If you’ve been hunting for a fuss-free, hearty meal that fills your home with comforting aromas while you go about your day, you’re going to absolutely adore this Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe. I first tried it on a busy weekend when I wanted something that could simmer away slowly, freeing me up for other things but still delivering bold, rich flavors. Trust me, once you whip this up, you’ll find it’s a game-changer for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set it and forget it: Once you toss everything in your crock pot, the slow cooking does all the magic while you relax or tackle your day.
Friendly to busy schedules: It’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavor-packed: The sausage infuses the peppers and sauce with juicy richness that makes each bite satisfying.
Versatile and adaptable: Whether you’re a spice lover or prefer it mild, you can tweak this recipe to fit your taste.

The dish is served on a white plate with decorative ridges along the edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a mound of soft, white mashed potatoes with a slightly fluffy texture. On top of this is a thick, chunky sauce made of red and orange roasted bell peppers and onions, creating a mix of warm orange, red, and translucent tones. Sitting on the sauce are several browned meat pieces, roughly shaped and textured, richly coated with the sauce, adding a darker brown color layer with hints of red from the sauce. To the right of the plate, there is a silver fork with a shiny smooth texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients is half the battle, and I love how simple yet vibrant the combination is here. Each element brings something important: the sausage for richness, the peppers for freshness, and the sauce to tie it all together.

Italian sausage: Choose good-quality pork sausage; you’ll notice the difference in flavor and texture.
Bell peppers: A mix of colors adds pretty pops and a sweet crunch that balances the savory sausage.
Onion: Sweet or yellow onions work great, adding subtle depth to the sauce.
Tomato: Fresh tomatoes give a nice brightness, but you can skip if you want it simpler.
Spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce, or homemade if you’re feeling fancy — it’s the base that brings everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe my own by switching a few ingredients or adding a twist to suit whoever I’m cooking for. It’s a flexible recipe that welcomes personalization, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

Make it spicy: I like adding some hot Italian sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick — my family goes crazy over the heat.
Vegetarian alternative: Swap sausage for hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage to keep that rich texture without meat.
Extra veggies: Sometimes I throw in zucchini or mushrooms for more color and nutrition — they soak up the sauce beautifully.
Different sauces: For a twist, try a marinara with extra herbs or even a creamy tomato sauce for different layers of flavor.

How to Make Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Crock Pot and Veggies

Start by greasing your Crock Pot with a little cooking spray or olive oil — this helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easier. Then slice your bell peppers into strips, the onion into rings or slices, and chop your tomato. Adding fresh, evenly sized pieces means everything cooks uniformly and blends well.

Step 2: Add Sausage and Sauce

Cut the Italian sausage into 2-inch pieces, then layer it on top of your veggies in the Crock Pot. Pour your spaghetti sauce evenly over everything and give it a gentle stir to distribute flavors without breaking up the sausage too much.

Step 3: Set and Slow Cook

Pop the lid on, set your crock pot to low, and let it cook for 8 hours. This low-and-slow method helps soften the peppers and meld the flavors into a rich, hearty meal without any babysitting. If you’re short on time, you can go for 4-5 hours on high, but I find the slower cook makes the flavors sing.

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Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Don’t over-stir: Mixing too much during cooking can break up the sausage and peppers, turning chunks into mushy pieces.
Choose the right sausage: I learned using Italian pork sausage gives the best flavor, but mild or spicy versions work depending on your preference.
Layer smartly: Putting veggies on the bottom and meat on top helps keep sausage juicy while peppers soften just right.
Skip added liquid: Since the sauce provides the needed moisture, you won’t want to water it down — the flavors concentrate perfectly as is.

How to Serve Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

A white plate holds a dish with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a fluffy, white mashed texture. The middle layer is a thick, orange-red sauce with cooked onions and small pieces of red and yellow bell peppers. The top layer has three round, brown meatballs covered in the same sauce, with a shiny, slightly oily look. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with part of a red and white cloth and a shiny fork visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving — it adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the dish. A little grated Parmesan never hurts either if you want some cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This recipe is so versatile that I’ve paired it with crusty Italian bread to soak up all that saucy goodness, along with simple pasta, polenta, or even creamy mashed potatoes to make it a hearty meal everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served this in hoagie rolls for a delicious sausage and pepper sandwich — perfect for game day or casual parties. Or arrange it over baked pasta shells for a cozy casserole that earns rave reviews.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually portion it out right away so I can easily grab a quick, flavorful lunch or dinner without reheating the whole batch.

Freezing

If you want to save it even longer, this recipe freezes well — just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you need a quick meal, pull out a portion the night before.

Reheating

I usually reheat this gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep everything moist and avoid drying out the sausage. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage in this Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe?

You can, but it’s best to add pre-cooked sausage toward the end of cooking just to warm through. Since pre-cooked sausage doesn’t need long cooking, adding it too early might dry it out. For the perfect flavor melding, raw sausage really does the trick.
What kind of peppers work best in this recipe?

I love using a mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers because they offer a nice balance of sweetness and texture. You can use all one color if you prefer, but a colorful mix makes the dish more visually appealing and flavorful.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?

Absolutely! Just make sure your Crock Pot is large enough to handle the increased volume, or cook in two batches. The flavors might intensify slightly, so taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your spaghetti sauce and sausage are gluten-free. Always check labels for hidden gluten in processed ingredients to keep it safe for sensitive eaters.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe has become one of those meals I turn to when I want something cozy, reliable, and utterly delicious without fuss. I love how it fills the house with warm, inviting smells and how easy it is to prep. You really can just set it and forget it — then come back to a dinner that feels like it was simmering for hours on the stove with so much love. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it might just become your new weeknight superstar, too!

Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 75 reviews

Author: Megane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers recipe featuring Italian pork sausage simmered with colorful bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and rich spaghetti sauce. This slow-cooked dish is perfect for an easy, comforting meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste.

Ingredients

Sausage

2 lbs. Italian pork sausage, cut into 2-inch pieces

Vegetables

4 bell peppers (any colors), sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 tomato, sliced

Sauce

24 oz. spaghetti sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Crock Pot: Grease the crock pot generously to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
Add Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers, onion, and tomato, then place them evenly into the crock pot.
Add Sausage: Cut the Italian pork sausage into 2-inch pieces and add them on top of the vegetables in the crock pot.
Pour Sauce and Mix: Pour the 24 oz. spaghetti sauce over the sausage and vegetables, then gently stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Cook: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low heat for 8 hours to allow flavors to meld and sausage to cook through.

Notes

Using a variety of colored bell peppers adds visual appeal and a range of flavors.
For a spicier dish, opt for spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Adjust the cooking time if using a different crock pot or temperature setting.
Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg