Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers for Wraps! 🌶️🥖

This hearty recipe for Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers is perfect for a cozy dinner or a weekend gathering! The rich flavors of seasoned sausage simmered with colorful bell peppers and onions create a delightful filling for wraps. Serve it with your favorite sauces and toppings for a delicious bite that's sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

For the filling

• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with herbs, if desired)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For serving

• Tortilla wraps (flour or whole wheat)
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Your favorite condiments (e.g., marinara sauce, pesto, or aioli)

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients:

   • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Cook the Italian sausages until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and slice them into bite-sized pieces.

   🍳 Browning the sausage first adds depth of flavor, but if you're short on time, you can skip this step and add whole sausages directly to the slow cooker.

2. Layer the Slow Cooker:

   • Place the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the sliced sausage on top of the vegetables.

3. Add the Sauce:

   • Pour the canned diced tomatoes over the sausage and veggies. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper evenly across.

   🍅 Feel free to add any variety of vegetables you have on hand, such as mushrooms or zucchini, for a personal touch.

4. Cook:

   • Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The sausages will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully. Stir halfway through for even cooking.

5. Prepare the Wraps:

   • When the cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Use tongs to serve the sausage and peppers hot, wrapped in your preferred tortilla.

   🌿 Adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before wrapping adds a burst of freshness!

Variations

• Whole30/Paleo: Serve the sausage and peppers in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a grain-free option. 🍃
• Vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of tomatoes for moisture!
• Spicy Twist: Incorporate jalapeños or hot banana peppers for an added kick. 🔥
• Substitute Tortillas: Use pita bread, sub rolls, or even rice for a grain bowl variation.

This Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Peppers filling is versatile, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Enjoy your wrap night! 🍽️🥳