Imagine walking into your kitchen to the irresistible aroma of Italian sausages and sweet bell peppers simmering away in your crockpot. This Crockpot Italian Sausages and Peppers recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace that brings family and friends together around the table. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a hands-off cooking experience, you can create a hearty dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this simple yet mouthwatering recipe that promises to delight your taste buds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 Italian sausages
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and slicing bell peppers into thin strips, and similarly slice the onion into uniform pieces.
- Mince garlic cloves finely, ensuring they are chopped into small, even pieces to distribute flavor evenly.
- Lightly brown Italian sausages in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a golden exterior and enhance flavor before transferring to crockpot.
- Place browned sausages into the crockpot as the base layer of the dish.
- Scatter sliced bell peppers and onions over and around the sausages, ensuring even distribution.
- Add minced garlic across the top of vegetables for aromatic infusion.
- Pour entire can of diced tomatoes over the ingredients, allowing liquid to settle between sausages and vegetables.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly across the top to season the entire dish.
- Cover crockpot and set to low heat setting for 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and sausages to cook thoroughly.
- After cooking time completes, check internal temperature of sausages to ensure they reach 160°F for food safety.
- Serve hot, optionally over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to absorb delicious sauce.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausages: Opt for high-quality Italian sausages—sweet or spicy, depending on your preference. Fresh sausages will yield the best flavor and texture.
- Sear for Extra Flavor: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the sausages adds a rich depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition and variety. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. A little extra seasoning can elevate the flavors significantly.
- Serve Creatively: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Get creative and try it in a sandwich or on a bed of polenta!
- Leftovers are Gold: If you have leftovers, they make for a fantastic lunch the next day! Simply reheat and enjoy the flavors that have melded overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
