Easy Italian Dinner

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Classic Italian-American dish combining sweet Italian sausage with peppers and onions in marinara sauce. Easy slow cooker preparation.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:10:34 GMT
A bowl of sausage and mixed bell peppers served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh herbs. Pin it
A bowl of sausage and mixed bell peppers served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh herbs. | cookingwithcasey.com

This slow cooker sausage and peppers recipe takes me back to Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house. The way the peppers melt down with the sausage and that rich marinara sauce creates something truly magical. My kitchen smells like an Italian restaurant every time I make it.

Set It and Forget It Magic

I discovered this recipe during my busiest season at work and it saved my weeknight dinners. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you're away. Come home to tender sausages swimming in a gorgeous sauce with perfectly cooked peppers.

What You Need

  • Italian Sausage: 1 lb sweet or hot depending on your mood.
  • Bell Peppers: 3 beautiful ones red yellow and green make it pretty.
  • Sweet Onions: 2 small ones sliced thin they melt into the sauce.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves because Italian food needs garlic.
  • Marinara: 24 oz of your favorite sauce makes everything better.
  • Seasonings: Salt and pepper to make everything sing.

Let's Cook

Prep Time
Slice those peppers and onions nice and even they'll cook better that way.
Layer of Love
Everything goes into the pot sausages peppers onions garlic and that beautiful sauce.
Time to Wait
Low and slow for 6 hours or high for 4 if you're in a hurry.
Final Touch
Slice those tender sausages toss them back in give it a stir and dinner is served.
Ready to Eat
Taste for seasoning and dish it up however you like.
A white bowl filled with sautéed sausage slices and a colorful mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers in a rich sauce. Pin it
A white bowl filled with sautéed sausage slices and a colorful mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers in a rich sauce. | cookingwithcasey.com

Ways to Enjoy

My family loves this spooned over creamy mashed potatoes. It's amazing stuffed in crusty rolls for sandwiches. Toss it with pasta and suddenly you've got the coziest dinner imaginable.

My Secret Tips

When I have time I brown the sausages first it adds such amazing flavor. Don't skimp on the marinara sauce get the good stuff. A pinch of red pepper flakes wakes everything up.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I use spicy sausage when we want extra kick. Turkey sausage works great for lighter days. Fresh herbs from my garden make everything taste even better.

Leftovers Are Gold

This tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together. I pack it up in containers it stays good for 4 days in the fridge. For busy months I freeze portions they're perfect up to 3 months later.

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

A True Family Favorite

Every time I make this the whole house fills with the most incredible aroma. It's become our go to comfort meal that brings everyone to the table with big smiles.

Perfect for Busy Days

I love making this on Sunday for easy meals all week. The flavors get better each day and it reheats beautifully. Such a lifesaver during hectic weeks.

Switch Things Up

Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or zucchini when I want extra vegetables. A splash of red wine in the sauce adds depth. Each time I make it slightly different and it's always delicious.

Made for Sharing

This recipe has become my go to for potlucks and family gatherings. It travels well stays warm in the slow cooker and everyone loves serving themselves. Pure comfort food that brings people together.

A close-up view of a slow cooker filled with sausage, bell peppers, onions, and sauce. Pin it
A close-up view of a slow cooker filled with sausage, bell peppers, onions, and sauce. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What sausage can I use?

Works with turkey, spicy Italian, hot Italian, ground or beef sausage.

→ Can I freeze this?

Yes, freezes well up to 3 months in airtight container.

→ How long does it keep?

Stores in fridge up to 4 days in airtight container.

→ What can I serve this with?

Best served over mashed potatoes or rice.

→ Why slice sausage after cooking?

Keeps sausage moist during cooking. Easier to slice when fully cooked.

Conclusion

A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe featuring Italian sausage, bell peppers, and onions simmered in rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

A comforting meal of Italian sausage, bell peppers and onions slow cooked in marinara sauce.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
360 Minutes
Total Time
370 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 pounds sweet Italian sausage.
02 24 ounces marinara sauce.
03 1 red bell pepper, sliced.
04 1 green bell pepper, sliced.
05 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced.
06 2 yellow onions, sliced.
07 4 cloves garlic, minced.
08 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Slice peppers and onions, mince garlic.

Step 02

Add all ingredients to slow cooker.

Step 03

Cover and cook on low 6 hours or high 4 hours.

Step 04

Remove sausages, slice, return to pot and stir.

Notes

  1. Can use any type of sausage.
  2. Keeps 4 days refrigerated.
  3. Freezes up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • 4+ quart slow cooker.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 582
  • Total Fat: 48 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
  • Protein: 24 g