Sausage and Peppers: The Real Deal (with a Kick!)
The ultimate sausage and peppers recipe! Juicy Italian sausage, sweet peppers, and a touch of spice. A family fave, and dead easy. Get the recipe now!

- Recipe Introduction
- Sausage and Peppers: The Real Deal (with a Kick!) Recipe Card
- Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
- Sausage and Peppers: Get Your Prep On!
- Sausage and Peppers: Step-by-Step Guide to Italian Awesomeness
- Pro Tips for Cracking Sausage Recipes for Dinner
- Recipe Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a proper flavour bomb? This sausage and peppers recipe is the one. I'm talking a sweet and spicy Italian dream!
Brief Overview
This dish, often called Sausage Peppers And Onions , is Italian-American comfort food. It's soul food that's super easy to make. It takes under an hour, and feeds six hungry mouths.
This humble dish has its roots in the bustling italian-american communities of the east coast, like new york city and philadelphia, and it celebrates simple, fresh ingredients.
It’s all about bringing family and friends together around the table. the vibrant colors of the bell peppers and the rich aroma of the sausage create an inviting and joyful atmosphere.
Main Benefits
Honestly, the main benefit is pure, unadulterated god mat . this italian sausage recipes is packed with protein and a sneaky serving of veggies.
It’s perfect for a sunday dinner or a footy-watching party. it is one of the best sausage recipes for dinner out there.
This sausage dinner is special because it's simple but so full of flavour. it's also great as dinner appetizers if you have friends over.
Time to Grab Your Ingredients!
Alright, let's get to it. This recipe is about to become your new go-to. I find that using good quality sausage really makes all the difference, so don't skimp out there.
You'll need around 1.5 lbs of italian sausage , sweet or hot, your call. chop up 2 big bell peppers, any colour, and one yellow onion.
Mince some garlic. for the sauce, grab a big can of crushed tomatoes and a smaller can of tomato sauce.
Red wine is optional, but adds richness. you will also need olive oil, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Also parmesan cheese and basil leaves for garnish if you fancy them.
This Sausage And Peppers recipe makes a great side or main. I enjoy adding dinner side dishes to go with.
Sausage and Peppers: The Real Deal (with a Kick!) Recipe Card

⚖️ 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese (if desired). This delicious sausage and peppers recipe is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Alright, let's talk shopping. this sausage and peppers recipe isn't complicated. think of it like a blank canvas for sausage recipes for dinner .
It’s all about getting good ingredients. here is a list of what you need.
Main Ingredients for Killer Sausage & Peppers
- Italian Sausage: 1.5 lbs (680g) , sweet or hot. I like a mix! Quality is key here. Get it from a proper butcher if you can. The better the sausage, the better the sausage and peppers
- Bell Peppers: 2 large, any colour, sliced. Red, yellow, green, whatever floats your boat.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Don't skimp on the garlic!
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/794g) can.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can.
- Dry Red Wine: 1/4 cup (60ml) . This is optional. Honestly, it adds so much depth. Worth it!
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon .
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon . More if you like it hot!
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
I often use the god mat approach. What is good quality sausage? It should be firm. It should have good color. Smell it! Good sausage smells delicious.
Seasoning Notes: It’s All About That Flavour
The key here is italian herbs and a touch of heat. oregano and basil are your backbone. red pepper flakes are your friend.
Don’t be shy! for the best italian sausage recipes , experiment with flavors. i’ve even used a pinch of fennel seed sometimes.
I sometimes think that sausage dishes benefit from a bit of fennel.
A secret weapon? a tiny bit of balsamic glaze at the end. it adds a lovely sweetness. as for dinner side dishes , consider crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
Some folks love dinner appetizers before their sausage dinner .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large skillet or Dutch oven.
- Cutting board.
- Chef's knife.
- Wooden spoon or spatula.
No need for fancy gadgets. if you don't have a dutch oven, a large skillet works just fine. you know? a good knife is always a good investment! some great sausage peppers and onions begin with quality tools.
Right then, let's have a crack at making proper sausage and peppers recipe ! honestly, this is one of those sausage dishes that just screams comfort food.
I reckon even your nan would approve. it’s proper easy, don't you worry your little head.
Sausage and Peppers: Get Your Prep On!
Essential Mise en Place (That's Fancy Talk for Getting Sorted)
Right, before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get everything prepped. slice those peppers and onions into strips – not too thick, mind! mince the garlic and have your tinned tomatoes at the ready.
Remove the casings from the sausages. crumble it up. good god mat , looks like we have a plan.
Time-Saving Organization Tips (Because Who Has Time for Faffing?)
Chop your veg first. you know? get it all done in one go. it saves washing up. and that's a win in my book.
It also helps prevent any delays during the cooking. honestly, a clean and orderly workspace leads to a much smoother cooking experience.
You'll be surprised how much this little tip can make a difference.
Safety First, Always!
Now, important bit! hot oil and rushing isn't a great match. take your time, keep an eye on what you are doing.
Nobody wants a trip to a&e. critical temperature is about the heat of the skillet. be careful around the skillet.
It also applies to your internal temperature!
Sausage and Peppers: Step-by-Step Guide to Italian Awesomeness
- Brown That Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan. Cook until browned. It should take about 5- 7 minutes . Remove it. Keep it to one side.
- Sweat the Veg: Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 8- 10 minutes . This step unlocks all that sweetness.
- Garlic Goodness: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1 minute . Don't let the garlic burn!
- Build the Sauce: Deglaze the pan with the red wine (if using). Scrape up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom. This adds serious flavour! Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer Down: Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 20 minutes . Let all those flavours get to know each other.
Pro Tips for Cracking Sausage Recipes for Dinner
- Don't overcrowd the pan! If you do, the sausage will steam. This prevents that nice browning. It can also make you dinner a bit soggy.
- Sausage Quality . This cannot be stressed enough. Cheap sausages will let you down. Get some good quality ones. Your Italian sausage recipes will thank you.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This sausage and peppers is even better the next day. All those flavours have had a chance to mingle! Perfect for prepping ahead of a party. The recipe is really great as Dinner Side Dishes ! Also, these could be Dinner Appetizers !
So there you have it. A proper sausage and peppers recipe that's easy enough for a weeknight dinner. But it’s tasty enough for a weekend treat. Get stuck in and enjoy!

