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Slow cooker sausage and peppers in a white bowl, topped with fresh parsley and served on a neutral wooden table.

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Slow cooker sausage and peppers is the ultimate fuss-free, comforting dinner. This easy crock pot recipe combines Italian turkey sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and marinara sauce for a hearty dish that's perfect served over pasta, on rolls, or alongside a low carb veggie base. It's an Italian turkey sausage and peppers slow cooker classic you'll want to make again and again.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds turkey sausage Use your favorite Italian turkey sausage, mild or spicy.
  • 3 medium bell peppers Thinly sliced. A colorful mix of red, orange, and yellow is ideal, but green works well too.
  • 2 medium yellow onions Thinly sliced for sweet flavor.
  • 1 (25-ounce) jar marinara sauce Use your preferred jarred marinara. Opt for low-sodium if desired.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

  1. Layer the ingredients: Start by adding the sausages, sliced bell peppers, onions, and marinara sauce into your slow cooker. Give everything a quick stir to combine, ensuring the sauce coats the veggies and sausage evenly.
  2. Set to cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook the mixture on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours. Avoid opening the lid during this time—trust me, it’s tempting, but your slow cooker needs that consistent heat to work its magic.
  3. Slice the sausage: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the sausages (use tongs) and slice them into 1-inch pieces. Add them back to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the saucy peppers and onions.
  4. Season if needed: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt or a little extra marinara, if desired.

Notes

Golden touch: Brown the sausages in a skillet first for an added depth of flavor. Low-carb options: Serve this dish over spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice. Smart marinara: Use a garlic-heavy marinara sauce for extra Italian flair. Easy cleanup: Use a slow cooker liner for minimal scrubbing.