Name: Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers in Marinara
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 375 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 lbs Italian Sausages (Sweet or Spicy links); 3 large Bell Peppers (mixed colors), sliced; 1 large Yellow Onion, sliced; 24 oz Marinara Sauce; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 tsp Dried Oregano; 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional); 0.25 cup Fresh Basil, chopped

"This classic Italian-American comfort dish features succulent sausages slow-cooked to perfection in a thick, herb-infused marinara sauce. Combined with sweet bell peppers and onions, it creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is perfect for sandwiches or pasta."

1 Ingredients

Qty	Item
2 lbs 900 g	Italian Sausages (Sweet or Spicy links)
3 large 450 g	Bell Peppers (mixed colors), sliced
1 large 200 g	Yellow Onion, sliced
24 oz 680 g	Marinara Sauce
3 cloves 9 g	Garlic, minced
1 tsp 1 g	Dried Oregano
0.5 tsp 0.5 g	Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
0.25 cup 10 g	Fresh Basil, chopped

2 Instructions

Lightly grease the insert of your slow cooker.

(Optional) Brown the sausages in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side to develop color and flavor.

Place the sliced onions and bell peppers in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Lay the sausage links on top of the vegetables.

In a small bowl, stir the minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce, then pour the mixture over the sausages and peppers.

Cover and cook on Low for 6-7 hours or on High for 3-4 hours until the sausages are cooked through and peppers are tender.

Stir in fresh basil just before serving. Serve on toasted hoagie rolls or over cooked pasta.

·
For the best texture, slice your peppers and onions into thick strips so they don't disintegrate during the long cooking time.
·
If the sauce is too thin at the end, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
·
Searing the sausages before slow cooking isn't mandatory, but it adds a depth of savory flavor and a better 'snap' to the casing.
·
Use a high-quality, low-sugar marinara sauce for the best nutritional profile and authentic taste.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen peppers for this recipe?

Yes, but be aware that frozen peppers release more water, which may make your marinara sauce thinner.

Should I cut the sausages before cooking?

It is best to cook them whole to keep them juicy, then slice them before serving if desired.

Can I use chicken or turkey sausage?

Absolutely! Chicken or turkey Italian sausages work perfectly and will reduce the total fat and calorie count.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming.

→ Keep Cooking

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