About the Recipe
I don’t have my Grandma’s exact recipe written down, but I can still see her at the stove, a giant pot bubbling away, filling the house with the unmistakable smell of slow-cooked sausage, peppers, and onions. This version is my tribute to those memories—simple ingredients, big flavor, and a whole lot of heart. When I first introduced it to my husband’s family in Minnesota, it was definitely a flavor shock—spicy, saucy, and a little bold—but now it’s a requested favorite. Serve it with crusty bread or over pasta, and you’ve got a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for cookouts, game days, or any gathering where food is love.
Ingredients
3 bell peppers (green, red & yellow or orange), sliced
1 sweet onion, large, sliced
3.5 lbs mild (or a mix of mild & spicy) Italian sausage links (about 14 links)
28 oz. crushed tomatoes
28. oz. tomato sauce
About 1/4 28 oz. tomato sauce can of water
1 Tbs. Italian Seasoning
1 Tbs. Trader Joe's Aglio Olio Garlicky & Spicy Seasoning
1 Tsp. crushed red pepper (or to taste)
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1
Cut the peppers and onions into slices and arrange them at the bottom of a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker.
Step 2
Position the Italian sausages atop the vegetables. Drizzle crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce over the sausage and vegetable combination. Introduce water to slightly thin the mixture. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Aglio Olio seasoning. Incorporate red pepper for additional spiciness. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
Step 3
Combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Cover and turn slow cook on low. Cook for 6-8 hours.
Step 4
Enjoy on toasted buns with your choice of mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan. It can also be paired with a pasta that absorbs sauce well!
Notes
Substitute for Aglio Olio - If this seasoning is unavailable, you can use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and parsley instead. But check out my 'Product Fave' and order yourself some!
Spiciness check-in - If you opt for spicy sausage, consider reducing the amount of spicy seasonings if you're using a mix or entirely spicy Italian sausage. The sausages will infuse the sauce with flavor as they cook slowly, and you don't want the sausages to become "too hot to eat," especially in Minnesota!
