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High Protein Recipe

Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

Updated on 4 min read
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers High Protein Recipe

Quick Description

Crockpot Sausage and Peppers is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish where Italian sausages are slow-cooked with onions, peppers, and a delicious marinara sauce. You can enjoy it as-is or top it with melted mozzarella cheese for an extra indulgent twist!

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low
  • Total Time: 10 minutes prep + slow cook time

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

  • 1 package Italian sausages (5 sausages)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup chunky marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½-¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Sausages

  1. Heat the Skillet:
    • Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil.
  2. Sear the Sausages:
    • Add the Italian sausages to the skillet. Sear each sausage for 2-3 minutes on each side until the outside is browned.
    • This step adds flavor, but you don’t need to cook them fully as they’ll finish cooking in the crockpot.

Step 2: Layer in the Crockpot

  1. Place Sausages in Crockpot:
    • Transfer the seared sausages to the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Add the Veggies:
    • Layer the sliced peppers and onions on top of the sausages in the crockpot.
  3. Season the Dish:
    • Sprinkle the garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper over the veggies.

Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce

  1. Pour the Marinara Sauce:
    • Spread 1 cup of chunky marinara sauce over the vegetables and sausages. Stir a little to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Slow Cook

  1. Cook the Dish:
    • Set the crockpot to high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours. Cook until the peppers are tender and the sausages are fully cooked through.

Step 5: Optional – Add Cheese

  1. Top with Cheese:
    • Once the sausage and peppers are done cooking, you can add shredded mozzarella (or another cheese like Monterey Jack or an Italian blend) to the dish.
    • Transfer the sausage and peppers to a broiler-safe pan. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
    • Place the pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Serve the sausage and peppers hot, with or without the melted cheese on top. This dish is great on its own or served with a side of cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple salad.

Additional Notes

  • Sausage Options: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use chicken sausages or turkey sausages instead of traditional Italian sausage.
  • Vegetable Variations: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the crockpot for extra vegetables.
  • No Broiler? If you don’t have a broiler-safe pan, you can skip the cheese melting step and serve the dish without it.

Dietary Info

  • Low-Carb
  • Gluten-Free
  • Dairy Option (if using cheese)
  • High-Protein

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Marinara Sauce: Use a sugar-free marinara sauce to keep this dish low-carb.
  • Cheese Options: Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you can also use cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with Veggies: Serve this dish over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a healthy, low-carb option.
  • Make it Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the crockpot for extra heat.
  • Serve with Salad: A fresh side salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar pairs well with this hearty dish.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: This dish freezes well for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Carbs: 10 g
  • Net Carbs: 6 g
  • Fiber: 4 g

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove when ready to serve.

Q: Can I skip the broiler step?
Yes, you can serve the dish without broiling the cheese. The sausage and peppers are delicious on their own!

Q: Can I use other sausages?
Yes! You can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or any other preferred sausage. Just make sure it’s cooked through before serving.

Optional Personal Story

I love making this Crockpot Sausage and Peppers dish when I need an easy, comforting meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking really brings out all the flavors, and the cheese on top just takes it to the next level. It’s perfect for meal prep and makes fantastic leftovers!

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