Cheap Crockpot Sausage And Peppers With Rice
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 3 large bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into wedges
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 4 cups water (for cooking rice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients. Start by slicing your smoked sausage into coins about half an inch thick. Core the bell peppers and slice them into long strips. Peel the onion and cut it into thick wedges so they hold their shape during the long cooking process. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker. Place the sliced sausages, bell peppers, onions, and garlic into the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the marinara sauce (or diced tomatoes) over the top. Add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Stir everything gently to ensure the sausage and vegetables are well-coated in the sauce.
- Step 3: Slow Cook. Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set the temperature to LOW and cook for 6 to 7 hours, or set it to HIGH and cook for 3 to 4 hours. The peppers should be tender, and the sausage should be heated through and flavorful.
- Step 4: Prepare the Rice. About 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, prepare the white rice. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is fluffy.
- Step 5: Combine and Serve. Taste the sausage and pepper mixture and add salt and pepper if needed. Spoon a generous portion of the hot rice into bowls and top with a large ladle of the sausage and pepper mixture, making sure to include plenty of the sauce.