18 Italian Sausage Crockpot Recipes

You know those mornings when you want dinner to be ready without actually having to make dinner? The kind of day where you’re out the door early and the last thing you want to think about at 5 o’clock is what’s for dinner?

I’ve been there more times than I can count. That’s where the crockpot comes in—and Italian sausage is one of the best things you can put in it. The slow cooking does something magical to sausage, letting all those fennel and garlic flavors meld with whatever else is in the pot. By dinner time, your whole house smells like Sunday supper at an Italian grandmother’s house.

The best part? Most of these recipes require almost no hands-on time. Brown the sausage if you’re feeling ambitious (or don’t—the crockpot works either way), toss everything in, and walk away. Here are 18 Italian sausage crockpot recipes that make busy days delicious.

1. Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

The classic for good reason. Juicy Italian sausage links cook low and slow with sweet bell peppers and onions until everything is tender and caramelized. Serve on hoagie rolls or over pasta .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 6 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 8-10 Italian sausage links (sweet or hot)
2. 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
3. 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
4. 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
5. 1 large onion, thinly sliced
6. 2 garlic cloves, minced
7. 2 cups marinara sauce
8. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
9. ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
10. Salt and pepper to taste
11. Fresh parsley for garnish

Recipe Steps:

1. Add sausage links, sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Pour marinara sauce over everything and stir gently to coat.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until sausages are cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Remove sausages, slice into thick pieces, and return to the pot. Stir to mix with the saucy peppers and onions.
6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving .

2. Stuffed Pepper Soup with Italian Sausage

All the flavor of stuffed peppers without the work of stuffing them. This hearty soup has tender rice, diced bell peppers, and savory Italian sausage in a rich tomato broth .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 6 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound ground Italian sausage
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
4. 3 cloves garlic, minced
5. 2 green bell peppers, diced
6. 1 red bell pepper, diced
7. 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
8. 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
9. 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
10. 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
11. 3 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
12. ½ cup uncooked white rice
13. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14. 1 teaspoon dried basil
15. ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
16. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown sausage until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
2. Add onion to skillet and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Transfer sausage mixture to slow cooker. Add all bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, rice, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until rice is tender and flavors meld.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley, cheese, or sour cream before serving .

3. Sausage and Chickpea Stew

This flavorful stew combines Italian sausage with chickpeas, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, and a surprise ingredient—basil pesto—that takes it over the top .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 2 hours 50 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 19.5 ounces Italian sausage (pork or turkey), casings removed
3. 1 cup chopped onion
4. 2 tablespoons minced garlic
5. 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained
6. 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
7. 2 teaspoons ground fennel
8. 2 teaspoons Italian herb blend
9. 1 tablespoon tomato paste
10. 1¼ cups water
11. 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
12. 16 ounces mushrooms, sliced
13. 1 (6-ounce) can black olives
14. ½ cup basil pesto
15. Salt and pepper to taste
16. Freshly grated Parmesan for serving

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
3. Transfer sausage mixture to slow cooker. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, fennel, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, water, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and olives. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on high for 2½ hours or until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in basil pesto and season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese .

4. Crockpot Pizza Soup

Everything you love about pizza in soup form. This creamy, cheesy soup has Italian sausage, pepperoni, and all your favorite pizza toppings .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 4 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
2. 2 cloves garlic, minced
3. 2 (24-ounce) jars pasta sauce
4. 2 jars (use empty sauce jars) low-sodium chicken broth
5. 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
6. 6 ounces pepperoni, chopped
7. 1 can sliced black olives
8. 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
9. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
11. 1 teaspoon onion powder
12. Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and croutons for serving

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned. Add minced garlic towards the end of cooking.
2. Transfer sausage to slow cooker. Add pasta sauce, broth, cream cheese, pepperoni, olives, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Stir in shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy.
5. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and croutons .

5. Sausage and Tortellini Soup

A hearty soup with cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, and plenty of vegetables. The tortellini cooks right in the broth at the end .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 6 hours 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
2. 1 large onion, chopped
3. 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
4. 4 cups beef or chicken broth
5. ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
6. ½ teaspoon salt
7. ¼ teaspoon pepper
8. 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce with garlic
9. 1 (19-ounce) can tomatoes in juice, chopped
10. 2 cups sliced mushrooms (optional)
11. 1 (10-ounce) package fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
12. 1 zucchini, quartered and sliced
13. ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
14. Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain and transfer to slow cooker.
2. Add onion, carrots, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, tomatoes, and mushrooms to slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-10 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 20 minutes before serving, cook tortellini according to package directions, then add to slow cooker.
5. Add zucchini and parsley, cook on high for 20 minutes more.
6. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese .

