Italian Sausage & Peppers
A Cleveland classic. Sweet Italian sausage slow-cooked with peppers and onions in a rich, savory tomato sauce. Serve on a hoagie roll, over pasta, or on its own. Either way it is a guaranteed hit at the table.
What You'll Need
2 lbs Italian sausage links · 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes · 1 bell pepper, sliced · 1 onion, sliced · 1/4 cup water
Suggested Pairings
Hoagie rolls, pasta, polenta, or serve over rice with crusty Italian bread
Great For
Cleveland comfort nights, game day, quick weeknight dinners, Italian food lovers
Crockpot Directions
Place sausage links in the crockpot. Add sliced bell pepper and onion. Mix seasoning packet with crushed tomatoes and water. Pour over the sausage and vegetables. Cover. Cook until sausages are cooked through and vegetables are tender. Serve over pasta, rice, or on hoagie rolls.
Alternative Cooking Method
Stovetop: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, add sausage links, sliced bell pepper, and sliced onion. Whisk seasoning packet with crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup water, then pour over top. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for 25–35 minutes, turning sausages occasionally, until sausages are cooked through and vegetables are tender. Uncover for the last 5–10 minutes if you want the sauce to thicken.
Blend Ingredients
Granulated garlic, paprika, granulated onion, black pepper, ground mustard, parsley, Italian seasoning (marjoram, thyme, rosemary, savory, sage, oregano, basil)
Dietary marks reflect the blend only — not added ingredients called for in packet instructions. Always check the full recipe on the packet before cooking.
Make It a Hoagie
Slice sausage and pile onto a crusty hoagie roll with peppers and onions and a drizzle of the cooking sauce.
Make It Pasta
Slice sausage and toss with penne pasta, peppers, onions, and a generous shower of fresh Parmesan.
Use Mixed Peppers
Use red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a more colorful, sweeter, and more visually stunning dish.
Make It Spicy
Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet and add crushed red pepper flakes for serious heat.
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