Italian Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers

Ingredients:

• 1 can tomato puree

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 2 pounds Italian sausage (mild or hot—your choice)

• 2 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, green, or a mix), halved, seeded, and sliced

• 1 large sweet onion, sliced

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, stir together the tomato puree, garlic, sugar, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Mix until well combined.

2. Heat the mixture briefly to a boil to help the flavors come together, then remove from heat.

3. Place the sausage, sliced peppers, and onion into your slow cooker.

4. Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the sausage and vegetables.

5. Cover and cook—on high for 3–4 hours or low for 7–8 hours.

6. Serve warm on crusty rolls, over pasta, or enjoy on its own for a hearty low-carb option.

Tip: For extra flavor, sear the sausages in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.