6. Sausage and Peppers for Two

A perfectly scaled-down version for smaller households. Just toss everything in and come back to a cozy dinner for two .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 5 hours 5 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 2 Italian sausage links (mild or spicy)
2. 1 bell pepper, sliced
3. ½ small onion, sliced
4. ½ cup marinara sauce
5. ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Recipe Steps:

1. Add sausage links, sliced bell pepper, onion, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning to a 3-4 quart slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours until sausages are fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
3. Serve whole sausages with peppers and sauce over rolls, pasta, or rice .

7. Nona’s Italian Bean and Sausage Soup

A hearty, comforting soup with 15 varieties of beans, Italian sausage, and vegetables. It’s like a hug from Grandma in a bowl .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 7 hours 30 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound ground Italian sausage
2. 1 large onion, diced
3. 1 (20-ounce) package 15-bean soup mix, rinsed and drained, seasoning packet reserved
4. 8 cups low-sodium beef broth
5. 1 red bell pepper, diced large
6. 3 cloves garlic, minced
7. 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
8. 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
9. 1 zucchini, sliced
10. 1 cup marinara sauce
11. 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
12. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for serving

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, cook sausage and onions over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink. Drain fat.
2. Transfer sausage mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add beans, broth, red bell pepper, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on high for 5 hours or low for 7-8 hours until beans are tender.
4. Add diced tomatoes, zucchini, bean seasoning packet, marinara sauce, and red wine vinegar. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and cook until zucchini is tender, about 45-50 minutes more.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving .

8. Tuscan Sausage and Kale Stew

A nutritious and hearty stew with Italian sausage, cannellini beans, and kale. The kale goes in near the end to keep its bright color and texture .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 5 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2. 5 Italian sausage links, cut into ½-inch slices
3. 4 garlic cloves, minced
4. 1 onion, chopped
5. ½ cup chopped celery
6. ½ cup chopped carrots
7. 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
8. 1 teaspoon dried basil
9. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10. ½ teaspoon ground fennel seed
11. 1½ cups chicken stock
12. 4 cups chopped kale leaves
13. ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned on all sides.
2. Add garlic, onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until lightly browned.
3. Transfer sausage mixture to slow cooker. Add beans, basil, oregano, fennel, and chicken stock. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on high for 2½ hours or low for 5 hours.
5. Rinse kale well and add to stew. Stir gently to combine.
6. Continue cooking for 45 minutes on high or 1½ hours on low.
7. Serve hot with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top .

9. Spaghetti Sauce with Sausage

A rich, slow-simmered spaghetti sauce with both ground beef and Italian sausage. Let it cook all day for incredible depth of flavor .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 6 hours 45 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound ground beef
2. 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
3. 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
4. ¾ of one tomato can water
5. 2 teaspoons garlic powder
6. 1 teaspoon black pepper
7. 2 tablespoons minced parsley
8. 2 tablespoons dried oregano
9. 1 teaspoon dried basil
10. 2 (12-ounce) cans tomato paste
11. 2 (12-ounce) cans tomato puree

Recipe Steps:

1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and sliced sausage. Drain well and transfer to a 4-quart slow cooker.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, water, garlic powder, pepper, parsley, and oregano. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes.
4. Add tomato paste and tomato puree. Stir well.
5. Reduce heat to low and cook for 6 hours.
6. Serve over pasta with grated Parmesan cheese .

10. Sausage and Potato Casserole

Hearty and satisfying, this casserole combines Italian sausage with potatoes, peppers, and onions in a rich tomato sauce.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 6 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 2 pounds Italian sausage links
2. 4 large potatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
3. 2 bell peppers, sliced
4. 1 large onion, sliced
5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
7. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8. ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
9. Salt and pepper to taste
10. Fresh parsley for garnish

Recipe Steps:

1. Layer half the potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with half the peppers and onions.
2. Arrange sausage links over vegetables. Add remaining peppers and onions, then remaining potatoes.
3. In a bowl, mix marinara sauce with garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Pour over everything.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender and sausages are cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

11. Creamy Sausage and Spinach Tortellini

A rich, creamy pasta dish that cooks in the slow cooker. The cream cheese makes it velvety and indulgent.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 4 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
2. 1 onion, diced
3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
5. 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
6. 1 cup chicken broth
7. 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
8. 4 cups fresh spinach
9. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
10. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, brown sausage with onion until cooked through. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Transfer to slow cooker. Add marinara sauce, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir in tortellini and spinach. Cook on high for 20-30 minutes until tortellini is tender and spinach wilts.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and serve.

