Savor the rich, comforting flavors of "Italian Sausage for the Crock Pot," a no-fuss slow-cooker recipe perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dining. This dish features juicy Italian sausage links—choose mild or hot depending on your taste—simmered to perfection in a robust tomato-based sauce infused with fragrant Italian herbs, garlic, and a splash of chicken broth. Sweet bell peppers and tender onions add vibrant color and texture, making every bite irresistible. With just 15 minutes of prep and the convenience of a crock pot, this recipe delivers an authentic Italian-inspired meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, creamy polenta, or crusty bread. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or craving a cozy family favorite, this flavorful dish is sure to impress!
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage links and brown them on all sides for 5-7 minutes. This step is to sear the sausages, not cook them through. Set aside.
Slice the bell peppers into thin strips and dice the yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
In the crock pot, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Layer the browned sausage links on top of the tomato mixture in the crock pot.
Add the sliced bell peppers and diced onions over the sausages. Gently stir to ensure the vegetables are partially submerged in the sauce.
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if needed.
Serve hot over cooked pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.
Calories |
2213 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 161.0 g | 206% | |
| Saturated Fat | 50.4 g | 252% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 400 mg | 133% | |
| Sodium | 8303 mg | 361% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 97.6 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.5 g | 88% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.1 g | ||
| Protein | 114.5 g | 229% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 419 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 16.9 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 4357 mg | 93% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.