Imagine walking into your home after a long day, greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of perfectly seasoned sausages slowly cooking with sweet bell peppers and caramelized onions. This isn't just another recipe—it's a game-changing, set-it-and-forget-it meal that will transform your dinner routine from mundane to magnificent! Our Slow Cooker Sausage, Pepper, and Onion dish is the ultimate hands-off meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a lifesaver for busy home cooks and flavor enthusiasts alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Sausage links
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by washing and slicing bell peppers into 1/2-inch thick strips. Slice onions similarly into half-moon shapes.
- Mince fresh garlic cloves finely to release maximum flavor and aroma.
- Select high-quality Italian sausage links (sweet or hot, based on preference) and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Lightly spray or grease the interior of the slow cooker with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer sliced onions and bell peppers evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place sausage links on top of the vegetable layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly over the sausages and vegetables.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting for 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and sausages to cook thoroughly.
- After cooking, carefully remove sausages and vegetables using tongs. Optional: Briefly broil sausages for additional browning.
- Serve hot, optionally on hoagie rolls or with side dishes like roasted potatoes or pasta.
Tips
- Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality Italian sausage links—whether sweet or hot—to elevate the dish's overall flavor profile.
- Moisture Management: Pat sausages dry before cooking to ensure better browning and prevent excess liquid in the slow cooker.
- Layering Technique: Create a solid foundation by spreading vegetables evenly, which helps distribute heat and flavors uniformly.
- Seasoning Strategy: Don't be shy with Italian seasoning, and consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.
- Finishing Touch: For those who love a bit of char, consider a quick broil after slow cooking to crisp up the sausages.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve on toasted hoagie rolls, over pasta, or alongside roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This recipe tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
