Slow Cooker Peppers and Sausage

Vibrant tapestry of colours and aromas, Slow Cooker Peppers and Sausage is a dish that promises both ease and flavour in every spoonful. Sweet bell peppers, softened to succulent perfection, intertwine with savory sausage, their juices melding together in a slow cooker symphony of taste. This is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to effortless cooking, where simple ingredients transform into a deeply satisfying and aromatic dish with minimal hands-on time. Imagine coming home to the warm, inviting scent of peppers and sausage, ready to be served as a hearty main course or a versatile component of your favourite meals. This recipe is your passport to deliciousness, simplified.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Effortless Weeknight Dinner

Say goodbye to dinnertime stress with this incredibly easy slow cooker recipe. Slow Cooker Peppers and Sausage requires minimal prep work – simply chop your ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a flavourful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Maximum Flavour, Minimal Effort

The slow cooker method truly shines in this recipe, allowing the flavours of the peppers and sausage to deepen and meld together beautifully over time. The low and slow cooking process tenderizes the peppers to sweet perfection and infuses the sausage with incredible depth of flavour, creating a dish that tastes like it simmered all day, even if you were out and about.

Versatile Meal Starter

Slow Cooker Peppers and Sausage is not just a standalone dish; it’s a versatile component that can be used in countless ways. Serve it over rice, pasta, polenta, or nestled in hoagie rolls for sandwiches. It’s also fantastic as a filling for baked potatoes or as a topping for pizzas and flatbreads, offering endless meal possibilities from one simple recipe.

Naturally Vibrant and Appealing

The combination of colourful bell peppers and hearty sausage creates a visually appealing dish that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. The vibrant hues of red, yellow, and green peppers, combined with the rustic appeal of sausage, make this dish a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, adding a touch of brightness to any table.

Budget-Friendly and Family-Friendly

This recipe is not only delicious and easy but also incredibly budget-friendly, utilizing affordable ingredients that are readily available. It’s a family-friendly meal that appeals to all ages, making it a reliable and economical choice for feeding the whole household without compromising on flavour or satisfaction.

Ingredients

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For the Hearty and Flavorful Base

• 1.5 lbs sausage, choose your favourite type, such as beef, lamb or chicken sausage. Sausage is the star protein, providing a rich, savory flavour and hearty texture to the dish. You can use sweet or hot sausage depending on your spice preference. Beef, lamb or chicken sausage are all excellent choices, offering different flavour profiles to customize the dish. Ensure to use halal certified sausage.
• 3 large bell peppers, assorted colours (red, yellow, green), seeded and sliced into strips. Bell peppers provide sweetness, vibrant colour, and a slightly crisp-tender texture that complements the sausage beautifully. Using a mix of colours adds visual appeal and a variety of subtle flavour nuances. Choose firm, brightly coloured peppers for the best results.
• 1 large onion, yellow or white, sliced. Onion adds a foundational savory flavour and aromatic depth to the dish, softening and caramelizing as it slow cooks with the peppers and sausage. Yellow or white onions are versatile and provide a balanced flavour base. Slice thinly for even cooking.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic provides a pungent and aromatic base flavour, enhancing the overall savory profile of the peppers and sausage. Freshly minced garlic is preferred for its potent flavour. Mince finely to release its aroma and flavour fully.
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, provides a rich, slightly acidic tomato base that binds the ingredients together and adds depth of flavour. Crushed tomatoes create a hearty sauce and contribute to the overall saucy texture of the dish. Use good quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavour.
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, enhances the tomato flavour and adds a smoother consistency to the sauce. Tomato sauce complements the crushed tomatoes and contributes to a richer, more cohesive sauce. Use plain tomato sauce without added herbs or seasonings for maximum control over flavour.

For Enhancing the Savory Notes

• 1 tbsp dried oregano, adds a classic Italian-herbaceous note that complements the peppers, sausage, and tomatoes. Dried oregano provides a warm, slightly peppery flavour that enhances the overall savory profile. Use good quality dried oregano for a potent flavour.
• 1 tsp dried basil, another classic Italian herb, adding a slightly sweet and aromatic flavour that pairs well with tomatoes and peppers. Dried basil contributes a subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity to the dish. Use good quality dried basil for the best flavour.
• 1 tsp salt, essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavours in the dish. Salt balances the sweetness of the peppers and tomatoes and brings out the savory notes of the sausage and herbs. Adjust to taste.
• ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground. Black pepper adds a touch of subtle spice and complexity, complementing the other seasonings and enhancing the overall flavour profile. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for its more robust flavour.
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional, for a touch of heat. Red pepper flakes add a mild to moderate spicy kick, depending on the quantity used. Omit or adjust based on your spice preference.

