Nothing beats the comforting, vibrant flavors of an Irresistible Sausage and Peppers Recipe. This classic Italian-American dish brings together juicy, perfectly browned sausages with sweet and colorful bell peppers and onions, all simmered to tender perfection. The harmony of spices, garlic, and a splash of broth gives it a luscious finish that’s easy to make but feels like a special occasion on your plate. Whether served over pasta, rice, or tucked inside a warm roll, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is key to making this recipe shine. Each element not only builds on the dish’s classic flavor profile but also adds a delightful texture and inviting color contrast that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to your taste buds.
- Olive oil: This helps perfectly brown the sausages and sauté the vegetables without overpowering their natural flavors.
- Italian sausage (1 1/2 pounds): Choose mild or hot depending on your spice preference; it’s the star protein that makes this dish hearty.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
- Yellow bell pepper: Offers a mellow, sunny sweetness to balance flavors.
- Green bell pepper: Provides a slight bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the other peppers.
- Large onion: Brings sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives an aromatic punch essential for Italian flavor profiles.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses that unmistakable Italian herb aroma.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a touch of extra spice if you like it hot.
- Chicken broth or white wine (1/4 cup): This liquid helps create a flavorful simmer that keeps everything juicy and tender.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): Adds a fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Irresistible Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausages
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your Italian sausages and cook them carefully, turning every few minutes until they develop a beautiful, golden-brown crust on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step locks in their juicy goodness and creates layers of flavor. Once browned, remove the sausages and set them aside for the next stage.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onion
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften slightly but still maintain a bit of their crunch and vibrant color. This mixture brings a sweet and savory base that perfectly complements the sausage.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic along with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want that little extra kick. Let the garlic cook for about a minute, just until fragrant, so it imparts that wonderful aromatic flavor without becoming bitter.
Step 4: Combine Sausages and Simmer
Slice the sausages into 2-inch pieces and return them to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, stirring everything together so the flavors meld. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes. This final simmer cooks the sausages through and softens the peppers and onions until tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Uncover the skillet and give the mixture a final stir. If you have fresh parsley on hand, sprinkle it over the top to add a burst of herbaceous freshness and a lovely finishing touch that elevates the presentation and flavor in one go.
How to Serve Irresistible Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the richness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens the whole dish and adds an unexpected pop of zest.
Side Dishes
This sausage and peppers dish is wonderfully versatile. Serve it over a bed of tender pasta or fluffy rice to soak up all those delicious juices. For a casual meal, stuff the mixture inside a toasted hoagie roll with some melted provolone or mozzarella cheese. It also pairs beautifully with creamy polenta or crispy roasted potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, arrange slices of the sausage and vibrant peppers on a large platter and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. Alternatively, stuff the cooked sausage and peppers into bell pepper halves and bake them for a colorful, bite-sized appetizer or light dinner option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sausage and peppers keep really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture, making for quick and tasty lunches or dinners during your busy week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zipper bag. It will keep at its best for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For the best taste and texture, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover to keep it moist. Adding a splash of broth or water during reheating helps maintain that wonderful saucy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer spicy Italian sausage, sweet sausage, or even chicken sausage, each variation adds its own unique flavor, and this recipe adapts wonderfully to different types.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the Irresistible Sausage and Peppers Recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you serve it without bread or pasta that contains gluten. Always double-check sausage labels to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While the classic recipe includes sausage, you can substitute plant-based sausage alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant to create a vegetarian-friendly version that’s just as flavorful.
What should I use instead of chicken broth or white wine?
If you don’t have broth or wine on hand, water is fine in a pinch, but using broth or wine adds depth and richness. Vegetable broth is a good alternative for different dietary preferences.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level can be customized easily by choosing mild or hot Italian sausage and deciding whether or not to include crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust according to your taste buds!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Irresistible Sausage and Peppers Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on your plate and yet comes together without any fuss. The vibrant peppers paired with savory sausage make for a satisfying and colorful meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Trust me, once you taste it, it’ll be a recipe you turn to again and again!
Print
Irresistible Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Irresistible Sausage and Peppers recipe combines flavorful Italian sausages with vibrant bell peppers and aromatic onions, sautéed to perfection in a skillet. Simmered in chicken broth or white wine, this comforting dish is perfect served over pasta, rice, or in hoagie rolls for a hearty sandwich. Easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness, it makes an ideal weeknight meal or meal prep option.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausages: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8–10 minutes. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside to rest.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté the vegetables for 5–7 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch. Then stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
- Combine and Simmer: Slice the browned sausages into 2-inch pieces and return them to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth or white wine and stir to distribute the liquid and seasoning evenly.
- Cook Until Tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes. This allows the sausages to cook through fully and the vegetables to become tender while absorbing the savory broth.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the cover, stir the mixture carefully, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch if desired. Serve the sausage and peppers hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or inside hoagie rolls for a delicious sandwich.
Notes
- You can use sweet, spicy, or chicken sausage based on your flavor preference.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and make excellent meal prep lunches.
- For a gluten-free meal, omit serving with bread or pasta and enjoy it as is or with rice.
