Italian Sausage With Peppers and Onions Crockpot
This hearty slow cooker meal is packed with juicy Italian sausage, tender peppers, and sweet onions simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It's an easy, comforting dinner that's perfect for serving over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or tucked into toasted hoagie rolls.Ingredients2 pounds Italian sausage links (mild or hot)1 red bell pepper, sliced1 green bell pepper, sliced1 yellow bell pepper, sliced1 large onion, sliced3 garlic cloves, minced1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained1 cup marinara sauce½ cup chicken broth1 tablespoon tomato paste1 teaspoon Italian seasoning½ teaspoon dried basil½ teaspoon garlic powder½ teaspoon onion powder½ teaspoon black pepper¼ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basilInstructionsLightly coat a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.Arrange the sliced bell peppers and onion across the bottom of the slow cooker, then sprinkle the minced garlic over the vegetables.Place the Italian sausage links on top of the pepper and onion mixture.In a medium bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes with their juices, marinara sauce, chicken broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes, if using.Pour the sauce evenly over the sausage and vegetables.Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the sausage is fully cooked and tender.If you'd like a browned finish, transfer the cooked sausage to a hot skillet and sear for 2–3 minutes per side. Return the sausage to the slow cooker once browned.Gently stir the peppers and onions into the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or on toasted hoagie rolls.Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 6 hoursTotal Time: 6 hours 15 minutesServings: 6Calories: Approximately 520 per serving