Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sausage and Peppers

When life gets busy and you need dinner waiting for you at the end of the day, this Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sausage and Peppers is one of the easiest comfort meals you can make. With just five pantry-friendly ingredients, this hearty crockpot recipe transforms Italian beef sausage, peppers, onions, and tomato sauce into a rich, savory dinner packed with flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing meals ahead of time, this 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sausage and Peppers recipe delivers tender beef sausage simmered in a delicious tomato sauce with almost no hands-on work. Simply layer everything into the slow cooker and let it do the rest.

Servings

4 to 6

Ingredients

• 1½ to 2 pounds raw Italian beef sausage links
• 1 (24-ounce) jar pasta sauce
• 1 (14 to 15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker if desired for easier cleanup.
2. Spread half of the sliced onions and bell peppers across the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Arrange the raw Italian beef sausage links in a single layer over the vegetables.
4. Pour the pasta sauce and undrained diced tomatoes evenly over the sausage until fully covered.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir the sauce gently before serving and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty crockpot Italian beef sausage and peppers pairs perfectly with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• Steamed white rice
• Creamy polenta
• Toasted hoagie rolls topped with melted mozzarella or provolone
• Garlic bread
• Fresh green salad
• Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables

Recipe Tips

• Add red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
• For a slightly sweeter sauce, stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Slice the vegetables the night before for an even quicker morning prep.
• Leftovers make excellent beef sausage sandwiches the next day.
• Always verify that the beef sausage reaches 160°F before serving.

Recipe Benefits

• Only 5 simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
• Minimal prep with a true dump-and-go slow cooker recipe.
• Tender, juicy Italian beef sausage cooked in rich tomato sauce.
• Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
• Family-friendly comfort food everyone enjoys.
• Great served over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or polenta.
• Delicious leftovers for sandwiches and lunches.
• Easy to customize with different peppers or cheeses.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Highlights

• High in protein
• Rich tomato-based sauce
• Budget-friendly family meal
• Easy meal prep recipe
• Naturally gluten-free when served with gluten-free sides (check pasta sauce ingredients)