Sausage, Peppers & Onions (Classic Italian-American)
A vibrant, one-pan dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day feasts, or sandwich fillings. Simple ingredients, big flavor!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
· 1–1½ lbs Italian sausage links (sweet, hot, or a mix)
· 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced into strips
· 1 large yellow or red onion, sliced into strips
· 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 tbsp olive oil
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· Optional: ¼ cup dry white wine, chicken broth, or water for deglazing
Seasonings:
· 1 tsp dried oregano
· ½ tsp dried basil
· ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
· 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
For Serving:
· Crusty Italian bread, hoagie rolls, or polenta
· Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
Instructions
- Prep Sausage
· Prick sausages a few times with a fork to prevent bursting.
· Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet, Dutch oven, or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
· Brown sausages on all sides (about 5–7 minutes total). They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.
· Remove sausages and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables
· In the same pan, add remaining olive oil if needed.
· Add sliced onions and peppers. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
· Sauté 10–12 minutes until vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
· Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 more minute.
- Combine & Simmer
· Return sausages to the pan, nestling them into the vegetables.
· Optional: Deglaze with wine, broth, or water, scraping up any browned bits.
· Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until sausages are cooked through (internal temp 160°F), stirring occasionally.
- Finish & Serve
· Uncover in the last 5 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce.
· Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
· Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Cooking Methods
Stovetop (as above) – Best for caramelization and quick cooking.
Oven-Baked – Great for hands-off prep:
· Brown sausages briefly, then transfer everything to a baking dish.
· Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway.
Slow Cooker – Easy for parties:
· Brown sausages (optional but recommended).
· Add all ingredients to slow cooker.
· Cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours.
Serving Ideas
Classic Sandwich: Pile onto toasted hoagie rolls, top with melted provolone or mozzarella.
Over Polenta or Grits: Creamy polenta makes a perfect base.
With Pasta: Toss with cooked penne or rigatoni, adding a splash of pasta water.
As a Main Dish: Serve with roasted potatoes, crusty bread, and a green salad.
Storage & Reheating
· Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
· Freeze: Cool completely and freeze up to 3 months.
· Reheat: Warm in skillet over medium heat or microwave until hot.
Pro Tips
✅ Use a mix of pepper colors for sweetness and visual appeal.
✅ Don’t crowd the pan when browning sausages—work in batches if needed.
✅ Let sausages rest 5 minutes before slicing (if serving in sandwiches).
✅ Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or marinara sauce for a saucier version.
Enjoy this hearty, flavorful classic that fills the kitchen with an incredible aroma!