Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and onions

Italian crockpot sausage, peppers, and onions is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this slow cooker recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. The combination of juicy sausages, sweet peppers, and savory onions creates a delightful flavor fusion that everyone will love. Enjoy it on its own, toss it on a bun, or top it with melted cheese for an added treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker does all the work.
• Flavorful: The mixture of seasonings and marinara sauce ensures every bite is packed with taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as a main dish, in sandwiches, or over rice for different meal experiences.
• Family-Friendly: Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or toppings, making it appealing to all ages.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers; simply store in the fridge for easy meals later in the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Tongs
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring flavors meld beautifully over time.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning sausages before slow cooking, enhancing their flavor.
• Tongs: Help easily flip sausages without losing juices or flavor during preparation.

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Ingredients

To create this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Sausage Mixture

• 1 pkg Italian sausages (5, uncooked)
• 2 bell peppers, sliced (red & green)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt (or salt + garlic powder)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce (Rao’s recommended)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2-3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (optional) (not pre-shredded)

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions

Step 1: Prepare the Sausages

1. Heat a skillet on medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Sear the Italian sausages for 2-3 minutes on each side until they start to brown. This step enhances their flavor.
3. Once browned, transfer the sausages to the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasoning

1. Layer the sliced onions and peppers over the browned sausages in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over the vegetables.

Step 3: Add Sauce

1. Pour marinara sauce over the onion and pepper mixture ensuring everything is well-coated.

Step 4: Cook Your Dish

1. Cover your slow cooker with its lid.
2. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours until peppers are soft and sausages are fully cooked through.

Enjoy your flavorful Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and onions

Serving Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions is simple and versatile. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a great choice for any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

On a Bun

• Serve the sausage and peppers in a toasted bun for a delicious sandwich. Add some cheese on top and broil for extra flavor.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Spoon the sausage and pepper mixture over cooked rice or quinoa. This will soak up the tasty sauce, creating a hearty meal.

With Pasta

• Mix with your favorite pasta for an Italian-inspired dish. The marinara sauce pairs perfectly with al dente noodles.

As a Standalone Dish

• Enjoy it straight from the slow cooker as a filling main course. Top with fresh herbs for added flavor.

With Cheese

• Broil shredded mozzarella or provolone over the mixture before serving for a cheesy finish. This adds richness to the dish.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and onions

To ensure your Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Sear the sausages: Browning the sausages before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavor significantly.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and onions will add vibrant flavor and texture compared to frozen options.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Feel free to add more garlic salt or Italian seasoning according to your preference.

• Choose quality sauce: A high-quality marinara sauce makes all the difference in this dish. Rao’s is highly recommended for its rich flavor.

• Let it rest: Allowing the finished dish to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together better.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and onions

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions can enhance your meal further. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful dish well.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate.
2. Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad adds crunch and balances out the richness of the sausage dish.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide color, nutrition, and additional flavor on the side.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the savory sausage, adding a nice crunch.
5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting base that pairs wonderfully with saucy dishes.
6. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add freshness without overpowering the main dish’s flavors.
7. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with herbs can serve as a refreshing side that complements the main course well.
8. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges make an excellent finger food option alongside this hearty dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can greatly enhance the flavor and texture of your Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the Searing: Not browning the sausages before adding them to the slow cooker can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Always take a few minutes to sear them first.

• Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Filling the pot too full can prevent even cooking. Make sure there’s enough space for heat circulation; follow the recommended serving sizes.

• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can lead to bland results. Always sample your dish before serving and tweak as necessary.

• Using Low-Quality Sauce: Poor-quality marinara can affect the overall taste. Choose a good brand or make your own sauce for the best flavor.

• Not Allowing Enough Cook Time: Rushing the cooking process can leave your sausages undercooked. Stick to the timing suggestions for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and onions

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
• Portion into smaller servings for easy thawing.

Reheating Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and onions

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe containers, covered, at medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions:

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with chicken, turkey, or beef sausages for variations in flavor.

How can I customize my Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and onions?

Add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or switch up seasonings according to your taste preferences.

What should I serve with this dish?

Serve it with crusty bread, over rice, or on a bun as a sandwich for a delightful meal experience.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep; simply store it according to storage instructions above.

Final Thoughts

The Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers and Onions is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it suitable for any occasion. Give it a try today, and enjoy its rich flavors!