This classic Sausage and Peppers dish stands out for its rich, authentic Italian-American flavors combined with simple, wholesome ingredients.
It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that delivers a great balance of protein and fiber thanks to the generous sausage portions and nutrient-packed bell peppers and onions.
With its healthy dose of olive oil, this recipe offers good fats that support heart health, while the moderate use of spices keeps sodium levels adaptable to your taste.
The step-by-step roasting and sautéing technique ensures perfectly browned sausages and tender, flavorful vegetables, making this dish a fantastic choice for everyday meals.
It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners but substantial enough for family gatherings, plus leftovers reheat well, making it a smart, meal-prep-friendly option that won’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Stainless Steel Frying Pan
Essential for evenly browning the sausages and sautéing peppers and onions, this pan ensures excellent heat distribution and durability, making it a versatile kitchen staple.
Oven-Safe Baking Dish
Used for roasting sausages to lock in moisture and flavor, this dish is perfect for all oven-based recipes and doubles as a convenient serving vessel.
Tongs
Vital for safely turning sausages without piercing them, tongs provide control and help retain the sausages’ juicy texture. A must-have for grilling and frying tasks.
Sharp Chef’s Knife
For effortlessly slicing bell peppers and onions, a sharp knife speeds prep time and improves safety. It’s a multi-purpose tool indispensable for any home cook.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurement of olive oil, water, and spices helps maintain recipe consistency and flavor balance, making these tools essential for precise cooking.
Tasty Italian Sausage and Peppers
Equipment
- 1 Oven-safe baking dish
- Stainless steel frying pan
- Pair of tongs
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons (set)
Ingredients
- 8 large mild Italian sausage links about 2 pounds
- ¾ cup olive oil 180 ml
- 3 large bell peppers sliced (red and green)
- 3 large onions sliced
- 3 ounces water 90 ml
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Roast Sausages: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the Italian sausage links in a baking dish, and gently prick each sausage a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Roast the sausages in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are mostly cooked through but not fully browned. Remove them from the oven and set aside.
- Brown the Sausages in a Pan: Pat the sausages dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Heat a stainless steel or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Once shimmering, add the sausages and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides develop a deep, golden brown crust, about 10 to 15 minutes total. This step adds a rich caramelized flavor and texture. When browned, remove the sausages from the pan and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté the Peppers and Onions: To the same skillet, pour in the remaining olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, stirring to coat them well in the oil and the flavorful sausage drippings left behind. Cook the vegetables for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Steam the Vegetables: Pour the water into the skillet, then cover with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the peppers and onions to steam gently for about 10 minutes. This helps them become tender while preserving their vibrant colors and natural sweetness.
- Season and Reduce Liquids: Remove the lid, then season the vegetables with salt, freshly ground pepper, and dried oregano. Continue cooking uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the water has mostly evaporated and the peppers and onions are tender but not mushy.
- Combine Sausage with Vegetables: Return the browned sausage links to the pan, nestling them into the softened peppers and onions. Allow everything to cook together for another 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sausages finish cooking through.
- Final Taste and Serve: Give the dish a final taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve hot, accompanied by crusty Italian bread or nestled inside a soft hero/sub roll for a classic sandwich experience. Enjoy!
Notes
Chef’s Secrets: Unlocking Full Flavor Potential
One of the secrets to elevating this simple recipe lies in the initial roasting of the sausages.
This step ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy inside without drying out.
Following that with a good sear in a hot pan builds the beautiful caramelized crust that adds depth to the dish.
Using a stainless steel skillet rather than non-stick helps achieve a proper sear and fond, which enhances flavor when sautéing the peppers and onions.
When cooking the vegetables, steaming them briefly under a lid softens them without losing color or nutrients, while allowing the sausage drippings to infuse every bite.
Don’t rush the seasoning — adding salt, pepper, and oregano gradually and tasting along the way lets you balance flavors perfectly.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Pairings To Enjoy
Sausage and peppers shine when served alongside crusty Italian bread, perfect for mopping up the luscious juices and oil.
For a heartier meal, serve this dish over creamy polenta or freshly cooked pasta such as rigatoni or penne.
It also makes a fantastic sandwich filling for hoagie rolls or subs, especially when topped with provolone or mozzarella cheese.
Pair the meal with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and freshness.
For a beverage, a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the savory richness beautifully.
Storage Tips: Keeping Fresh For Later
This dish stores very well and makes excellent leftovers. After cooking, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When reheating, use a stovetop pan over medium-low heat rather than a microwave to preserve texture and prevent dryness — adding a splash of water or olive oil helps maintain moisture.
This recipe also freezes well; divide into portions and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Label your containers with the date for easy rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Common Cooking Concerns
Q1: Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Spicy sausage adds a nice kick to the dish. Adjust the seasoning accordingly and consider balancing heat with a touch of sugar or extra olive oil.
Q2: Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop without roasting?
Yes, though roasting helps lock in moisture. If skipping that step, cook sausages over medium heat in the pan slowly to ensure they cook through without burning.
Q3: What can I substitute for dried oregano?
Italian seasoning, thyme, or fresh oregano can work well. Adjust quantities to taste as fresh herbs have a milder flavor.
Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally! Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or pasta if needed.
Q5: How can I reduce the fat content?
Choose leaner sausages or turkey sausage. You can also reduce the amount of olive oil slightly, but keep some to maintain flavor and texture.
This recipe is inspired by sipandfeast
