Sausage and Peppers
Juicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tender onions are pan-fried to perfection in this classic one-pan meal. A staple at street fairs and family dinners, it's perfect stuffed into a hero roll or served over polenta.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sear the Sausage
- b.Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Once the oil is shimmering, add the sausage links in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply browned on all sides. The sausage does not need to be cooked through at this stage.
- d.Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Peppers and Onions
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the same skillet, using the rendered fat from the sausage. If the pan seems dry, add another drizzle of olive oil.
- c.Sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Allow them to get some caramelized brown spots for extra flavor.
- d.As the vegetables cook, use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build Flavor and Simmer
- b.Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- c.Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it coats the vegetables. Cook for another minute to deepen its flavor and remove any raw taste.
- d.Return the browned sausages to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables.
- e.Pour in the water (or red wine), bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- f.Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sausages are fully cooked through and the vegetables are very tender. The internal temperature of the sausage should reach 160°F (71°C).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Remove from heat. You can slice the sausages into coins or leave them whole.
- c.Split the hero rolls horizontally, leaving one side attached. For best results, lightly toast the inside of the rolls.
- d.Generously fill each roll with the sausage and pepper mixture.
- e.Serve immediately. Alternatively, serve over creamy polenta, pasta, or rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use high-quality Italian sausage from a butcher or deli.
- 2Don't rush cooking the peppers and onions. Allowing them to caramelize slowly develops a deep, sweet flavor that is key to the dish.
- 3A splash of dry red wine (like Chianti) or even chicken broth can be used instead of water for a richer sauce.
- 4For a cheesy finish, top the sandwiches with slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese and melt under the broiler for 1-2 minutes before serving.
- 5This dish is excellent for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld and become even better.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Incorporate sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or a can of drained diced tomatoes along with the peppers and onions for extra nutrients and flavor.
Make it SaucyMake it Saucy
For a version with more sauce, perfect for serving over pasta, add a 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes along with the water in Step 3. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a sliced cherry pepper or a pinch more red pepper flakes along with the garlic for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Bell peppers 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 muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Contains Antioxidants
Onions, garlic, and bell peppers contain various antioxidants like quercetin and allicin, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of Sausage and Peppers on a hero roll typically contains between 650-800 calories, depending on the type of sausage, the size of the roll, and whether cheese is added.