Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers Delight
Relish the classic Italian flavors in this Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers Delight. This hearty and robust dish brings together juicy Italian sausages, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic onions and garlic, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Ideal for a family meal or entertaining guests, this dish is easy to prepare and keeps your hands free as it slow cooks to perfection. Opt for low-fat sausage to align with a healthier lifestyle. For those who prefer a thicker and richer sauce, a hint of cornstarch added toward the end creates a lusciously thick consistency.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
3 (sliced)
red bell pepper
1 (sliced)
green bell pepper
1 (sliced)
yellow bell pepper
1 (sliced)
garlic cloves
4 (smashed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
diced tomatoes
1 can (28 ounces)
salt
1 teaspoon
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
Italian sausage
2 lbs (cut into 3-inch pieces (or smoked sausage can be used))
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic, sautéing until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the sausage pieces to the skillet and brown them slightly, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
3
Transfer the sautéed vegetables and sausage into the crock pot.
4
Pour in the diced tomatoes, and sprinkle the salt and crushed red pepper flakes over the mixture. Stir to combine everything evenly.
5
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry, and stir it into the crock pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
7
Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers Delight?
It is a hearty Italian dish featuring juicy sausages, bell peppers, onions, and garlic simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of Italian sausage, though smoked sausage can also be used as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes, you can opt for low-fat sausage to align with a healthier lifestyle.
What varieties of bell peppers are needed?
You will need one red bell pepper, one green bell pepper, and one yellow bell pepper, all sliced.
How should the onions be prepared?
You should use three onions and slice them before cooking.
How is the garlic prepared for this dish?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves that have been smashed.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables before putting them in the slow cooker?
Yes, sauté the sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic in olive oil for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
Should the sausage be browned before slow cooking?
Yes, add the sausage pieces to the skillet after the vegetables and brown them slightly for about 5 minutes.
How should the sausage be cut?
The sausage should be cut into 3-inch pieces.
How long does the dish cook in the slow cooker?
Cover the crock pot and cook the mixture on low for 4 to 6 hours.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry and stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Is this recipe spicy?
It includes 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables and sausage.
Can I use a crock pot for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is designed specifically for a crock pot or slow cooker.
What garnishes are recommended?
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make an excellent garnish for added flavor.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients listed in the recipe.
Do I add salt to the dish?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt is sprinkled over the mixture before slow cooking.
Is this dish suitable for entertaining guests?
Absolutely, it is described as ideal for family meals or entertaining guests because it keeps your hands free.
Can I skip the sautéing step?
While sautéing adds flavor and softens the vegetables, the instructions recommend it for the best results.
What is the primary flavor profile of this meal?
It features classic Italian flavors with aromatic onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a tomato base.
Is the sauce rich or thin?
The sauce is rich, and you have the option to make it even thicker and more luscious with a cornstarch slurry.
Should the slow cooker be set to high or low?
The recipe specifically recommends the low setting for 4-6 hours.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
The recipe calls for canned diced tomatoes, but fresh tomatoes could be substituted if they are peeled and diced.
When do I stir the ingredients together?
Stir everything evenly after adding the diced tomatoes, salt, and red pepper flakes to the crock pot.
How much cornstarch is needed for thickening?
The recipe suggests using 3 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with water.
Is this recipe considered 'easy'?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner recipe.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
The dish should be served hot.
Can I use other colored peppers?
The recipe specifies red, green, and yellow for vibrancy, but any bell peppers will work.