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Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

This Italian Crockpot Sausage and Peppers Recipe Feels Effortless.

Modified: May 15, 2026 by Kori Butler

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Crockpot sausage and peppers might be one of the easiest healthy dinners you can throw together on a busy day. Everything simmers low and slow into a cozy, flavor-packed main dish with Italian flavors, tender bell peppers, and juicy sausage - plus it's naturally gluten free, low carb, keto, dairy-free, and high protein.

Italian style crockpot sausage and peppers served on a white plate over riced cauliflower.Pin
Jump to:
  • The backstory.
  • It's a must-make.
  • Let's talk texture and flavor.
  • What you'll need.
  • Customize it your way.
  • Flexible dietary swaps.
  • How to cook sausages and peppers slow cooker style.
  • How to serve it.
  • Kori's tips.
  • FAQs
  • 📖 The recipe.
  • Keep the good eats going.
  • 💬 What readers are saying.

The backstory.

There's something oddly satisfying about a true dump and go dinner. On the days when I know dinner needs to basically cook itself, I almost always end up making some version of Italian sausage and peppers in slow cooker style. It smells amazing all afternoon, nobody complains about what's for dinner, and somehow it feels like way more effort than it actually is. That's my kind of weeknight win.

xoxo Kori

It's a must-make.

When you need a fuss-free crockpot sausage and peppers recipe that still tastes homemade and comforting, this one checks every box.

  • It's dump-and-go. Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the heavy lifting while you get on with your day.
  • Big Italian flavors without the work. Marinara sauce, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning create rich flavor with very little effort.
  • Healthy comfort food vibes. It's naturally gluten free. With only 8.5 grams of net carbs, 32.5 grams fat, and 15 grams of protein this recipe is both keto and low carb.
  • Flexible enough for everyone at the table. Serve it in hoagie rolls, over pasta, cauliflower rice, or all on its own.

Talk about delicious - AND easy. Only a few simple ingredients added to the crockpot then cooked low and slow all day. Italian sausage and peppers have become a huge favorite in our house.

Let's talk texture and flavor.

The sausages become juicy and tender as they slow cook in the marinara sauce, soaking up all those savory Italian flavors along the way. The bell peppers and onion soften just enough while still keeping a little texture, and the garlic and Italian seasoning bring that cozy, classic flavor that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible. Every bite is rich, saucy, savory, and perfect for piling into bowls or sandwiches.

What you'll need.

Here's what your going to need to make slow cooker sausage and peppers.

  • Italian sausages: Use your favorite Italian sausage links - mild or spicy both work great here.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down in the sauce.
  • Bell peppers: Any color works. They add freshness, texture, and natural sweetness.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce an extra layer of savory flavor.
  • Italian seasoning: Brings all those classic Italian-inspired herbs together in one easy step.
  • Marinara Sauce: Creates the rich, saucy base for the whole dish. If you are following a keto or low sugar diet make sure to use sugar free sauce.
  • Salt: Helps balance and enhance the flavors.
  • Pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth.
  • Extra marinara sauce: Great for serving if you like things extra saucy.
  • Parmesan or mozzarella cheese: Optional, but delicious for garnish.

If you love easy dinners with big flavor, there are a few more recipes you'll definitely want to add to your rotation. Red Cabbage Soup with Apples & Bratwurst has that cozy sweet-and-savory combo that feels especially good on chilly nights. Easy Crockpot Jambalaya Recipe brings bold, comforting flavor with very little effort - perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something hearty and satisfying. And if you're into creative low carb comfort food, Lasagna Stuffed Peppers Without Rice delivers all those classic Italian-inspired flavors in a lighter, veggie-packed way.

Customize it your way.

Sausages and peppers slow cooker style are easy to tweak depending on what you have in the fridge or what sounds good that day.

  • Use spicy Italian sausage for a little extra heat.
  • Add sliced mushrooms for more hearty veggie flavor.
  • Swap marinara sauce for crushed tomatoes for a lighter tomato flavor.
  • Add provolone or mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes for a melty finish.
  • Toss in zucchini during the last hour of cooking for extra veggies.

Flexible dietary swaps.

One of my favorite things about crockpot sausage and peppers is how easy it is to adapt for different eating styles without losing all those cozy Italian flavors.

