Slow Cooker Beer Sausage & Peppers: Juicy, Saucy, and Simmered Low in Beer-Soaked Goodness

This Slow Cooker Beer Sausage & Peppers recipe is the ultimate easy comfort food — juicy sausage links, sweet bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs slow-simmered in beer until everything is tender and flavor-packed.

It’s perfect piled into hoagie rolls, served over mashed potatoes, or paired with pasta or polenta. Low effort, high reward, and the house smells amazing all day.

Ingredients

  • 6 Italian sausages (mild, spicy, or mixed)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for searing)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed or minced
  • 1 (12 oz) bottle of beer (lager, amber ale, or wheat beer — nothing too hoppy)
  • 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes (optional but adds a saucy twist)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or brown sugar (for balance)

Instructions

Step 1: Optional Sear for Flavor

Sear sausages in a skillet over medium heat until browned on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).

Transfer to the Crock Pot.

Shortcut: Skip this step if you’re pressed for time — they’ll still soak up plenty of flavor while cooking.

Step 2: Build the Base

  • Add sliced peppers, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker.
  • Place sausages on top.
  • In a bowl, whisk together beer, tomato paste, oregano, and crushed tomatoes (if using). Add salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Pour over the sausage and veggies.

Step 3: Slow Cook It

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until sausages are fully cooked and peppers are tender.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning. Stir in balsamic or brown sugar at the end if you want a little sweet-savory pop.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve On:
    • Toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone or mozzarella
    • Mashed potatoes or polenta
    • Buttered egg noodles or rice
    • Grilled veggies or roasted garlic bread
  • Top With:
    • Fresh parsley or basil
    • Pickled peppers or banana rings
    • Extra cheese or chili flakes

Beer Pairing

  • Best in the pot:
    • Amber ale (malty and smooth)
    • Vienna lager or bock
    • Wheat beer for a lighter citrusy finish
  • In your glass:
    • Same beer used in the recipe
    • Pale ale for a little hoppy bite
    • Brown ale for deeper malt flavor

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Beer Sausage & Peppers is the kind of meal that practically cooks itself and delivers bold, beer-infused flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a game day, meal prepping for the week, or just want something hearty and low-maintenance, this dish always satisfies.

Cheers to slow-cooked sausages, beer in the pot, and flavor that doesn’t quit! 🌭🍺🔥

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

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