12. Italian Sausage and Lentil Soup

A hearty, protein-packed soup with lentils and Italian sausage. The lentils absorb all the savory flavors as they cook.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 7 hours

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
2. 1 onion, diced
3. 2 carrots, diced
4. 2 celery stalks, diced
5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1½ cups brown or green lentils, rinsed
7. 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
8. 6 cups chicken broth
9. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10. 1 teaspoon dried basil
11. 1 bay leaf
12. Salt and pepper to taste
13. Fresh parsley for garnish

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, brown sausage with onion until cooked through. Add carrots, celery, and garlic, cook for 3-4 minutes.
2. Transfer to slow cooker. Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until lentils are tender.
4. Remove bay leaf, season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

13. Sausage and White Bean Cassoulet

A simplified version of the French classic, made Italian with sausage and cannellini beans. Perfect for cold weather.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 6 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 2 pounds Italian sausage links
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
4. 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
5. 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
6. 1 cup chicken broth
7. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
8. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
9. 1 bay leaf
10. Salt and pepper to taste
11. Fresh parsley for garnish

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, brown sausage links on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In same skillet, sauté onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Place onion mixture in slow cooker. Add beans, tomatoes, broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
4. Nestle browned sausages into the bean mixture.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
6. Remove bay leaf, season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley before serving.

14. Italian Sausage and Butternut Squash Soup

The sweetness of butternut squash pairs beautifully with savory Italian sausage in this comforting fall soup.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 6 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
2. 1 onion, diced
3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
5. 2 carrots, diced
6. 1 apple, peeled and diced
7. 4 cups chicken broth
8. 1 teaspoon dried sage
9. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10. Salt and pepper to taste
11. ½ cup heavy cream (optional)

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, brown sausage with onion until cooked through. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Transfer to slow cooker. Add butternut squash, carrots, apple, broth, sage, and thyme. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until vegetables are tender.
4. If desired, stir in heavy cream just before serving.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

15. Sausage Stuffed Pepper Casserole

All the flavor of stuffed peppers in an easy, no-fuss casserole. Rice cooks right in the slow cooker with the other ingredients .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 6 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound ground Italian sausage
2. 1 onion, diced
3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
4. 4 bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
5. 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
6. 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
7. 1 cup beef or chicken broth
8. 1 cup uncooked white rice
9. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10. ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
11. Salt and pepper to taste
12. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, brown sausage with onion until cooked through. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Transfer to slow cooker. Add bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, broth, rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until rice is tender.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over top, cover, and let melt for 5-10 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

16. Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat)

A lighter version of the classic creamy sausage and kale soup. The potatoes and sausage make it hearty enough for a meal .

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 6 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
2. 1 onion, diced
3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
4. 4 cups chicken broth
5. 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
6. 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
7. ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
8. Salt and pepper to taste
9. 4 cups chopped kale
10. 1 cup heavy cream
11. Grated Parmesan for serving

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, brown sausage with onion until cooked through. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Transfer to slow cooker. Add broth, potatoes, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in kale and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until wilted.
5. Stir in heavy cream and heat through. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

17. Italian Sausage and Mushroom Risotto

Yes, you can make risotto in the slow cooker! This version requires minimal stirring and delivers creamy, comforting results.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 3 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
2. 1 onion, finely chopped
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
5. 1½ cups Arborio rice
6. 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
7. ½ cup dry white wine
8. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
9. 2 tablespoons butter
10. Salt and pepper to taste
11. Fresh parsley for garnish

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, brown sausage with onion until cooked through. Add garlic and mushrooms, cook 3-4 minutes more.
2. Transfer to slow cooker. Add rice, broth, and wine. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, stirring once halfway through, until rice is tender and creamy.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

18. Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pasta Sauce

A classic Italian combination: slightly bitter broccoli rabe and savory sausage in a light tomato sauce. Serve over orecchiette pasta.

Recipe Metadata:

Time to Make: 6 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

1. 2 pounds Italian sausage links
2. 1 onion, chopped
3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
4. 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
5. 1 cup chicken broth
6. 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
7. 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
8. Salt and pepper to taste
9. Grated Pecorino Romano for serving

Recipe Steps:

1. In a skillet, brown sausage links on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In same skillet, sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook 1 minute more.
3. Transfer onion mixture to slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir to combine.
4. Nestle browned sausages into sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, remove sausages and slice. Return to pot.
6. Add chopped broccoli rabe, stir to combine. Cook on high for 30 minutes until tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over pasta with grated Pecorino Romano.

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These 18 Italian sausage crockpot recipes prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy deep, slow-cooked Italian flavors. From classic sausage and peppers to hearty soups and stews, there’s something here for every day of the week. Which one will you try first?