  • Dairy-Free: Skip the parmesan or mozzarella garnish and use a dairy-free sausage if needed.
  • Gluten-Free: Most of the recipe is naturally gluten free - just double check your labels.
  • Lower Sodium: Use a low-sodium marinara sauce and look for lower sodium Italian sausage options and skip the added salt.
  • Lower Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or enjoy it as-is in a bowl. Leaner Protein: Try chicken or turkey Italian sausage instead of pork sausage.

How to cook sausages and peppers slow cooker style.

Crockpot sausage and peppers is the kind of easy dinner that rewards you with big flavor for very little effort.

  1. Layer the sliced onion into the bottom of the slow cooker and place the sausages on top.
  2. Add the bell peppers, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spoon the marinara sauce over everything so the sausages and veggies are nicely coated.
  4. Cover and cook on low until the sausages are cooked through and the peppers are tender.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

How to serve it.

Crockpot sausage and peppers works for everything from casual weeknight dinners to game day spreads.

  • Serve it in toasted hoagie rolls with melted mozzarella for an easy sandwich night.
  • Spoon it over pasta, rice, or creamy polenta for a hearty dinner.
  • Keep it low carb and serve over cauliflower rice.
  • Add extra marinara sauce and parmesan cheese right before serving.
  • Pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for an easy balanced meal.

Kori's tips.

  • Slice peppers evenly. Similar-sized strips cook more evenly and look prettier when serving.
  • Don't overcook. Bell peppers taste best when they still have a little texture instead of getting too soft.
  • Shortcut alert. Pre-sliced onions and peppers make this dinner even faster to throw together.
  • Make it meal prep friendly. Leftovers reheat really well for lunches throughout the week.
  • Is the sauce too runny? Thicken it with a little cornstarch or xanthan gum. If using xanthan gum use about a quarter of a teaspoon dissolved in 1 teaspoon of olive oil. A little goes a long way!

FAQs

What is the best way to store it?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Let everything cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to reheat.

Thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat slowly on your stove, in a microwave, or back in your slow cooker until hot.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes. Cook on high for about 2½ to 3½ hours, depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of the sausages.

Can I ask you a favor?

If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get healthy fresh recipe ideas every week!

📖 The recipe.

Sausage and peppers garnished with fresh basil and parmesan.

Italian-Style Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

A cozy, flavor-packed crockpot sausage and peppers recipe made with juicy Italian sausage, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and marinara sauce. This easy slow cooker dinner is naturally gluten free, low carb, and perfect for busy weeknights.
4.84 from 6 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 8 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 hours hrs
Total Time 5 hours hrs 8 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American | Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 403 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (19-ounce) package Italian sausages
  • 1 cup onion sliced
  • 4 bell peppers any color, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • 16 ounces marinara sauce, divided (additional sauce may be needed if you want to serve over pasta)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • Optional: Extra marinara sauce and grated parmesan or mozzarella as a garnish.

Instructions
 

  • Place onions in the bottom of a greased crockpot then the top with the sausages. Add bell peppers, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Top with 1 cup of the marinara sauce, then spread it over the sausages and vegetables.
  • Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until sausages are done and vegetables are tender. Stir in the remaining marinara sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Video

Kori's Tips

Serve this dish on its own or inside a hoagie roll, over a chaffle or riced cauliflower, pasta, or regular rice. Top with extra marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 403kcalCarbohydrates: 11.1gProtein: 15gFat: 32.5gSaturated Fat: 10.8gCholesterol: 68.2mgSodium: 1100.4mgFiber: 2.6gSugar: 3.7g
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. MARY TOGNAZZINI

    March 01, 2022 at 10:23 am

    I BUY THE MINI PEPPERS SO HOW MANY CUPS.

    Reply
    • Kori

      March 01, 2022 at 10:53 am

      Hello, great idea! You would need about 4 to 6 cups of peppers. 🙂 I hope you enjoy the recipe!

      Reply
4.84 from 6 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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Hey there, I'm Kori.

I’m a culinary school trained chef specializing in holistic nutrition and wellness. I’ve always been a major foodie, and as I’ve aged, the full impact of my love of food—and not-necessarily-healthy eating habits—caught up to me. In an effort to make positive changes in my life (and hopefully yours, too), I created this website where I could share great-tasting, craveable, healthy recipes.

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