Optional Finishing Touches

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a touch of freshness when sprinkled over the finished dish. It also provides visual appeal.
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory, and umami-rich flavour that complements the peppers and sausage beautifully. Grated Parmesan enhances the overall taste and adds a cheesy element, if desired.

How to Make Slow Cooker Peppers and Sausage ?

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the bell peppers into strips, discarding the seeds and membranes. Slice the onion. Mince the garlic. Prepare all vegetables for easy addition to the slow cooker.

If using whole sausages, you can slice them into coins or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Slicing sausages into coins helps them cook more quickly and evenly in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the sausage, sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add all ingredients to the slow cooker for hands-off cooking.

Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated in the tomato sauce mixture. Stirring ensures even flavour distribution throughout the dish.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Slow cooking on low heat for a longer duration allows for maximum flavour development and tenderizes the peppers and sausage beautifully. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.

The sausage should be cooked through and the peppers should be tender but not mushy. Check for doneness by ensuring the sausage is no longer pink and the peppers are softened to your liking.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once cooked, give the Slow Cooker Peppers and Sausage a final stir. Stirring before serving ensures even distribution of sauce and ingredients.

Ladle the peppers and sausage mixture into bowls or serving dishes.

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for added freshness and visual appeal.

Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Variations

Spicy Sausage Upgrade

Increase the heat level by using hot Italian sausage or adding extra red pepper flakes. You can also incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick. Experiment with different types of chili peppers for nuanced heat.

Hearty Vegetable Boost

Add more vegetables for a heartier and more nutrient-rich dish. Consider adding sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant to the slow cooker along with the peppers and onions. Root vegetables like diced potatoes or carrots can also be added for a more substantial meal.

Smoky Paprika Depth

Enhance the smoky flavour profile by using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. Smoked paprika adds a deeper, more intense smoky note that complements the peppers and sausage beautifully. You can also add a touch of liquid smoke for an extra layer of smokiness.

Italian Herb Garden

Experiment with different combinations of Italian herbs to customize the flavour. Try adding dried thyme, rosemary, or marjoram in addition to or instead of oregano and basil. Fresh herbs like chopped basil, oregano, or parsley can also be added towards the end of cooking or as a garnish for a brighter, fresher flavour.

Sweet Balsamic Glaze

Add a touch of sweetness and acidity by stirring in a tablespoon or two of balsamic vinegar during the last hour of slow cooking. Balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and tanginess that balances the savory flavours and creates a more complex flavour profile. You can also drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished dish as a garnish.

Serving Suggestions

Over Creamy Polenta

Serve Slow Cooker Peppers and Sausage over a bed of creamy polenta for a comforting and satisfying Italian-inspired meal. Creamy polenta provides a smooth and rich base that complements the savory peppers and sausage beautifully.

Stuffed into Hoagie Rolls

Create hearty and flavourful sausage and pepper sandwiches by spooning the slow cooker mixture into toasted hoagie rolls. Top with provolone cheese or your favourite cheese for a classic sandwich experience.

Alongside Garlic Bread

Pair Slow Cooker Peppers and Sausage with crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce and adding a comforting carbohydrate side. Garlic bread enhances the Italian-inspired flavours and provides a satisfying accompaniment.

With Pasta of Your Choice

Serve the peppers and sausage over your favourite pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti, for a classic and satisfying pasta dish. Toss cooked pasta with the slow cooker mixture for a quick and easy meal.

As a Pizza Topping

Use Slow Cooker Peppers and Sausage as a flavourful and hearty topping for homemade or store-bought pizza. Spread the mixture over pizza dough, top with mozzarella cheese and bake for a delicious and unconventional pizza topping.

FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

While this recipe is designed for raw sausage to cook in the slow cooker, you can use pre-cooked sausage if desired. Add pre-cooked sausage during the last hour of slow cooking just to heat it through and allow the flavours to meld.

How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too mushy?

To prevent mushy peppers, avoid overcooking. Check the peppers for tenderness around the 6-hour mark on low heat or 3-hour mark on high heat. They should be tender-crisp but not completely soft. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your pepper strips.

Can I add other vegetables to this slow cooker recipe?

Yes, you can easily add other vegetables to Slow Cooker Peppers and Sausage. Mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, and carrots are all excellent additions. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the vegetables you add. Root vegetables may require longer cooking times.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, Slow Cooker Peppers and Sausage is a great make-ahead dish. It can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the slow cooker, stovetop, or microwave until heated through. Flavours often develop further overnight.

How should I store leftover Slow Cooker Peppers and Sausage?

Store leftover Slow Cooker Peppers and Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the slow cooker, stovetop, or microwave until heated through.

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