Let’s be honest, some days the thought of cooking a big dinner is just too much. You want something delicious and homemade, but you also want it to be simple. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in. It’s my favorite tool for creating amazing meals with very little effort. If you are looking for new Crockpot Recipes to add to your rotation, you have come to the right place.
This Crockpot Turkey Sausage and Peppers recipe is a true standout. It’s packed with savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce that tastes like it simmered all day long, because it did! But all you had to do was spend a few minutes prepping. It’s a wonderful introduction to the world of easy Crockpot Dishes.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the simplicity is unmatched. This is one of those fantastic Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners where you layer everything in and let the appliance do the work. It’s a lifesaver on those super busy days. Just a little bit of prep in the morning or the night before means a warm, hearty meal is waiting for you at dinnertime.
The flavors are just so comforting. You get the savory taste from the turkey sausage, a little sweetness from the red bell peppers, and that rich depth from the tomato sauce. Everything melds together beautifully after a few hours of slow cooking. It tastes complex, but the process is anything but.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it in so many different ways, which means it never gets boring. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and you have lunches or quick dinners ready for a few days. It’s a top contender for anyone who loves easy Lazy Dinners.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather to make this wonderful meal. The list is simple, and you might already have many of these items in your pantry and fridge.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound fresh turkey sausage links, nitrate free
- 1 medium onion, cut into 1/4 inch wide strips
- 3 cloves garlic
- 8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1/4 inch wide strips
- 1 1/2 cups any tomato sauce
- Coarse salt and ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnishing
Step By Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you a delicious meal with very little fuss. Let’s get started on one of my favorite Crockpot Recipes.
Step 1: Brown The Sausage
First, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the turkey sausage links. You will want to cook them for about two minutes on each side. The goal here is just to get them a little brown, not to cook them all the way through. This browning step adds a ton of flavor.
Once they have some color, move them to a cutting board. Carefully slice the sausage into bite sized pieces and then place them into your slow cooker. This is the foundation of our wonderful dish.
Step 2: Sauté The Aromatics
Using the same skillet, add your sliced onions. Cook them for about two minutes, stirring them around so they don’t stick. Next, add the garlic and cook for just another 30 seconds until you can smell its lovely aroma. Then, transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker with the sausage.
Step 3: Cook The Mushrooms
In that same skillet again, it’s time for the mushrooms. If the pan looks a little dry, feel free to add a bit more olive oil. Cook the mushrooms for about two minutes, or until they get a nice golden color. Then, you guessed it, add them to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Combine Everything In The Crockpot
Now for the easiest part of these Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners. Add the sliced bell peppers, tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper directly into the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure it’s all combined and happy together.
Step 5: Let The Slow Cooker Work
Put the lid on your slow cooker. You can cook this on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours. The goal is for the sausage to be cooked through and everything to be nice and tender. When it’s done, top with some fresh parsley for a bit of color and freshness. Dinner is served!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is super easy. Simply let the sausage and peppers cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer everything to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it great for future Lazy Dinners.
When you are ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the microwave for a minute or two. You can also warm it up gently in a saucepan on the stove. The flavors are often even better the next day!
Tips
Want to make your Crockpot Dishes even better? Here are a few tips I have learned along the way. First, make sure you cut the onions and bell peppers into thick strips. Because they cook for a long time, this helps them hold their shape and not turn to mush.
Don’t be afraid to add extra seasonings. Some Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add another layer of flavor. Feel free to experiment based on what your family likes.
It is important to use uncooked turkey sausage in its casing for this recipe. If you use precooked sausage, it will likely get overcooked and tough during the long cooking time. We want tender, juicy sausage.
If you don’t have tomato sauce, marinara sauce works just as well. And if your sauce seems a little too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out a bit before you start cooking.
One of the best things about slow cooker meals is the make ahead potential. You can do the first few steps the night before. Brown the sausage, cook the aromatics, and get everything in the slow cooker insert. Cover it and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, just put it in the base and turn it on!
Conclusion
There you have it, a truly simple and satisfying meal. This Turkey Sausage and Peppers recipe is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something delicious. It’s a wonderful example of how versatile and convenient Crockpot Recipes can be.
Whether you need an easy weeknight dinner or something you can prep ahead of time, this dish has you covered. I hope you give this one a try and that it becomes a new favorite in your home. Enjoy every savory bite!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Sausage?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for turkey sausage, you could easily substitute it with sweet or hot Italian pork sausage, or even chicken sausage. Just make sure you are using uncooked sausage links for the best texture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To This Dish?
Yes, this is a great recipe for adding extra veggies. Sliced zucchini, yellow squash, or even some carrots would be delicious additions. Just be sure to cut them into larger chunks so they hold up during the long cooking process. It’s a great way to customize your Crockpot Dishes.
Is It Possible To Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
For sure. To save time, you can complete the browning steps for the sausage, onions, and mushrooms the night before. Place everything in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, all you have to do is turn it on!
What Can I Serve With This?
There are so many great options! You can serve it on toasted buns with melted mozzarella or provolone cheese. It’s also wonderful over mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower. For a lighter meal, you can enjoy it on its own with a side of roasted vegetables.
Crockpot Turkey Sausage and Peppers
This Crockpot Turkey Sausage and Peppers recipe is a true standout. It’s packed with savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce that tastes like it simmered all day long, because it did! But all you had to do was spend a few minutes prepping. It’s a wonderful introduction to the world of easy Crockpot Dishes.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add turkey sausage links and cook for about two minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into bite-sized pieces, and place in the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions for about two minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
- In that same skillet again, it’s time for the mushrooms. If the pan looks a little dry, feel free to add a bit more olive oil. Cook the mushrooms for about two minutes, or until they get a nice golden color. Then, you guessed it, add them to the slow cooker.
- Now for the easiest part of these Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners. Add the sliced bell peppers, tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper directly into the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure it’s all combined and happy together.
- Put the lid on your slow cooker. You can cook this on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours. The goal is for the sausage to be cooked through and everything to be nice and tender. When it’s done, top with some fresh parsley for a bit of color and freshness. Dinner is served!
Notes
Cut onions and bell peppers into thick strips to maintain shape during slow cooking.
Experiment with Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Use uncooked turkey sausage in its casing to prevent overcooking.
Marinara sauce can be substituted for tomato sauce; thin with chicken broth if needed.
This meal can be prepped the night before: brown sausage and aromatics, place in slow cooker insert, cover, refrigerate, then cook in the morning.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Nutrition
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