If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and simple to prepare, look no further than this Italian Sausage and Peppers recipe. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick stovetop dinner or a hands-off slow cooker dish, this recipe has you covered. Packed with tender Italian sausages, sweet bell peppers, and a savory tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and spices, it’s a dish that feels like a hug on a plate. The best part? It only requires a handful of ingredients and can be easily customized to your taste with sweet or spicy sausages.
Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this dish can be made in two ways: the stovetop method for those in a hurry or the slow cooker method for a leisurely cooking experience. Both result in a delicious, comforting meal that pairs beautifully with crusty bread, pasta, or rice. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or just treating yourself, this Sausage and Peppers recipe will quickly become a go-to in your dinner rotation. Ready to impress with minimal effort? Keep reading for both methods to get this tasty dish on your table in no time!
Italian Sausage and Peppers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time:
30-40 minutes (Stovetop)
6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high (Slow Cooker)
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
6 Italian sausage links (sweet or hot, based on preference)
3 bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, and green), sliced
2 large onions, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (400g) can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
120ml chicken stock
2 tablespoons tomato purée
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Stovetop Method:
1. Brown the sausages: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausages and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are browned on all sides (they don’t need to be cooked through). Transfer the sausages to a plate and set aside.
2. Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
3. Prepare the sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato purée, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the sausages: Return the browned sausages to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetables and sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve: Once the sausages are fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 75°C), remove from heat. Serve hot, either on its own or with crusty bread, rice, or pasta.
- Removable hob-proof aluminium pot – sear and stew in the same pot, doubles as a serving dish
- Shatter resistant cooking pot – Less likely to break if dropped or knocked
- Dishwasher proof pot and lid – Makes meal times even less hassle
- 6.5 Litre Capacity – Serves 10 starters or six main portions comfortably, ideal for families
- Three cooking settings – Ensure your meals are ready when you are
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update on 2025-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Slow Cooker Method:
1. Brown the sausages: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausages and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned (don’t worry if they’re not cooked through). Transfer the sausages to a plate and set aside.
2. Prepare the slow cooker: Layer the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by the sliced bell peppers.
3. Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chicken stock, tomato purée, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.
4. Assemble the slow cooker: Pour the tomato mixture over the peppers and onions in the slow cooker. Place the browned sausages on top of the vegetables.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the sausages are fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. If you are using the low setting, check for doneness around the 6-hour mark.
6. Serve: Once the sausages are cooked through, serve hot, either on its own or with bread, rice, or pasta.
Cooking Tips:
Stovetop: This method takes a bit less time, but you will need to watch over the cooking process to make sure everything stays moist and tender.
Slow Cooker: The slow cooker method results in a deeply infused flavor, with sausages and vegetables soaking in the juices all day long. It’s a great option for a hands-off meal.
1. Browning the sausages before adding them to the slow cooker adds extra flavor and better texture.
2. Don’t cut the sausages before cooking; keep them whole to retain moisture.
3. If the sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
4. For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the tomato mixture.
5. Choose different colored bell peppers for both visual appeal and slightly different flavors.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Optional Add-ins:
Sliced mushrooms
Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Fresh basil for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese
Roasted garlic
Note: This recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free by serving without bread or with gluten-free alternatives.
Enjoy your Italian Sausage and Peppers, whether cooked on the stove or in your slow cooker!
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- Sear on the Stove: The removable pot is hob proof, so you only have to use one pot from start to finish – sear and sauté any ingredients first for increased flavour, and then transfer to the slow cooker
![Crock-Pot Slow Cooker | Removable Easy-Clean Ceramic Bowl | 1.8 L Small Slow Cooker (Serves 1-2 People) | Energy Efficient | Black [CSC080]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-40FfAmkL._SL160_.jpg)
- Perfect for casseroles, curries, and chilli, plus soups and even desserts
- 1.8 litre capacity – ideal for small households
- Removable stoneware ceramic bowl – ideal for serving at the table and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
- VARIABLE COOKING CONTROL – This slow cooker features 3 different heat settings – Cook at a high or low temperature or even keep already cooked food warm
- INDICATOR LIGHT – This slow cooker has an inbuilt indicator light so that you can easily see what the status is of your slow cooker
- REMOVABLE STONEWARE POT – We built this slow cooker with convenience in mind – We’ve made the stoneware pot removable for easy and mess-free cleaning
- Dishwasher-safe Ceramic Pot: The 3.5L ceramic pot is easily removable and can be placed in the dishwasher, taking away the hassle from cleaning up after a hearty midweek meal
- 3 Heat Settings: Easily switch between your choice of low, medium & high settings for a range of cooking options Warming food for parties or creating a comforting family meal with ease
- Large Capacity: With ample space to hold all your ingredients, you’ll be free to create more elaborate dishes in one go – reducing time spent in the kitchen without compromising on quality cuisine
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Last update on 2025-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API