Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) Italian sausage (sweet or hot, or a combination), casings removed
  • 2 large bell peppers (any color, or a mix), cored, seeded, and sliced into strips
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce/794g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) dry red wine (optional, but highly recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble sausage into the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned on all sides. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
  2. Add onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Deglaze the pan with red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Return the sausage to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese (if desired). This delicious sausage and peppers recipe is sure to be a hit!