If you’re looking for a classic, crowd-pleasing meal that’s bold in flavor and vibrant in color, look no further than this Sausage and Peppers Recipe. Every bite delivers juicy sausage nestled with sweet bell peppers and tender onions, all gently simmered in seasoned broth. It’s a dish that’s as at home at a family dinner as it is at a potluck, and the best part is how beautifully simple and adaptable it is. Whether you pile it onto a hoagie roll or spoon it over rice, this is hearty comfort food that never fails to satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, quality ingredients are the secret to a spectacular Sausage and Peppers Recipe. Each one adds its own unique layer of taste, texture, or gorgeous color, so don’t skimp! Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Italian Sausage Links: Provide the savory and juicy base — use sweet for mildness, hot for a bit of heat.
- Olive Oil: Brings out the flavors of the vegetables and keeps everything silky and flavorful.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a vibrant pop of color to every serving.
- Green Bell Pepper: Balances the sweetness of red peppers with a fresh, grassy note.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: Offers a mellow, sunshiny brightness both in flavor and hue.
- Yellow Onion: Caramelizes as it cooks, lending delicious depth and sweetness.
- Garlic: Brings a warm, irresistible aroma that elevates the whole dish.
- Dried Oregano: Adds classic Italian herbiness for that unmistakable flavor.
- Salt: Essential seasoning, tying all ingredients together without overpowering them.
- Black Pepper: Provides a gentle bite to balance the sweetness of the veggies.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who crave a little fiery kick — sprinkle to taste.
- Chicken Broth or White Wine: Deglazes the pan and creates a light, flavorful sauce.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: A finishing touch that adds freshness and eye-catching color.
How to Make Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage links whole, letting them get beautifully browned and golden on all sides. Turn them every couple of minutes for even color, but don’t worry about cooking them through yet — you just want that lovely caramelized outside. This step builds tons of flavor for the Sausage and Peppers Recipe!
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
After you’ve set the sausages aside, keep that same skillet (and every bit of those tasty pan drippings!). Pour in olive oil, then toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Fry them up, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. You want them tender but still a bit crisp, bursting with color and ready to mingle with the meat.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
When the veggies are just right, stir in the garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let them cook for about a minute until fragrant—this is where your kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible. The spices will bloom in the heat, infusing every bite of your Sausage and Peppers Recipe.
Step 4: Slice and Return the Sausage
Slice your browned sausage into hearty, one-inch pieces, and return them to the skillet. Their savory flavor will seep into the veggies, uniting the dish. Give everything a gentle toss so the ingredients are well mingled.
Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer
Now comes the magic: pour in the chicken broth or white wine. This step loosens all the tasty brown bits from the pan, creating a light sauce. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the sausage is cooked through and the peppers and onions are meltingly tender.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle everything with fresh chopped parsley. The green flecks finish it off beautifully. Serve the Sausage and Peppers Recipe warm, and get ready for some well-earned compliments!
How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish the Sausage and Peppers Recipe with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley — it adds a pop of color and a refreshing note. Sometimes, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or even a squeeze of fresh lemon can make it extra special for guests or a festive table.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with so many sides! It’s classically served over fluffy rice or al dente pasta, both of which soak up that luscious sauce. For an easy crowd-pleaser, pile the sausage and peppers onto toasted hoagie rolls for a hearty sandwich with a little melted cheese on top. Garlic bread or a simple green salad also fit the bill for rounding out dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Get inventive! Serve the Sausage and Peppers Recipe in a big family-style platter, let everyone help themselves, or try ladling it into individual bowls with a dollop of ricotta on top. For parties, spoon portions onto mini slider buns or stuff them into hollowed bell peppers for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage and Peppers Recipe stores like a dream. Let everything cool to room temperature, then keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to three days, and the flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes well! Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, getting as much air out as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to two months. Just remember, peppers may lose a little crunch after thawing, but the taste stays fantastic.
Reheating
To reheat, place the mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water, warming gently until hot throughout. You can also microwave portions in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Enjoy it just like day one!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While the traditional Sausage and Peppers Recipe calls for Italian sausage, feel free to swap in turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or experiment with spicy varieties for more kick. Just make sure they’re flavorful and juicy!
Are there vegetarian alternatives to sausage?
Yes, plant-based sausages work wonderfully here. Look for brands that brown well and hold their shape. Simply follow the recipe as written and enjoy all the big flavors in a vegetarian way.
Can I make this in advance for a party?
Definitely! The Sausage and Peppers Recipe is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Cook it the day before, refrigerate, then gently reheat before serving. It’s even more flavorful the next day.
What are the best peppers to use?
Any combination of bell peppers will do, but mixing red, yellow, and green makes for the prettiest and most balanced flavor. If you like a sweeter dish, double up on red and yellow peppers.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! The Sausage and Peppers Recipe itself is naturally gluten-free as long as the sausage you use doesn’t contain any hidden gluten or fillers. Always check the label if you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Peppers Recipe is everything I love in a go-to dinner: comforting, quick to make, and always satisfying whether served on a plate or in a roll. With so many ways to enjoy and share it, I hope it becomes a staple at your table too. Give it a try, make it your own, and savor every colorful, flavorful bite!
Print
Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic Italian-American dish, this Sausage and Peppers recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a cozy dinner. Sliced Italian sausage links are sautéed with colorful bell peppers, onions, and aromatic seasonings, creating a delicious blend of savory flavors. Serve over rice, pasta, or in a sandwich for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs Italian sausage links (sweet or hot)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage links, and cook for 7–8 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Peppers and Onions: In the same skillet, add olive oil, peppers, onions, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5–6 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Slice the sausage, return to the skillet, pour in broth or wine, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or on toasted hoagie rolls.
- Use spicy sausage for extra heat or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
