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Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers

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This Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. Tender Italian sausages are simmered with colorful bell peppers, onions, and marinara sauce, creating a delicious dish that can be served in hoagie rolls, over pasta, or on its own.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sausage and Peppers:

  • 2 lbs Italian Sausage Links (choose mild or hot, according to preference)
  • 3 large Bell Peppers (a mix of red, green, and yellow for color), seeded and sliced into strips
  • 1 large Red Onion, sliced into strips
•2 Cups Marinara Sauce (your favorite brand)
•1 tsp Salt
•1 tsp Garlic Powder
•1 tsp Italian Seasoning
•1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for an extra kick)

For Serving (Optional):

  • 10 Hoagie rolls
  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the Italian sausage links at the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. No need to brown them beforehand, as they will cook perfectly in the sauce.
  2. Add Vegetables: Evenly layer the sliced bell peppers and red onions over the Italian sausages.
  3. Season: Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the vegetables and sausages.
  4. Pour Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over all the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well coated.
  5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours. The sausages should be cooked through, and the peppers and onions should be tender.
  6. Serve (Optional Hoagie Style): If serving as sandwiches, lightly toast the hoagie rolls under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden. Place one cooked sausage into each roll, then top with a generous amount of the cooked peppers, onions, and marinara sauce.
  7. Melt Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded Italian cheese over the sausage and pepper mixture in the hoagie rolls and broil for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Versatile Serving: This dish is incredibly versatile. While delicious in hoagie rolls, it can also be served over pasta, rice, polenta, or simply on its own for a lower-carb option.
  • Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply serve the sausage and peppers without hoagie rolls, or use gluten-free rolls.
  • Make Ahead & Freezing: This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Cooked Italian sausage and peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months, making it a great option for future quick meals.
  • Browning Sausages: While not strictly necessary for slow cooking, browning the sausages in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker can add an extra layer of caramelized flavor.
Enjoy this comforting and easy Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers!
  • Author: Elle
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American, Italian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Find it online: https://slowcookerrecipes.us/slow-cooker-italian-sausage-and-peppers-an-effortless-weeknight-favorite/