This 3-ingredient slow cooker sausage recipe is the kind of low-effort weekend prep that makes busy weekdays feel so much easier. Using uncooked breakfast sausage links, sauce, and peppers creates a sweet-and-savory dish with almost no hands-on work, and it is perfect when you want something hearty without standing over the stove. It has that classic Midwestern comfort-food appeal too, especially for game days, casual family dinners, or meal prep that can be tucked into rolls, bowls, or containers for later.
Serve these saucy sausage links with toasted hoagie rolls for easy sandwiches, or spoon them over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles for a simple dinner. They also pair well with roasted green beans, a crisp side salad, or a fruit tray if you are setting them out for a casual gathering. If you are prepping ahead, pack them with cooked rice or potatoes so lunch is ready to go.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Weekend Prep Sausage Links
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 package uncooked breakfast sausage links, about 24 ounces
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired for easier cleanup. Add the uncooked breakfast sausage links in an even layer across the bottom.
2. Scatter the sliced bell peppers over the sausage links, then pour the pasta sauce evenly over the top so the peppers and sausage are mostly covered.
3. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the sausage is cooked through and the peppers are tender.
4. Gently stir to coat everything in the sauce, then serve hot on rolls, over rice, or portion into containers for weekend meal prep.
Variations & Tips
Make it sweeter: If you like that classic party-sausage flavor, use a sweet marinara or a sauce with a hint of brown sugar. It gives the links a sweeter finish that works especially well for potlucks.
Add onion: If you do not mind stretching beyond the 3-ingredient idea, sliced onion adds more savory flavor and cooks down beautifully with the peppers and sauce.
Use for meal prep: These sausage links reheat well, so divide them into containers with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for easy lunches. I like making a batch on Sunday so at least a couple of weekday meals are already handled.
Check doneness: Breakfast sausage links should reach 160°F in the center. If your slow cooker runs hot, start checking a little early so the sauce does not reduce too much.
Keep the links intact: Stir gently at the end rather than several times during cooking. That helps the sausage links hold their shape and keeps the dish looking a little nicer for serving guests.
