This Sausage and Peppers Recipe is a time-honored favorite that brings together juicy Italian sausage, tender sweet peppers, and a touch of tomatoey richness in one ridiculously flavorful skillet. Whether you’re piling it into a toasted roll, spooning it over pasta, or savoring it all on its own, this dish is pure cozy comfort. The balance of colorful veggies with savory sausage gives it weeknight ease and special-occasion flair. It’s so simple, yet the results will make you feel like a kitchen superstar!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the gorgeous simplicity at the heart of this Sausage and Peppers Recipe. Each ingredient serves a delicious purpose, from the rich sausages to the fresh bell peppers creating a rainbow on your plate. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll build flavors that are bold, rich, and endlessly satisfying.
- Italian sausage links (1 ½ pounds, mild or hot): The star of the show, bringing heartiness and a burst of flavor with every bite. Choose your favorite variety for the perfect amount of spice.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the sausage and softens the veggies, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Lends a touch of sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds a slightly herbal, earthy note—essential for that classic taste.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, sliced): The mildest and sweetest of the bunch, making your dish vibrant and inviting.
- Large onion (1, sliced): Sweats with the peppers for irresistible sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the whole skillet with a punchy, aromatic backbone.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Classic Italian flair that ties everything together beautifully.
- Dried basil (½ teaspoon): Adds a hint of fresh, herbal brightness to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who love a whisper of heat—feel free to dial up or down.
- Diced tomatoes (1 14.5-ounce can, with juice): Create the saucy base that wraps everything in gentle acidity and savory comfort.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to amplify all the wonderful flavors.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A final flurry of color and freshness when serving.
How to Make Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausages
Begin by heating your olive oil in a big, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage links, and let them get gorgeously brown on all sides. This step takes around 8 to 10 minutes, and you’ll know they’re perfect when they’re golden and smell fabulous. Once browned, set them aside—don’t worry, they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
In that same happy skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want every bit of those lovely sausage drippings!), toss in your sliced peppers and onions. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything just starts to soften and the kitchen smells like pure summer.
Step 3: Add the Garlic and Herbs
Now, sprinkle in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and if you like a little kick, the red pepper flakes. Stir for a minute or so—just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This is where the magic starts to layer onto those veggies!
Step 4: Simmer Everything Together
Add the browned sausages back to the pan and pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juices. Give everything a good stir, making sure the sausages nestle down among the veggies. Cover the skillet and let the Sausage and Peppers Recipe simmer gently over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. The sausages finish cooking, and all those flavors come together in a saucy, savory hug.
Step 5: Season and Serve
After simmering, taste and add salt and black pepper as you like. Just before serving, sprinkle with plenty of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Now, you’re ready to dig in or get creative with how you serve it!
How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
This Sausage and Peppers Recipe looks beautiful with a shower of fresh parsley. For a little extra dazzle, try a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or top with fresh basil if you have it on hand. These finishing touches add color and a boost of flavor right at the table.
Side Dishes
You truly can’t go wrong serving Sausage and Peppers Recipe alongside warm, crusty Italian bread to mop up the sauce. It’s outstanding over fluffy white rice, creamy polenta, or your favorite pasta. Roasted potatoes, a simple green salad, or even sautéed greens make fantastic partners for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or easy family dinner, tuck everything into soft hoagie rolls for a soul-warming sandwich. Sliced sausages make for great appetizers on toothpicks, too! Or spoon the entire mixture into a baking dish, add mozzarella cheese, and broil for a bubbling, melty twist on a classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage and Peppers Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer everything to an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, so you might notice it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Simply spoon cooled sausage and peppers (with sauce) into freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick homemade meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Sausage and Peppers Recipe in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in bursts until sizzling hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Chicken or turkey sausage works very well and still delivers loads of flavor. If you prefer a lighter option or want to keep things on the lean side, feel free to swap in your favorite poultry sausage varieties.
Is Sausage and Peppers Recipe gluten-free?
It sure can be! Just make sure the Italian sausage you choose is labeled gluten-free, as some brands include fillers or seasonings with gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option for those with dietary needs.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or even sliced fennel can work well alongside the classic peppers and onions. Just sauté them with the other veggies, and don’t hesitate to make this Sausage and Peppers Recipe your own.
What kind of sausage should I use?
Traditional Italian pork sausages are the classic choice, but mild or spicy are both delicious depending on your taste. For a twist or lighter version, try turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausages.
How do I serve Sausage and Peppers Recipe for a crowd?
This dish is a crowd-pleaser! Double the batch and keep it warm in a slow cooker for self-serve sandwiches, or serve over a tray of steaming rice or pasta. It’s simple to scale up and always disappears fast!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something comforting, colorful, and full of true Italian-American flavor, this Sausage and Peppers Recipe is for you. Share it with friends and family, make it your own, and don’t be surprised if it ends up on your regular dinner rotation. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sausage and Peppers recipe is a classic Italian-American dish featuring savory sausage links cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and aromatic herbs in a tomato-based sauce. A flavorful and hearty main course that is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage Links:
1 ½ pounds
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Bell Peppers:
1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow, sliced
Onion:
1 large, sliced
Garlic:
3 cloves, minced
Dried Oregano:
½ teaspoon
Dried Basil:
½ teaspoon
Red Pepper Flakes:
¼ teaspoon (optional)
Diced Tomatoes:
1 (14.5-ounce) can, with juice
Salt and Black Pepper:
To taste
Fresh Parsley:
For garnish
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage links for 8–10 minutes. Set aside.
- Sauté Peppers and Onions: In the same skillet, cook the peppers and onions until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes; cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Return sausages to the pan, add diced tomatoes. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until sausages are cooked through and peppers are tender.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or in a sandwich.
- Slicing sausages before simmering can expedite cooking.
