Slow Cooker Sausage and Pepper Hoagies

 Ingredients

• 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes (no salt added)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more for garnish
• 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 Italian sausage links
• 3 bell peppers, seeded, and thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper
• 2 Tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
• 6 hoagie rolls, for serving
• Grated parmesan cheese, for serving

Combine the tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, if using, and oil in a slow cooker. Stir in the sausages, peppers, and onion, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Then, press Cancel and stir in the basil. 

Cut the sausages into small pieces before serving to kids. Before plating, warm up the rolls in the oven at 400 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes and serve with the sausages, peppers, onion, and Parmesan. 

For the adults or kids who can handle spice, garnish with red pepper flakes. 

Enjoy! 

(Feeding Littles & Beyond pg. 259-260)