Italian Sausage for the Crock Pot

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!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:255 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Italian sausage links (mild or hot)
• 2 large Bell peppers (red, green, yellow, or orange)
• 1 large Yellow onion
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 0.5 cup Chicken broth

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Slice the bell peppers into thin strips and dice the yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Layer the browned sausage links on top of the tomato mixture in the crock pot.

Step 5

Add the sliced bell peppers and diced onions over the sausages. Gently stir to ensure the vegetables are partially submerged in the sauce.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if needed.

Step 8

Serve hot over cooked pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2108.3 grams (2108.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2213

Total Fat 161.00g	206%
Saturated Fat 50.40g	252%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 400mg	133%
Sodium 8303mg	361%
Total Carbohydrate 97.60g	35%
Dietary Fiber 24.50g	88%
Total Sugars 53.10g
Protein 114.50g	229%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 419mg	32%
Iron 17mg	94%
Potassium 4357mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.1%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 17.0%