Oh, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite cozy recipes: Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers! It’s one of those magical dishes that not only smells delightful while it cooks, but it also feels like a warm hug when you finally sit down to enjoy it. I don’t know about you, but I love meals that can simmer away in the background while I go about my day. Plus, the flavors all meld together so beautifully—you’re just going to love it!
I remember the first time I tried making this dish. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I wanted something hearty but not overly complicated. I whipped this up and, honestly, the aroma wafting through my home had my family gathering in the kitchen well before it was even time to eat! It instantly became a comforting family favorite, perfect for those busy days or lazy weekends.
What’s in Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers?
Italian Sausage: You can use either sweet or spicy sausage, or a mix of both to kick things up a notch. I love Johnsonville for their quality and flavor!
Bell Peppers: I usually go with vibrant red and yellow peppers for sweetness, plus a green bell pepper for that classic savory taste. You can mix it up with orange or even some spicy peppers if you’re feeling adventurous!
Onion: A medium onion adds a lovely depth of flavor. I prefer yellow onions, but white or red work just as well.
Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic really elevate this dish and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. I confess, I sometimes double this because I can’t get enough garlic!
Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds juiciness and acidity to balance the richness of the sausage. I like to find those with Italian herbs already mixed in for an extra flavor boost.
Tomato Sauce: This creates a luscious sauce that binds everything together. Don’t skip this; it’s the glue of our dish!
Italian Seasoning & Paprika: These add a beautiful herbaceous note and a touch of smokiness, with paprika giving it a nice color too.
Egg Noodles: I always use egg noodles, but honestly, any pasta of your choice works great. Whole grain or gluten-free options would be fun substitutes!
Fresh Parsley or Basil: A sprinkle of these herbs brightens everything up just before serving.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Oh, the cheesy goodness! It’s optional, but life is better with cheese, right?
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce! I usually grab a fresh baguette or some garlic bread for that extra indulgence.
Is Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Good for You?
This dish is definitely indulgent, but it also has its merits!
Italian Sausage: Packed with protein and flavor, it’s filling and satisfying. Just keep an eye on the fat content; I find the leaner varieties are a good balance.
Bell Peppers: These colorful veggies are loaded with vitamins A and C, plus fiber, making them a nutritious addition that brightens the dish both visually and nutritionally.
Onion and Garlic: Both of these powerhouse ingredients have immune-boosting properties and can help add flavor without needing extra salt.
Overall, while this dish is hearty and comforting, I’d say enjoy it in moderation. Pair it with a salad or some steamed veggies for a more balanced meal!
Ingredients List
– 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, or a mix)
– 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces egg noodles or pasta of choice
– Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
– Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
– Optional: Crusty bread for serving
Serves: 4-6 people
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers?
1. In a slow cooker, combine the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic as the base layer.
2. Place the Italian sausage right on top of the veggies. No need to slice it just yet!
3. Pour the can of diced tomatoes along with the tomato sauce over the sausage and veggies.
4. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over everything.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the sausage is fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender and smelling divine.
6. About 30 minutes before you want to eat, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7. Once everything is cooked, remove the sausage from the slow cooker, slice it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the pot. Give it a good stir to mix with the sauce and vegetables.
8. Serve the sausage and pepper mixture over the cooked egg noodles. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley or basil, and sprinkle some Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling cheesy!
9. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread on the side for the full experience!
Serving Suggestions and Sweet Notes
Feel free to get a bit creative with this recipe! Sometimes I toss in some sliced mushrooms or zucchini for added veggies, and it’s a hit every time. If you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also take this dish up a notch.
And let’s talk about that crusty bread—it’s perfect for mopping up the leftover sauce. Trust me, your plate will thank you!
I hope you give this Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers a try! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Do share your experiences or any tweaks you made; let’s swap stories like we’re sitting at a kitchen table together! Happy cooking!
