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Easy Crockpot Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwiches

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A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender Italian sausage and peppers in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds Italian sausage links (sweet or mild)
  • 3 medium bell peppers (any color), sliced thin
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced thin
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 hoagie rolls or Italian sandwich buns
  • Provolone or mozzarella cheese slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Mince garlic cloves. (About 10 minutes prep)
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add peppers and onions and cook 5-7 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp. Stir in garlic for the last minute.
  3. Brown the Italian sausage links in the same skillet over medium-high heat, about 3-4 minutes per side, until seared but not fully cooked.
  4. Transfer browned sausages to the crockpot. Add sautéed peppers and onions on top.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, fennel seeds (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix gently to coat sausages and veggies evenly.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, slice hoagie rolls and toast lightly if desired.
  8. Remove sausages from crockpot and slice each link into 3 pieces. Pile sausage slices and peppers onto each roll.
  9. Top with cheese slices if using, then return to crockpot or oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
  10. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Sautéing the peppers and onions before slow cooking prevents a watery sauce and enhances flavor. Browning the sausage adds depth and locks in juices. Toast rolls lightly to prevent sogginess. If sauce is too thin after cooking, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken. Variations include using turkey sausage, adding crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or substituting fresh tomatoes in summer.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sausage, peppers, crockpot, slow cooker, sandwiches, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/easy-crockpot-italian-sausage-and-peppers-sandwiches-recipe-perfect-for-busy-weeknights/