Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

An Easy, Cozy Crock Pot Classic with Bold Italian Flavors

This hearty slow cooker sausage and peppers recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: juicy sausages, tender peppers and onions, and a rich tomato sauce that simmers to perfection while you go about your day. With just 10 minutes of prep, the Crock Pot does all the work—no need to stand over the stove.

Whether you serve it over pasta, tuck it into a hoagie, or pair it with cauliflower rice, this dish is satisfying, simple, and endlessly versatile. It's one of the best mild Italian sausage slow cooker recipes for meal prep, busy families, and cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Only 10 minutes of prep — hands-off, low effort
Classic Italian flavor — garlic, herbs, and marinara
Juicy, seared sausage — browned first for depth
Flexible ingredients — works with any type of sausage
Perfect for meal prep — freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully

Whether you're looking for a hearty sandwich filling or a low-carb bowl dinner, this slow cooker sausage, peppers and onions with sauce will become a regular favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make slow cooker sausage and peppers:

6 Italian sausage links – sweet, mild, or spicy (pork, chicken, or turkey)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 bell peppers, sliced into strips (any colors you like)
1 large onion, sliced into half moons
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tbsp jarred garlic)
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 cups marinara sauce – store-bought or homemade
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Tip: If you prefer slow cooker sausage, peppers and onions no sauce, simply omit the marinara and cook with a splash of broth or olive oil.

How to Make Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

Brown the sausages (optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear sausages on both sides for a few minutes, until browned but not cooked through.

Layer veggies in the slow cooker: Add bell peppers, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Toss to combine.

Add marinara and sausages: Pour sauce over the veggies. Nestle the sausages on top.

Slow cook: Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are soft.

Serve and enjoy: Spoon extra sauce over everything and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Tips & Easy Variations

Skip browning if you’re in a rush — but it adds a savory, caramelized flavor
Crisper peppers? Add them in the last hour of cooking
Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or provolone on top in the last 10 minutes and cover to melt
Make it a sandwich: Serve in a toasted hoagie or Italian roll with melty cheese
Bake it instead: Roast everything in a baking dish at 400°F for 20–30 minutes

Want to include potatoes? Try this variation of slow cooker sausage and peppers and potatoes by adding chopped baby potatoes or chunks of russet right into the Crock Pot.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze cooled sausage and peppers in sauce for up to 3 months
Reheat: Microwave individual portions, or warm on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on Low with a splash of sauce or water

Serving Ideas for Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Over pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work great
With mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
On a hoagie roll or low-carb bun
With cauliflower rice or zoodles
Next to a simple green salad or Caprese salad
As a bowl meal: Add roasted veggies, slaw, or grains

This dish also works beautifully for meal prep — portion it into containers for easy lunches all week.

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)

Makes 6 servings

Calories: 365
Protein: 16g
Fat: 28g
Carbs: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

Macros may vary depending on sausage type and marinara brand.

Final Thoughts

If you love cozy, hearty meals that basically cook themselves, this slow cooker sausage and peppers recipe is a must-try. It’s full of Italian comfort, endlessly versatile, and made with just a few real-food ingredients.

Whether you go saucy with marinara or try the slow cooker sausage, peppers and onions no sauce version, this Crock Pot classic is always a crowd-pleaser.

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Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 3 hours Total: 3 hours 10 minutes Servings: 6 People

★★★★★ 4.85 from 19 votes

This Easy Italian Crockpot Sausage and Peppers recipe is made with simple ingredients, Italian herbs, and marinara sauce. Perfect for pasta or hoagie rolls!

Ingredients

▢2 pounds Italian sausage links (About 8-10 sausages)
▢1 Green pepper (Thinly sliced)
▢1 Red pepper (Thinly sliced)
▢1 Yellow pepper (Thinly sliced)
▢1 Large Onion (Thinly sliced)
▢2 cloves Garlic (Finely minced)
▢Salt (To taste)
▢Pepper (To taste)
▢1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
▢¼ teaspoon Red chili flakes (Optional)
▢2 cups Marinara sauce
▢1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (Roughly chopped)

Instructions

Add the sausage, peppers, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes (optional), and marinara sauce to a slow cooker. Mix until combined.
Cover and cook on High for 3-4 hours, or on Low for 6-8 hours.
Remove sausages, cut them into thick slices, and mix them back into the crockpot.
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!