Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers in Tomato Sauce

This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe is perfect for those who want to create a super flavorful sauce without having to stand by the stove all day!

All you need are Italian sausages, sweet bell peppers, onions, crushed tomatoes, garlic, and a few simple seasonings. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it on low, and let it simmer until the sausages are tender and the flavors have melded into a rich, savory sauce.

Serve it piled onto hoagie rolls or polenta, tossed with pasta or spaghetti squash, or alongside crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that flavorful sauce. If you’re after an easy, satisfying dinner that practically makes itself, this one’s a winner!

If you want more easy slow cooker recipes, you'll love these Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas (6 Ingredients) or this Slow Cooker Ratatouille with Polenta!

What's in this recipe?

This recipe is super simple and has basic ingredients! For the full list of ingredients, make sure to check out the recipe card below! Here's a quick list of what you'll need:

• Crushed tomatoes: Create a rich, flavorful coating for the sausage and peppers. Go for a quality brand with no added sugar. Swapin your favorite store-bought marinara, like Rao's, for an even easier recipe.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs like oregano and basil that add authentic Italian flavor with no extra effort.
• Italian turkey sausage: Choose sweet Italian sausage for mild, hot Italian sausage for a spicier version, or a mix of both! I like using raw chicken or turkey sausage since it is lighter, but you could also use pork sausage.
• Veggies: I use a mix of red and green bell peppers and onion, but any color works. Feel free to add some extra veggies in the last 30 minutes. Try spinach, zucchini, kale, or cauliflower florets.

Can I use jarred spaghetti sauce?

Absolutely! This crockpot sausage and peppers will come out delicious with a store-bought marinara sauce. Just make sure to choose one with a nice flavor, like Rao's. If you go with a store-bought sauce, you can cut back on the garlic and spices, depending on the type of sauce you choose.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Making slow cooker sausage and peppers is as easy as it gets! Here's a brief rundown:

Just mix the crushed tomatoes, garlic, broth, vinegar, and seasonings in the slow cooker, then toss in the sausages, peppers, and onions. Let it cook low and slow until the sausages are tender and the veggies are soft. Finish with fresh basil and season to taste.

Swaps and Tips

Need to switch something out or need some helpful tips? You'll find it below:

• Thicker sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some of the excess liquid evaporate.
• Arrabiata: Make it Arrabiata style with extra red pepper flakes and spicy Italian sausage.
• Greens: Add some greens with chopped kale or stir in some spinach before serving.
• Raw sausage: Make sure to use raw sausages versus the pre-cooked version. You want all the delicious spices and seasoning in the sausage to flavor the tomato sauce as it cooks.
• Ground sausage: If you prefer ground sausage, simply brown it before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Sauté: For extra flavor, sauté the onions, peppers, and garlic before adding them to the crockpot. This deepens the flavors and gives the sauce more depth.

Does this work with pre-cooked sausage?

Technically, this recipe will work with pre-cooked sausage, but the sauce won't have nearly as much flavor. When the sausage cooks in the sauce, it releases spices and flavors into the sauce. If you decide to use pre-cooked sausage, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking and pump up the spices in the sauce.

What to Serve with Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

Although pasta is likely your first thought, there are many different options for this dish. Here are some we use often:

• Polenta: This dish is amazing with some creamy polenta or even polenta fries. The sweetness of the corn pairs really well with the tomatoes and herbs.
• Low-carb: Instead of traditional pasta, choose a vegetable option like zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Another delicious option is serving it on a bed of mashed butternut squash or mashed cauliflower. The cauliflower soaks up all the flavor in the sauce.
• Vegetables: Grab some roasted vegetables and orzo to serve on the side.
• Salad: A simple green salad with some chopped tomatoes, onions, and Healthy Balsamic Vinaigrette would be delicious!
• Sandwiches: Grab a roll and some mozzarella cheese and make sandwiches. For a lower-carb option, serve them open-faced on a portobello mushroom bun.
• Grains: This works great with quinoa, brown rice, farro, or cauliflower rice as well.