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Hearty Italian Sausage and Peppers served in a skillet with vibrant peppers and onions

Italian Sausage and Peppers

A cozy, one-pan meal of Italian sausage, bell peppers, and onions that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Italian sausage Sweet, mild, or hot varieties all work.
  • 3 large Bell peppers Mixed colors preferred, red and yellow for sweetness.
  • 1 large Onion Sliced.
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic Minced or thinly sliced.
  • 1-2 tbsp Olive oil As needed, adjust based on sausage fat content.
  • 1 cup Crushed tomatoes or marinara Optional for a saucy version.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning Or a mix of oregano and basil.
  • to taste Red pepper flakes Optional.
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
Optional Finishers
  • splash Balsamic vinegar To brighten the dish.
  • 1 tbsp Butter For richness.
  • to taste Chopped parsley For garnish.
  • to taste Grated parmesan For serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Set a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tiny bit of olive oil if your pan is dry, then add the sausages. Let them brown on all sides, turning every couple of minutes.
  2. Once browned, move the sausages to a plate. Spoon off excess grease if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
Cooking
  1. In the same pan, add sliced onions and peppers. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until softened and slightly colored. Add garlic in the last minute to prevent burning.
  2. Add the sausages back into the pan. Pour in crushed tomatoes or marinara if using, along with Italian seasoning and black pepper. Turn heat to low, cover, and let simmer until sausages are cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. If not using tomatoes, you can still simmer with a splash of water or broth for tenderness.
  4. Taste for seasoning and tweak with more salt, a splash of balsamic, or a bit of butter if desired before serving.

Notes

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and can be reheated with a splash of water. This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.