Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches

Photo courtesy of the Cooking Corner.

    How do you feel about an Italian sloppy joe? That's what this sandwich is and to make it even easier, it's done in a slow cooker. The Italian sausage combines with peppers and onions for a flavorful filling that's layered on cheese covered, toasted bread for a messy good time.

Sliced veggies.

Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
(can be made as a slider or hoagie)
1 T. olive oil
1 lb. sausage (Italian recommended)
1/2 lb. ground beef
1-1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 onion, sliced
1 red and green bell pepper each, sliced
2 cloves garlic, diced
1 small onion, sliced
mozzarella or provolone cheese, sliced
hoagie rolls 
(for sliders use dinner rolls)

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown sausage and ground beef until to no longer pink, breaking it up into bite sized pieces as you go.

Place in slow cooker with all ingredients except bread and cheese. Cook on low 4-5 hours.

Open rolls, layer with cheese and toast in oven until golden brown and cheese begins to melt. (If using dinner rolls to make sliders, watch your oven time carefully.)

With a slotted spoon, top rolls with meat mixture.

Makes 8.

Sausage and pepper subs.

To flavor you own Italian sausage, sprinkle regular sausage with -
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. thyme - OR -
1-1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
*1/2 tsp. crushed red peppers (IF you like it hot sausage)

Mix until well combined and let rest at least 30 minutes.