Sausage and Peppers
Sweet Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and onions simmered in a light tomato sauce. This classic street-fair and family-dinner favorite is perfect served on a crusty roll or alongside pasta. A simple, hearty meal that comes together in under an hour.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Sausage
- b.Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the sausage links and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. The sausage does not need to be cooked through at this point.
- d.Using tongs, remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Do not drain the fat from the pan.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Peppers and Onions
- b.Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the same pan with the rendered sausage fat.
- c.Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are very soft and beginning to caramelize at the edges. This slow cooking develops their sweetness.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add Aromatics and Tomatoes
- b.Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to the pan.
- c.Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- d.Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan, incorporating them into the sauce.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer and Finish
- b.Slice the browned sausages into 1-inch thick rounds and return them to the pan.
- c.Stir to combine everything, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- d.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sausage to cook through completely.
- e.Uncover and simmer for another 2-3 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Stir in the fresh chopped basil.
- c.Serve hot in crusty hoagie rolls, over polenta, or alongside pasta.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper flavor, deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of dry red wine after cooking the garlic. Let it bubble and reduce by half before adding the tomatoes.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the sausage. If necessary, do it in two batches to ensure a good sear.
- 3Slicing the sausage before returning it to the pan allows it to absorb more flavor from the sauce and makes it easier to eat.
- 4This dish tastes even better the next day. It's an excellent choice for meal prepping.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Version
Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, and increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
With Chicken SausageWith Chicken Sausage
For a lighter option, substitute with chicken or turkey sausage. You may need to add a bit more olive oil as they are less fatty.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Incorporate sliced mushrooms or zucchini along with the peppers and onions for extra nutrients and texture.
Cheesy ToppingCheesy Topping
Serve in rolls, top with slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese, and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Bell peppers, especially red ones, are an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
Good Source of Protein
Italian sausage provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Contains Lycopene
The cooked tomatoes in the sauce are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
High in Fiber
The combination of bell peppers and onions provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain a healthy gut, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Sausage and Peppers recipe contains approximately 580-620 calories, not including any bread, pasta, or polenta it's served with.