Fixed this for dinner when we had friends over, and everyone kept raving about this dish

Oh, sausage and peppers—just saying it takes me back to those comforting smells wafting through my childhood kitchen. This dish is a time-honored classic that you'd find at many an Italian street fair or a bustling family reunion, tantalizing all with its simple yet bold flavors. Now, why should this dish make its way into your weekly rotation? For starters, it's a no-fuss, hearty meal that's almost too easy to toss together. And, with a trusty slow cooker, it practically makes itself while you're conquering the day. It's the kind of recipe that patiently waits for you, not the other way around. Perfect for those bustling weekdays when you're juggling work deadlines and evening yoga classes.

When it comes to strutting out this savory dish, you've got options. Cozy up with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes, a heap of buttered pasta, or go for a lighter touch with a crisp salad. If you're aiming to keep it super casual, toasted hoagie rolls are a solid choice for an impromptu sausage and peppers sandwich – total crowd-pleaser!

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Servings: 4-6

- 2 pounds Italian sausages (sweet, mild, or hot, based on preference)
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 2 green bell peppers, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1. Start by giving your slow cooker a little love with a quick spray of cooking oil to ensure nothing sticks.

2. Place the sausages at the bottom of the slow cooker. They're about to get real cozy with the rest of the ingredients.

3. Throw the sliced onions, red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic on top of the sausages like you're crafting a veggie blanket.

4. Grab your can of crushed tomatoes and pour it over the veggies. Sprinkle in the oregano and basil for that herby punch, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

5. Put a lid on it! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the sausages are cooked through and the veggies are tender.

6. Give everything a gentle stir to mingle the flavors.

7. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that extra pizzazz.

Variations abound with this flexible dish! Vegetarian or looking to cut out meat? Swap in your favorite plant-based sausages. You can also stir in some sliced mushrooms for that meaty texture without the actual meat. Now, if you find yourself strapped for time, no need to sweat it. You can brown the sausages in a pan beforehand to reduce the slow cooker time and deepen those flavors.

Pro tip: meal prep is a breeze with sausage and peppers since the flavors only get better overnight. Pack up portions for the week and you're good to go! Reheat gently, and dinner's on the table before you can say "easy peasy."