This Crockpot Italian Sausage and Peppers with Marinara is a savory, hearty dish featuring juicy sausage, sweet peppers, and rich marinara. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s an easy, hands-off recipe that delivers authentic Italian flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crockpot Italian sausage and peppers with marinara is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that brings the taste of Italy to your table with ease. The tender sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and robust marinara sauce meld together beautifully in the slow cooker, creating a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s versatile—serve it over pasta, on hoagie rolls, or with a side of crusty bread—and budget-friendly, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. The hands-off cooking process and delicious leftovers make it a go-to for meal prep or a cozy dinner that warms both body and soul.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for Italian sausage with fennel for authentic flavor.
- Sear for Depth: Browning the sausage before slow cooking enhances richness.
- Slice Peppers Evenly: Cut peppers into uniform strips for consistent cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and tweak marinara with herbs or salt as needed.
- Low and Slow: Cook on low to keep sausage juicy and flavors melded.
- Skim Fat: Remove excess fat from the sauce after cooking for a cleaner taste.
- Thicken Sauce: Simmer uncovered on high for the last 30 minutes if too thin.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
Crockpot Italian Sausage and Peppers with Marinara

Savory crockpot Italian sausage with peppers and marinara, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 lbs Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 3 medium bell peppers, sliced into strips
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prep the Sausage: Pat sausages dry with paper towels for better searing.
- Sear the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown sausages on all sides for 5-7 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add to the slow cooker.
- Add Peppers: Layer sliced bell peppers over the sausage and onions in the slow cooker.
- Pour Marinara: Pour marinara sauce over the ingredients, ensuring even coverage.
- Season the Dish: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper over the mixture.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until sausage is tender and peppers are soft.
- Check Consistency: Stir halfway through if possible; skim excess fat from the sauce if desired.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes. Slice sausages or serve whole with peppers and sauce.
- Enjoy Your Meal: Serve over pasta, in hoagie rolls, or with crusty bread for a hearty dinner!
Notes
- Use Italian sausage with fennel for authentic flavor; adjust spice level to taste.
- Sear in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Adjust marinara or seasoning to suit your flavor preferences.
- Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.
- This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free diets with certified ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 476Total Fat 34gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 26gCholesterol 67mgSodium 1422mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 3gSugar 9gProtein 24g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Italian Sausage (2 lbs): Mild or spicy links with fennel; about 6-8 pieces.
- Bell Peppers (3 medium): Red, yellow, or green add sweetness; slice into strips.
- Yellow Onion (1 large): Provides savory depth; dice finely for even flavor.
- Marinara Sauce (24 oz): Store-bought or homemade; choose a robust, seasoned variety.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic warmth.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used for searing, adding richness and aiding browning.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional): Adds a subtle kick; adjust to taste.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavors; adjust based on marinara saltiness.
- Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a mild spice; freshly ground is best.
Variations and Substitutions
- Sausage Swap: Use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- Pepper Variations: Add banana peppers or jalapeños for extra heat or flavor.
- Sauce Options: Substitute marinara with a spicy arrabbiata or creamy Alfredo.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Include mushrooms or zucchini for more texture.
- Broth Boost: Add ½ cup chicken broth for a thinner sauce if desired.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle Parmesan or mozzarella for a cheesy finish.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure marinara and sausage are gluten-free certified.
- Herb Twist: Swap Italian seasoning with fresh basil or rosemary.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of water.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring to blend flavors.
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