Recipe Notes
This sausage and peppers recipe is pretty straightforward, right? but there are a few little things that can really take it to the next level.
I swear, it's the simple stuff that makes all the difference sometimes!
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Sausage Dinner
Honestly, just piling this sausage and peppers high on a plate is fine by me. but if you want to get a bit fancy, try serving it in crusty rolls for proper sausage peppers and onions sandwiches.
It's a crowd-pleaser, trust me! or, you can toss it with some pasta. penne or rigatoni would be banging. for dinner side dishes , try a simple green salad.
Plating-wise, sprinkle with fresh basil and a bit of parmesan. a nice chilled pinot grigio? sorted. these can also work great as dinner appetizers .
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), pop them in an airtight container. they'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For freezing, let it cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. when reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Make sure it's piping hot, though. safety first!.
Variations: Tweak It To Your Taste
Fancy a lighter version? use chicken sausage instead of pork. it works a treat! for a veggie option, try using a high-quality vegan sausage dishes .
You know, those "bleeding" veggie sausages? they’re surprisingly good. for seasonal swaps, use different coloured peppers for a fun twist, or in the autumn, throw in some roasted squash.
Nutrition Basics: Good Food, Good Mood
Okay, so it's not exactly health food, is it? but each serving is roughly 450 calories. you get around 30g of protein, which is great.
Keep an eye on the sodium, though. it's about 800mg per serving. but hey, everything in moderation, right? this god mat is something you can change and adapt.
This italian sausage recipes is amazing! i really hope you enjoy making my sausage and peppers recipe . i hope you feel comfortable enough to change it as you see fit.
Get in the kitchen and have some fun!. sausage recipes for dinner are one of those things that everyone loves.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sausage and peppers recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, sausage and peppers is often even better the next day, like a proper Sunday roast. The flavors have more time to meld together, creating a richer, deeper taste. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Think of it as a culinary insurance policy for a busy week!
What kind of sausage works best for this sausage and peppers recipe?
That’s entirely up to your personal preference, innit! Italian sausage is the classic choice, and you can use sweet, hot, or a combination of both. Using a blend of both sweet and hot is like a culinary yin and yang. Just make sure to use a high-quality sausage, as the flavour really shines through in this dish.
How can I make my sausage and peppers spicier?
Fancy a bit of a kick? Easy peasy. You can use hot Italian sausage, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes, or even throw in a chopped fresh chili pepper (like a birds eye). For a real flavour bomb, try a drizzle of Calabrian chili oil at the end. Just remember to taste as you go, like a good cuppa tea, and adjust the spice level to your liking!
I don't have red wine. What can I substitute in this sausage and peppers recipe?
No worries, red wine is optional! If you don't have any on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. This will still add some liquid and help deglaze the pan. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also add a touch of acidity, mimicking the red wine's flavour profile. Just don't use apple juice, that'd be a crime against Italian cooking, wouldn't it?
How long does sausage and peppers last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
Sausage and peppers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, sorted.
Is this sausage and peppers recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Sausage and peppers can be part of a balanced diet, but it's important to be mindful of the ingredients. Sausage can be high in fat and sodium, so choosing a leaner sausage option can help. Loading up on the peppers and onions adds plenty of vitamins and fiber. Serve with whole grain rolls or pasta to boost the nutritional value even further. Remember, everything in moderation, even delicious sausage and peppers!
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