If you are craving a vibrant, hearty, and downright comforting dish, this Sausage and Peppers Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Bursting with the sweet, colorful crunch of bell peppers, the savory punch of Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce kissed with garlic and herbs, it’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether served casual for a weeknight dinner or dressed up for guests, this recipe delivers that classic Italian-American taste that feels both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make for big flavor in this recipe. Each one plays a key role in the final dish—bringing in sweetness, savoriness, acidity, and aroma that combine perfectly to create a soul-satisfying meal.
- 3 large red, orange, or yellow bell peppers: These provide a sweet crunch and a pop of beautiful color.
- 1 medium yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce as it softens.
- 3 cloves garlic: For that irresistible aromatic punch that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Helps soften the veggies and sear the sausage with a lovely golden crust.
- 1 pound raw mild or hot Italian pork sausage links: The hearty star of the dish, packing plenty of flavor.
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and slight spice.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives the dish its unmistakable Italian flair.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Brings juiciness and a slight tangy brightness to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps simmer everything to tender perfection without drying out.
- Chopped fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant note that brightens every bite.
How to Make Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies and Sausage
Begin by trimming and slicing your bell peppers into thin strips—aim for about 5 cups total to get that perfect balance of pepper-to-sausage in every bite. Slice the yellow onion and garlic just as thin to ensure they meld seamlessly into the sauce while releasing their flavors.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Lay out your Italian sausage links in a single layer to get an even, golden sear. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping once to brown both sides, but don’t worry if they aren’t fully cooked through yet; they’ll finish in the sauce later.
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the sliced peppers, onions, salt, and pepper. Let them cook gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and the peppers soften just enough to retain a slight bite—around 7 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, slice the browned sausage crosswise into half-inch pieces for easy eating later.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir the garlic, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning into the softened veggies gently but thoroughly, allowing the tomato paste to darken slightly for a deep, robust flavor—this usually takes about 2 minutes. Pour in the diced tomatoes and half a cup of water, scraping the skillet’s bottom to lift all those tasty browned bits. Return the sausage pieces and any juices to the pan, then bring everything to a simmer.
Step 5: Simmer and Meld Flavors
Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, letting the mixture cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This step allows the sausage to finish cooking and for the sauce to thicken, flavors deepening, and textures perfectly melding together. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to keep everything well combined and prevent sticking.
How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil adds a pop of green and a refreshing lift to contrast the savory, saucy goodness. You can also add a grating of Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for an extra touch of richness.
Side Dishes
Sausage and Peppers Recipe is wonderfully versatile with sides. Serve it over creamy polenta, alongside crusty Italian bread for dipping, or even piled on a toasted hoagie roll for a classic sausage sandwich. A simple green salad or roasted potatoes also complement this dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the sausage and peppers onto pizza dough for an easy flatbread, or use the mixture to stuff bell peppers. You can also serve it family-style in a warm casserole dish, inviting everyone to help themselves and enjoy the communal meal vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover sausage and peppers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making it even better when reheated. It will stay good for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the sausage and peppers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave leftovers covered for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through, but the stovetop method keeps the peppers tender and sausage juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this Sausage and Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian pork sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can use chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausage alternatives depending on your preference. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to use fresh bell peppers or can I use frozen?
Fresh bell peppers are best for this recipe because they hold their texture and vibrant flavor. However, frozen peppers can work in a pinch—just be aware they release more water and may soften more during cooking.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This Sausage and Peppers Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage and canned tomatoes don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients. Always double-check labels to be certain.
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it milder or hotter?
The recipe uses mild or hot Italian sausage, so you can adjust based on your heat tolerance. If you want to add more spice, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the sausage?
Gently reheating on the stove with a splash of water or broth helps keep the sausage moist. Avoid using very high heat or overcooking, which can make the sausage tough and the peppers mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Peppers Recipe is like a warm, flavorful celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly delicious. It’s just the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again—whether for a cozy night in or to impress family and friends with a classic Italian-inspired meal. So grab those bell peppers and sausages, and get cooking—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Sausage and Peppers recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring Italian pork sausage cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory tomato sauce. Perfectly balanced with aromatic garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of fresh basil, it’s an easy stovetop meal that delivers comforting, rustic Italian flavors in under an hour.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 large red, orange, or yellow bell peppers, or a combination (1 1/2 pounds total)
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
Meat
- 1 pound raw mild or hot Italian pork sausage links
Pantry Items
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Trim and thinly slice 3 large bell peppers to make about 5 cups. Thinly slice 1 medium yellow onion to yield about 1 1/2 cups. Thinly slice 3 garlic cloves. These fresh ingredients will build the base flavor of the dish.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound Italian pork sausage links in a single layer and cook, turning halfway through, until browned on both sides, about 7 to 10 minutes total. Transfer sausage to a cutting board or plate. Note that sausage is not fully cooked at this point.
- Sauté Peppers and Onions: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan and heat until shimmering. Add the sliced peppers, onion, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and peppers slightly softened, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cut browned sausage crosswise on a slight diagonal into 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking and presentation.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in sliced garlic, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato paste darkens in color, about 2 minutes, developing a deeper flavor.
- Combine Tomatoes and Sausage: Add the can of diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup water to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for added richness. Return the sausage pieces and any accumulated juices to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer to Finish: Reduce heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly, about 15 to 20 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired before serving. This final simmer allows the sausage to cook through and the flavors to fully develop.
Notes
- You can use mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- For a gluten-free dish, ensure the sausage used is gluten-free.
- The fresh basil garnish adds a fresh, aromatic touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
- This dish pairs well with cooked pasta, polenta, or crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
