Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (sweet, hot, or a mix), casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (any colour), thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce/800g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Brown sausage in olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon. Remove sausage and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell peppers until softened and slightly caramelized. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Return the sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine and reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. While the sausage and peppers are simmering, combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until reduced by half and slightly thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Watch carefully, as it can burn easily.
  6. Spoon sausage and peppers over rolls, pasta, or rice. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese (if desired).