When I’m scheming ways to create healthy recipes that taste as scrumptious as their no-holds-barred indulgent counterparts, turkey- or chicken-based Italian sausage is one of my most treasured tools. This one-pan Sausage and Rice Casserole was one of the first healthy meals I learned to cook, this sheet pan Italian Sausage and Peppers hits the spot when I’m in a hurry, and this Italian Sausage with Butternut Squash Gnocchi (and its cousin, Skillet Lasagna) are two of your recent favorites. Although it is lean, Italian turkey sausage (and/or chicken sausage) is packed with spices and more marbled than plain ground turkey or chicken, meaning that it has more flavor built in. More flavor=less work for the cook (ahem, you and me) since it has extra pizzazz right out of the package. Turkey sausage does still take some finesse to maximize its flavor (since it is lean, I would not not recommend throwing a plain link on the grill or in the oven then walking away for 20 minutes to see what happens), but with a trusty recipe (helllllllo, this ultra tasty Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers), it can help you create some of the best tasting healthy dinner recipes to ever come from your kitchen.
How to Make the Best Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers
This easy crock pot meal is exactly that: EASY. Because the ingredient list is so short, however, you want to make a few key moves the ensure that you are left with a slow cooker full of the best sausage and peppers to have graced your table, forever and ever amen.
Brown the Onion. I know that throwing raw onions in the crock pot is convenient, but I promise you the extra few minutes spent sautéing them on the stovetop first will be richly rewarded. It completely enhances the sauce, and the flavor of the onions themselves is better too. Splash in Some Wine. It’s a tasty way to deglaze the onions, which is fancy speak for getting all that brown goodness (i.e. FLAVOR) the onions leave in the pan out of the skillet and into your Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers. I used red wine we had leftover from dinner the night before. White wine also works. For another spin, slow cooker sausage and peppers with onions and beer would be tasty too!
Not into the beer or wine? Swap low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
Low and Slow. I tested this recipe on both low and high heat. In the slow cooker, sausages take 4 to 6 hours to cook on low or 2 to 3 hours to cook on high, depending upon your slow cooker model. Overall, I recommend the low method. The sausages were noticeably more tender. High works if you are in a big hurry, but for the best Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers, patience is key.
Once you have your Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers ready, it’s time to serve them up!
How to Serve Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers
Spoon generously over whole wheat pasta and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles, or try our favorite: a 50/50 mix of spiralized zucchini and whole wheat spaghetti noodles. Italian-style sandwich: Pile inside of split and toasted hoagie buns. Top with Provolone cheese, arrange on a baking sheet, and broil until the cheese is melted and golden. Serve over prepared brown rice or cauliflower rice. Enjoy all on its own with a side of roasted vegetables.
Recipe Adaptations and Tips
Depending upon your family’s preferred level of spice, you can make this a mild Italian sausage slow cooker recipe or kick things up and use spicy Italian turkey sausage. The heat level is up to you. Be sure to use uncooked Italian sausage in its casing and not precooked chicken or turkey sausage links. You can usually find this in your grocery store next to the ground turkey. Some stores also carry it in the butcher case. I haven’t yet tried this as a slow cooker sausage with peppers, onions, and potatoes, but if you’d like to try something similar, check out this recipe for my Italian Sausage Skillet.
How to Make Ahead and Store
To Make In Advance. Add all of the ingredients to the crock pot as directed, but do not turn the crock pot on. Cover the crock pot insert and refrigerate the insert with the ingredients in it for up to 1 day. When ready to cook, let the insert stand at room temperature for 15 minutes, remove the plastic, then place it in the crock pot. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, then on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. To Store. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To Freeze. Place leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container and free for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove.
So, which Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers serving option will it be for you? Over pasta? Sammie style? Or how about one of my faves: on its own, right out of the slow cooker when no one is watching!
