Mouthwatering Italian Dinner

As seen on: Delicious Main Course Recipes

Traditional Italian-American favorite mixing sweet Italian sausage with onions and peppers in marinara. Super simple slow cooker method.
emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Tue, 06 May 2025 20:57:32 GMT
A steaming bowl of sausage with colorful bell peppers next to fluffy mashed potatoes, topped with green herbs. Save this
A steaming bowl of sausage with colorful bell peppers next to fluffy mashed potatoes, topped with green herbs. | emilyscooks.com

The aroma of this slow cooker sausage and peppers brings back memories of weekend meals at Grandma's. There's something special about how the peppers soften with the sausage and blend into that flavorful marinara. When I cook this, my home fills with smells that remind me of a cozy Italian bistro.

Effortless Magic While You're Away

I found this dish during my crazy work period and it totally changed my evening meals. Your slow cooker handles everything while you're out. When you get home, you'll find juicy sausages bathing in yummy sauce with soft, well-cooked peppers.

Ingredients List

  • Italian Sausage: 1 lb hot or sweet based on what you're feeling.
  • Bell Peppers: 3 colorful ones green red yellow for a nice look.
  • Sweet Onions: 2 small ones cut thin so they dissolve in the sauce.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves because no Italian dish is complete without it.
  • Marinara: 24 oz of any sauce you love improves the whole dish.
  • Seasonings: Salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors.

Steps to Follow

Prep Time
Cut the onions and peppers into similar sizes for more even cooking.
Layer of Love
Put everything in the cooker sausages onions peppers garlic and that rich sauce.
Time to Wait
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 if you can't wait.
Final Touch
Cut the soft sausages return them mix everything and you're done.
Ready to Eat
Check if it needs more salt or pepper and serve it up.
A white bowl filled with sautéed sausage slices and a colorful mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers in a rich sauce. Save this
A white bowl filled with sautéed sausage slices and a colorful mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers in a rich sauce. | emilyscooks.com

Tasty Serving Ideas

We like to pour this over fluffy mashed potatoes at our house. It's great stuffed inside fresh rolls for sandwiches. Mix it with pasta and you've got the most comforting dinner ever.

Insider Tricks

I sometimes sear the sausages before slow cooking for extra taste. Always buy quality marinara it makes a difference. Try adding a bit of red pepper flakes for some zing.

Personal Touches

We use hot sausage when we want more heat. For lighter meals turkey sausage works too. Adding fresh herbs from outside makes everything taste fresher.

Next-Day Goodness

The flavor gets stronger after sitting overnight. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. During busy times I freeze batches they're good for about 3 months.

A bowl of mashed potatoes served with sautéed sausage and colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce, with fresh herbs for garnish. Save this
A bowl of mashed potatoes served with sautéed sausage and colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce, with fresh herbs for garnish. | emilyscooks.com

Comforting Family Meal

Cooking this fills our home with wonderful smells. It's become the comfort food that gets everyone excited to come eat together.

Ideal for Packed Schedules

I often make this on weekends for easy meals throughout the week. It tastes better each day and warms up nicely. Really helps during those crazy busy weeks.

Easy Variations

Try adding mushrooms or zucchini for more veggies. A little red wine in the mix adds nice depth. I change it slightly each time and it never disappoints.

Crowd-Pleasing Option

This has become my favorite dish for group events. It travels easily stays warm in the cooker and guests can grab what they want. It's comfort food that pulls folks together.

A close-up view of a slow cooker filled with sausage, bell peppers, onions, and sauce. Save this
A close-up view of a slow cooker filled with sausage, bell peppers, onions, and sauce. | emilyscooks.com

Common Questions

→ What sausage can I use?

Goes well with hot Italian, spicy Italian, turkey, beef or ground sausage options.

→ Can I freeze this?

Absolutely, keeps well frozen for up to 3 months when stored properly.

→ How long does it keep?

Stays good in your fridge for about 4 days when covered tightly.

→ What can I serve this with?

Tastes amazing over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes.

→ Why slice sausage after cooking?

This trick keeps the juices inside while cooking. Plus, they're much easier to cut when done.

Wrap-Up

A tasty and no-fuss slow cooker dish featuring Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and onions gently cooked in flavorful marinara sauce. Great for busy weeknights when you want big taste without spending hours in the kitchen.

Sausage and Peppers Slow Cooker

A heartwarming dish of Italian sausage, onions and colorful bell peppers slowly simmered in tangy marinara.

Preparation Time
10 Minutes
Cooking Time
360 Minutes
Overall Time
370 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Main Courses

Skill Level: Simple

Cuisine Style: American-Italian

Makes: 6 Portions (6 servings)

Special Diet: Low in Carbs, Made Without Gluten, Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need

01 items 2 pounds mild Italian sausage.
02 items 24 ounces tomato sauce.
03 items 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips.
04 items 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips.
05 items 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips.
06 items 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced.
07 items 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped.
08 items Salt and pepper as needed.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Cut up all peppers and onions, chop the garlic.

Step 02

Throw everything into the slow cooker.

Step 03

Put the lid on and let it cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.

Step 04

Take out sausages, cut them up, put back and mix well.

Extra Notes

  1. Works with any sausage variety.
  2. Stays good in the fridge for 4 days.
  3. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Essential Tools

  • Slow cooker that's at least 4 quarts.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 582
  • Fat Content: 48 grams
  • Total Carbs: 14 grams
  • Protein Content: 24 grams