Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a go‑to for busy weeknights. Prep takes just 5 minutes, and the slow cooker handles the rest. You end up with flavorful, tender sausages plus a hearty sauce with minimal effort. It’s versatile—serve it in sandwiches, over rice, or alongside pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 (4‑ounce) fresh Italian sausage links
- 1 (26‑ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
- 1 onion, sliced
- 6 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise (optional)
directions
- Gather all ingredients.
- In a slow cooker, place the Italian sausage links, spaghetti sauce, sliced green pepper, and onion. Mix gently until well combined.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours.
- Serve the sausages and sauce on hoagie rolls, or over rice or pasta if preferred.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 6 hours
- Total time: 6 hours and 5 minutes
Variations
- Spicy kick: Swap Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Vegetable boost: Add sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
- Cheesy finish: Top sandwiches or servings with provolone, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese. Let it melt before serving.
- Light version: Use turkey or chicken sausage and a low‑sugar marinara sauce to reduce fat and calories.
storage/reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months—allow it to cool completely first.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight if frozen. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
1. Can I cook this on High instead of Low?
Yes, you can cook on High for about 3–4 hours, but Low for 6 hours yields the best tender sausage and developed flavors.
2. Do I need to brown the sausages first?
Nope! The slow cooker handles it, and skipping browning saves time without sacrificing taste.
3. What other sauces can I use?
Try marinara, roasted red pepper sauce, or even a jarred pizza sauce for a different flavor twist.
4. Is this suitable for gluten‑free diets?
Yes, if you choose gluten‑free sausage, sauce, and rolls. You can also serve it over rice for a naturally gluten‑free option.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. You may need a larger slow cooker, but doubling ingredients works nicely.
6. What side dishes pair well?
Rice or pasta are classic choices. You can also serve alongside roasted veggies or a simple green salad.
7. How do I prevent sausages from sticking?
Gently stir at the halfway point. The sauce helps keep everything moist, so sticking is unlikely.
8. Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes—add basil or oregano during the last hour of cooking for a fresh herby flavor.
9. Can I meal‑prep this?
Definitely! Portion into meal‑prep containers and store in the fridge for easy grab‑and‑go lunches or dinners.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Sausage with Sauce is a simple yet satisfying meal solution that’s ready when you are. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for busy days, casual family dinners, or meal prep. Customize it with your favorite sausages, veggies, or sauces—and enjoy a comforting dish that’s adaptable and delicious.
Slow Cooker Sausage with Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A cozy, fuss-free slow cooker meal featuring juicy Italian sausages simmered in spaghetti sauce with peppers and onions—perfect for hoagies, rice, or pasta.
Ingredients
8 (4-ounce) fresh Italian sausage links
1 (26-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
1 onion, sliced
6 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise (optional)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- In a slow cooker, place the Italian sausage links, spaghetti sauce, sliced green pepper, and onion. Mix gently until well combined.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours.
- Serve the sausages and sauce on hoagie rolls, or over rice or pasta if preferred.
Notes
Use hot Italian sausage or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Add mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for extra veggies.
Top with provolone, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Use turkey or chicken sausage and low-sugar sauce for a lighter version.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
