If there’s one dish that instantly brings comfort, color, and a whole lot of flavor to any table, it’s Sausage, Peppers, and Onions. This vibrant skillet classic perfectly balances juicy Italian sausages with sweet bell peppers and melt-in-your-mouth onions, all popping with herbs and the tiniest touch of heat. Whether you pile it over pasta, spoon it into a toasted roll, or simply serve it as is, this recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sausage, Peppers, and Onions lies in its simple, honest ingredients. Each one shines through, from the colorful peppers to the aromatic herbs, making every bite layered with taste and texture.
- Italian sausage links (1 lb): Choose sweet or hot varieties depending on your personal preference for spice; either way, sausage brings savory, meaty depth.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): The golden foundation for sautéing everything and infusing the ingredients with a silky finish.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds a pop of vivid color and natural sweetness.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Slightly grassy and wonderfully crisp—an essential part of the classic trio.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, sliced): Bright, mellow, and a little sweet, yellow peppers round out the rainbow.
- Large onion (1, sliced): When sautéed, the onion turns golden and sweet, infusing everything with flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Aromatic and robust, garlic anchors the dish with its familiar warmth.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): A sprinkle of this earthy herb deepens the Italian flavor profile.
- Dried basil (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle, almost sweet herbal note that ties everything together.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick of heat—add more or less as you like.
- Chicken broth or dry white wine (1/4 cup): Deglazes the pan and picks up all that lovely flavor while helping create a light sauce.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for highlighting and balancing every ingredient here.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A scattering of fresh green for a flavorful and visually appealing finishing touch.
How to Make Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage links, letting them sizzle and brown on all sides for about 8 to 10 minutes. Browning builds a flavorful crust and locks in the juices, making the sausages extra delicious. Once they’re nicely golden, transfer them to a plate and keep them close—you’ll bring them back soon!
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
In the same skillet, toss in all those colorful bell peppers and the sliced onion. Cook them, stirring every so often, until they’re softened and starting to caramelize at the edges, about 5 to 7 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the sauté lets the natural sweetness of the veggies shine through and soaks up every bit of leftover sausage flavor.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs
Sprinkle in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and (if you like a little heat) the red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it cook for just a minute. You’ll smell the fragrant herbs and garlic blooming—a sign that all those flavors are merging in the pan.
Step 4: Return the Sausage and Simmer
Slice the browned sausage into hearty 1-inch pieces and nestle them back into the skillet with the peppers and onions. Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Let the whole mixture simmer together for about 5 minutes, so the sausage finishes cooking and those Italian-inspired flavors beautifully meld.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust everything with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The finishing flourish? Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh pop of green. Now your Sausage, Peppers, and Onions are ready to serve hot, fragrant, and irresistible!
How to Serve Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
Garnishes
A shower of chopped fresh parsley is the perfect finishing touch for Sausage, Peppers, and Onions. If you want a little extra zip, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some freshly grated Parmesan just before serving—either way, you’ll brighten up the dish and add that “wow” factor.
Side Dishes
There are so many tasty ways to round out your meal. Serve your Sausage, Peppers, and Onions over a mound of fluffy rice, a swirl of buttery pasta, or inside crusty hoagie rolls for an Italian-American sub worthy of any deli. Roasted potatoes, creamy polenta, or a simple green salad also make fantastic sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Switch things up by piling the savory mixture into mini rolls for party sliders, topping homemade pizza dough before baking, or spooning it over baked sweet potatoes. However you serve it, Sausage, Peppers, and Onions make for a dish that happily adapts to every occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, Sausage, Peppers, and Onions store wonderfully. Simply transfer cooled portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days—the flavors keep developing, making leftovers almost more delicious!
Freezing
For longer storage, pop cooled Sausage, Peppers, and Onions into a freezer-safe container or sturdy zip-top bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. Give it a good stir and cook until piping hot. That way, the sausage stays juicy, and the peppers and onions keep their lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I make Sausage, Peppers, and Onions with chicken or turkey sausage?
Absolutely! Chicken or turkey sausage is a fantastic leaner alternative and soaks up all the same flavors, making this dish lighter but just as satisfying.
What’s the best way to keep the peppers from getting mushy?
For peppers that stay slightly crisp and vibrant, avoid overcooking them. Sauté until just tender and remember they’ll soften a bit more as everything simmers together with the sausages.
Can I prepare Sausage, Peppers, and Onions ahead for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe was made for prepping ahead. Cool completely, then store in individual containers in the fridge. Enjoy it reheated for a fuss-free lunch or dinner all week long.
I like more sauce—is there a way to make the dish saucier?
Of course! Add a can of diced tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet before the final simmer. It’ll create a richer, saucier version that’s wonderful over pasta or rice.
Is Sausage, Peppers, and Onions gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your sausage and broth labels to be sure. As written, the recipe suits a gluten-free diet beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about a big skillet of Sausage, Peppers, and Onions. Whether you’re serving family, impressing friends, or just craving a hearty one-pan dinner, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite at your house, too!
Print
Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic Italian-American dish featuring savory sausage links, sweet bell peppers, and onions cooked together in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. This one-pan meal is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage Links:
1 lb
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Bell Peppers:
1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow (sliced)
Large Onion:
1 (sliced)
Garlic:
3 cloves (minced)
Dried Oregano:
1/2 teaspoon
Dried Basil:
1/2 teaspoon
Red Pepper Flakes (optional):
1/4 teaspoon
Chicken Broth or Dry White Wine:
1/4 cup
Salt and Black Pepper:
To taste
Parsley:
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Sausages: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the sausage links on all sides. Set aside.
- Sauté Peppers and Onions: In the same skillet, cook the sliced peppers and onions until softened. Add garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine Ingredients: Slice sausages, return to the skillet, add broth or wine, and simmer until fully cooked.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Delicious over rice, pasta, or in hoagie rolls
- Try turkey sausage for a leaner option
- For a saucier dish, add diced tomatoes during simmering
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
