I’m a huge fan of dinners you can prepare in advance, freeze, then throw in the slow cooker when you know you’re going to have a busy day. This recipe is one of those easy to freeze / yummy to eat meals. As a side note, if you have a Costco membership I highly recommend picking up your bell peppers from them. A bag of six for $6 is way more affordable then the local store where the colorful ones are usually 2 for $5.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 lbs Italian sausage links (sweet or hot)
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup spaghetti sauce
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, seeded and sliced (I use yellow and red)
- french rolls
- provolone cheese (optional)
If you’re going to freeze… directions are simple. Grab out a bowl to stand your freezer safe bag in and layer your items. Much easier to keep everything in the bag that way! (I’ve also seen these nifty hands-free bag stands around, if you do a lot of freezer cooking and will get some use out of them.)
When that’s done, seal your bag and place in the freezer. I usually don’t let it sit in the freezer more than 3 to 4 weeks, however I have read on some recipes that it will keep for up to 6 months. Honestly, if it’s in my freezer for 6 months, it must not taste good enough to eat!
When you are ready to make your delicious dinner, set your bag in the fridge the night before. The next day, dump the contents into your crock pot. Don’t forget to use a slow cooker liner for easy clean-up! Those things are seriously my best friend. No one likes scrubbing off those baked-on rings of food.
Set your crock pot to Low for 6 hours or High for 4 hours.
I like to lightly butter my french rolls and broil them in my toaster oven with the cheese on top for a few minutes. Since you’re dealing with a “wet” recipe, it’s nice to have a slightly toasted bun. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, pile your delicious goodness onto your bread and enjoy!
