Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers in Crockpot

Sweet and savory, this slow cooker Italian sausage and peppers recipe is so easy to make and uses simple ingredients that combine to make a comforting crockpot meal. 

This Italian sausage and peppers in crockpot recipe is going to be on high rotation in your kitchen once you try this recipe. Why? Well, it’s super easy to make and only takes 10 minutes to prep. Then you get to walk away and let the crockpot work its magic. Second, it uses minimal ingredients. Third, the savory and gently spicy Italian sausage combines with the sweet bell pepper slices to make a stellar weeknight dinner the whole family will love. It also makes a great slow cooker dish for tailgating, game nights, and potlucks.

Now, this recipe for crockpot sausage and peppers makes six to eight servings. Fortunately, they will last in the fridge for multiple days, if you want to eat leftovers for lunch throughout the week. Otherwise, this slow cooker recipe freezes really well.

If you’re looking for more sensational slow cooker recipes, here are my recommendations: beef stew, Southern-style pulled pork, sloppy joes, and chicken and dumplings.

Recipe Ingredients

• 2lbs sweet Italian sausage links
• 1 cup sliced red bell peppers (approximately two peppers)
• ½ cup sliced yellow bell peppers (approximately one pepper)
• 1 cup yellow onion, sliced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Seasoning: 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (you can substitute this for dried oregano too, if you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand).
• Hoagie buns, optional

Over medium heat, sear the sausage links on the stovetop on both sides until the skin is lightly browned. 

Transfer the cooked sausage links to the slow cooker. 

Top sausage links with the sliced veggies, chicken broth, and seasoning.

Toss gently to mix ingredients well. 

Cook in slow cooker on low for 5 to 6 hours. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees. 

After cooking time, remove from the slow cooker and serve on hoagie buns. I recommend melting cheese on top for added flavor. 

Storage

• Store slow cooker sausage and pepper leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave.
• This dish freezes very well in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Store leftovers in the freezer for up to three months. Once you thaw the freezer meal, reheat leftovers either in the microwave or on low heat on the stovetop.

Recipe Notes

• Substitute chicken broth out for a can of beer to give the dish a wheatier flavor. You could also use a cup of leftover red or white wine instead of broth to enhance the flavor.
• If you don’t have time to brown your sausage, you can add them straight to the crockpot. Browning just helps to lock in the flavor. Otherwise, you could use pre-cooked alternatives like Polish smoked sausage or Kielbasa sausage.
• I recommend using red, orange, and yellow peppers in this crockpot Italian sausage recipe, as they have a sweeter taste compared to green bell peppers.
• You can also add any onion you have on hand to the crockpot, whether it’s a white, yellow, or red onion.
• If you don’t mind spice, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to this recipe when you add the other seasoning to the crockpot.
• If short on time, you can cook this recipe in the slow cooker on high for two to three hours. However, the sausages will be a lot more tender if you cook them on low.

Recipe FAQs

What do you serve with crockpot sausage and peppers?

While I love serving my slow cooker sausage and peppers in hoagie buns with provolone cheese, here are some additional serving ideas (the options are nearly endless):

• Serve over rice or with cauliflower rice, a low-carb alternative.
• Heat a can of diced tomatoes on the stovetop and serve it with the sausage and peppers over the pasta of your choice.
• Skip the buns and simply serve your meal with a side salad and some fresh green beans.
• Serve with zucchini noodles.
• Enjoy it alongside mashed potato, cauliflower, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Is this crockpot sausage and peppers recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this slow cooker sausage and peppers recipe is gluten-free, low-carb, and whole30 and keto-friendly. Just double-check to ensure your Italian sausages and chicken broth are gluten-free.

Here are my other favorite sausage recipes:

Sausage Biscuit with Cheese (Southern-Style)

Italian Sausage Soup With Gluten-Free Sausage

Sausage Pinwheels Recipe (With Just Two Ingredients)

Low Carb (Keto) Sausage Balls

Peaches and Cream Cornbread with Maple Sausage

Kielbasa Skillet (Simple & Delicious)