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Slow Cooker Keto Sausage & Peppers - Comfort Food Made Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds (900 g) Italian sausage links (mild, sweet, or hot; pork or chicken)
  • 3 bell peppers, sliced (mix of red, yellow, and green for color)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sugar-free marinara or crushed tomatoes (low-carb)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional, classic Italian sausage note)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1–2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional, to brighten at the end)

Method
 

  1. Prep the produce. Slice the bell peppers into strips and the onion into thin half-moons. Mince the garlic. Keep pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.
  2. Layer the base. Add peppers, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, stir together the marinara, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, and smoked paprika. Pour over the veggies.
  4. Add the sausage. Nestle the sausage links into the mixture. They don’t need to be submerged—steam and sauce will cook them through.
  5. Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2.5–3.5 hours, until the sausages are fully cooked and the peppers are tender.
  6. Optional browning. For extra flavor, you can quickly sear the sausages in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker. Not required but adds color.
  7. Finish and taste. When done, taste the sauce. Stir in 1–2 tablespoons red wine vinegar for brightness if needed. Adjust salt, pepper, or heat.
  8. Serve. Slice sausages or leave them whole. Spoon into bowls with the peppers and sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.