recipe that combines Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, onions, and tomato simmered slowly in rich spaghetti sauce for a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Sausage

2 lbs. Italian pork sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces

Vegetables

4 bell peppers, any colors, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 tomato, sliced

Sauce

24 oz. spaghetti sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Crock Pot: Grease the inside of the Crock Pot lightly to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Add the Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers, onion, and tomato into even pieces and add them to the Crock Pot as the base layer.
Add the Sausage: Cut the Italian pork sausage into 2-inch pieces; add them on top of the vegetables in the Crock Pot.
Pour Spaghetti Sauce: Pour the entire 24 oz. of spaghetti sauce over the sausage and vegetables, then gently stir the mixture to combine all ingredients evenly.
Cook: Cover with the Crock Pot lid and cook on low for 8 hours, allowing all flavors to meld and sausage to fully cook through.

Notes

For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Vegetables can be adjusted according to preference or availability.
For quicker cooking, use the high setting and cook for 4 hours, but low and slow is recommended for best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg