There's something incredibly comforting about a simmering pot, filling the house with savory aromas. The slow cooker, in my opinion, it a kitchen miracle worker, transforming simple ingredients into rich, flavorful meals with minimal effort. This Bell Pepper and Sausage Ragu is a perfect example. It’s a hearty, versatile dish that's both easy to make and deeply satisfying. This recipe came to me when one cold night I was craving an easy dish. After digging through my pantry, I found a jar of tomato sauce, and that's when it hit me! It was a perfect idea, I had to try it.
This ragu is not only delicious but also incredibly adaptable. You can customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, using different types of sausage, or adjusting the seasonings. It's also a great make-ahead meal, as the flavors only improve with time. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, freeing you up to tackle other tasks or simply relax and enjoy the anticipation of a delicious dinner. One of my friends told me about a time they made this dish while hiking in the mountains and when they got back to camp it was already ready and warm.
Imagine coming home after a long day to a warm, comforting meal that requires minimal effort. That's the magic of this slow cooker ragu. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you want a flavorful, satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen. I know how difficult it can be to juggle work, family, and other commitments, so having a go-to recipe like this can be a lifesaver. And trust me, the aroma alone is enough to lift your spirits!
Required Equipments
- Slow Cooker
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Mixing Spoon
Slow Cooker Bell Pepper and Sausage Ragu: Frequently Asked Questions
Slow Cooker Bell Pepper and Sausage Ragu
This Slow Cooker Bell Pepper and Sausage Ragu is a flavorful, comforting dish that's easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection, it's a versatile meal that the whole family will love. It's a hearty and rich dish.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 360 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Get Started: Begin by slicing the sausages into roughly 1/2-inch thick pieces. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little variation is part of the charm. I usually go for an angle cut because, well, it looks fancier! I also tend to prefer Italian sausages to have more flavor and spice.
- Prep the Veggies: Dice the bell peppers and onion. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Mince the garlic. Nobody likes big chunks of raw garlic, so the smaller, the better, but don't sweat it too much
- Sear the Sausage (Optional): In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage pieces. This step isn't strictly necessary since everything will cook in the slow cooker, but searing the sausage adds a lovely depth of flavor and texture. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed. Set the sausage aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will become bitter.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, combine the seared sausage (if using), sautéed onion and garlic, diced bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together and deepen. The bell peppers should be very tender.
- Stir in Fresh Herbs: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley. These herbs add a bright, fresh note to the ragu. If you add them too early, their flavor will fade during the long cooking process.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the ragu a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or sugar, depending on your preferences.
- Serve: Serve the bell pepper and sausage ragu over your favorite pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. I personally like to have a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy!
📝 Notes
- For a spicier ragu, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Calcium: 150mg
