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–+ servings
An overhead image of a bowl of Italian sausage and peppers with buns and a napkin next to it.
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Slow Cooker Italian Sausage

This slow cooker Italian sausage recipe is the ultimate easy and delicious way to make some fantastic sausage sandwiches. It’s perfect for busy weeknights — just toss everything into your slow cooker (or Instant Pot) and let it do the work! 
Course dinner, Main, Main Course, Main dish
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 23kcal
Author Jessy Freimann

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pork Italian sausage links, halved
  • 2 cups bell pepper, sliced on the thicker side (any color you'd like)
  • 2 cups onions sliced on the thicker side
  • 1 splash white wine (optional)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (only if using Instant Pot)

Optional extras for serving

  • Hero rolls
  • Provolone or mozzarella cheese, sliced

Instructions

  • Place sausage, peppers and onion into the slow cooker and top with a splash of wine (or place the ingredients into a zipper bag and freeze- thaw before cooking).
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook for 4 hours on low heat.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Slice the peppers and onions on the thicker side so that they don't cook down to nothing and disappear into the sauce.
  • Want to prep ahead? Toss all the raw ingredients in a zipper bag and freeze them. Then, thaw in the fridge overnight and dump it in the slow cooker the next day.
  • I prefer to cut sausage links in half to make them easier to serve and eat, but feel free to leave them whole if that’s your preference.
  • Stick with low heat for best results. Cooking on high can affect the texture of the sausage, and not in a good way. 
  • Making it in the Instant Pot? Add ½ cup of water or chicken broth, cook on manual high pressure for 20 minutes, and quick-release the pressure. Serve right away!
  • Ingredients to prep ahead- Slice your peppers and onions and halve the sausage links. Store them in the fridge.
  • Leftovers and storage- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 23kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.4mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.1mg