Italian Sausage – Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish!
This classic Italian-American dish is a flavorful combination of savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and versatile—serve it as a sandwich, over pasta, or with a side of crusty bread. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (sweet or hot, depending on your preference)
- 2-3 bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, and green for color), sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional, for deglazing)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty Italian bread or rolls (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage
- If using links, prick the sausages with a fork to prevent them from bursting while cooking.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they’ll finish cooking later.
- Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add the Garlic and Seasonings
- Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan (Optional)
- Pour in the chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Combine and Simmer
- Slice the partially cooked sausages into bite-sized pieces (or leave them whole if preferred) and return them to the skillet with the peppers and onions.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let everything simmer together for 10-15 minutes, or until the sausages are fully cooked and the flavors have melded.
- Season and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Serving Suggestions | Italian Sausage
- Sandwich Style: Serve the sausage, peppers, and onions on crusty Italian rolls for a classic Italian hoagie.
- Over Pasta: Toss with cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water for a quick and hearty meal.
- As a Side: Pair with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad.
This Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s a timeless dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your table. Enjoy!
Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
FAQs for Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Recipe
Here are some common questions and answers to help you master this delicious dish!
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional, you can use other sausages like chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausages for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
3. Can I freeze this recipe?
Definitely! Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
4. What’s the best way to serve this dish?
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas:
- Serve it on crusty Italian rolls for a classic sandwich.
- Pair it with pasta or polenta for a hearty meal.
- Enjoy it as a main dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
5. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Of course! Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, or add extra red pepper flakes to the dish. You can also include a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper for an extra kick.
6. What’s the purpose of deglazing the pan?
Deglazing with chicken broth or white wine helps lift the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan, adding depth and richness to the dish. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can skip the wine and just use chicken broth or even water.
7. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the additional veggies.
8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
The dish itself is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels on your sausages and broth, as some brands may contain gluten. If serving as a sandwich, use gluten-free rolls or bread.
9. How do I prevent the sausages from bursting while cooking?
Prick the sausages with a fork before cooking to release steam and prevent them from bursting. Also, avoid cooking them over too high of heat—medium heat works best.
10. Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes! For a slow cooker, brown the sausages and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the sausages and cook the vegetables, then pressure cook on high for 5-10 minutes.
If you have more questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below! Happy cooking!