This easy Italian Sausage and Peppers dish is a colorful mix of juicy sausages, bright bell peppers, and tasty onions. It’s full of flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
When I make this dish, the smell fills the kitchen and makes everyone hungry in no time. Plus, you can serve it in a sandwich or over pasta for a fun twist! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausages: Choose either mild or spicy sausages based on your heat preference. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use turkey or chicken sausage instead. I’ve found that using a mix gives a nice flavor variety!
Bell Peppers: The combination of red, yellow, and green peppers adds color and sweetness. If you can’t find all three, feel free to use just one or two types. To mix it up, try using roasted red peppers from a jar for a different flavor.
Onions: A large onion is perfect for this dish, but sweet onions like Vidalia can add a nice twist. If you’re in a hurry, you could use frozen sliced onions as an easy substitute.
Marinara Sauce: If you’re out of marinara, crushed tomatoes work well. You can even use a jar of store-bought pasta sauce. If you prefer homemade, simply blend tomatoes with Italian seasonings for a quick option.
How Do I Get the Sausages Perfectly Cooked and Flavorful?
Cooking the sausages properly is key to this dish. Start by browning them, which builds flavor. You want them to be nicely golden before adding the veggies!
- Heat oil in the skillet and add sausages. Brown for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Remove them from the skillet while you sauté the peppers and onions. Don’t worry about fully cooking them yet!
- After adding the sausages back with the marinara, let everything simmer together. This allows the sausages to finish cooking and soak up flavors from the sauce and veggies.
Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausages (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Hoagie rolls or pasta, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to cook, making it a total of just 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausages:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your Italian sausages to the skillet and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes. Turn them occasionally until they are nicely browned all over. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet, so just give them a good sear. Once browned, remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and the bell peppers. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another minute, just until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.
4. Combine Sausages and Veggies:
Now, you can slice the browned sausages into bite-sized pieces (or keep them whole if you prefer). Return the sausages to the skillet with the sautéed peppers and onions.
5. Stir in the Sauce:
Pour in the marinara sauce (or crushed tomatoes) and sprinkle in the optional red pepper flakes, along with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir everything together to combine the flavors.
6. Simmer:
Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the sausages to cook completely through and the peppers to become tender.
7. Garnish & Serve:
Once everything is cooked, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a touch of freshness. Serve hot on hoagie rolls for delicious sandwiches or over cooked pasta for a fulfilling meal.
Enjoy your flavorful and easy Italian Sausage and Peppers! Buon Appetito! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! While Italian sausages are traditional, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, including turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausages for a vegetarian option. Each will add its unique flavor to the dish!
What Can I Substitute for Bell Peppers?
If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, you can substitute them with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even asparagus. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the vegetable you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dish up to the point of simmering (step 5), cool it down completely, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
