Sizzling Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions: A Flavor-Packed Feast!

Italian sausage, peppers, and onions – it’s a classic for a reason. This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish is a staple at Italian street fairs, backyard barbecues, and family dinners. The combination of sweet peppers, pungent onions, and savory Italian sausage, all cooked together until caramelized and juicy, is simply irresistible. Whether you serve it on a hoagie roll, over pasta, or alongside roasted potatoes, this is a meal that’s guaranteed to please.

This recipe provides a detailed guide to making perfect Italian sausage, peppers, and onions every time. We’ll cover everything from selecting the best ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques that create those deep, rich flavors. Get ready to experience a taste of Italy in your own kitchen!

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This dish relies on the quality of its ingredients. Fresh peppers, onions, and good-quality Italian sausage are key to achieving that authentic taste.
• Perfect Caramelization: We’ll show you how to properly caramelize the peppers and onions to bring out their natural sweetness and create a depth of flavor that you won’t find in rushed recipes.
• Juicy Sausage: Nobody wants dry sausage! We’ll share tips for cooking the sausage so that it remains juicy and flavorful, without being greasy.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a sandwich, over pasta, in a skillet with eggs, or as a side dish. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Italian Sausage: 1.5-2 pounds, sweet, hot, or a combination. Choose a high-quality sausage from your local butcher or grocery store. The fat content in the sausage is essential for flavor and moisture.
• Bell Peppers: 3 large, any color or a mix (red, yellow, orange, green). Different colored peppers offer varying levels of sweetness. Red and yellow are generally sweeter than green.
• Onions: 2 large, yellow or white. Yellow onions provide a good balance of sweetness and sharpness when cooked. White onions are slightly more pungent.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is crucial for adding that characteristic Italian aroma and flavor.
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, extra virgin. Olive oil is the primary cooking fat and contributes to the overall flavor profile.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Oregano is a classic Italian herb that complements the other flavors perfectly.
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon. Basil adds a touch of sweetness and herbaceousness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat). If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes to the mix.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
• Balsamic Vinegar: 1-2 tablespoons (optional). A splash of balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity and sweetness that elevates the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional). Fresh parsley adds a vibrant color and fresh flavor.
• Hoagie Rolls or Pasta: For serving. Choose your favorite type of roll or pasta to complete the meal.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: A large skillet or Dutch oven provides enough space to cook all the ingredients evenly. A cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving a good sear on the sausage.
• Cutting Board: For chopping the vegetables.
• Knife: A sharp knife for dicing and slicing.
• Spatula or Tongs: For stirring and turning the ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For measuring the ingredients accurately.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Remove the stems and seeds. Slice the peppers into strips, about 1/4-inch thick. Avoid making the strips too thin, as they will cook down significantly. Peel the onions and cut them in half. Slice each half into thin half-moons, similar in thickness to the pepper strips. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Set all the prepared vegetables aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd it. If necessary, cook the sausage in batches. Brown the sausage on all sides, turning occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. The internal temperature of the sausage should reach 160°F (71°C). Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or cutting it into bite-sized pieces or thick slices.

Step 3: Cook the Peppers and Onions

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the peppers and onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and caramelized. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. The key is to let the vegetables cook down and develop a nice char, which will add depth of flavor. Reduce the heat if the vegetables start to burn. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Combine Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

Add the sliced or chopped sausage back to the skillet with the cooked peppers and onions. Stir everything together to combine. If using, drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve the Italian sausage, peppers, and onions hot, on hoagie rolls for a classic sandwich, over your favorite pasta, or alongside roasted potatoes or polenta.

Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

• Choose High-Quality Sausage: The quality of the sausage makes a huge difference in the overall flavor of the dish. Opt for a sausage that is made with good-quality meat and seasonings.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will cause the sausage to steam instead of brown. Cook the sausage in batches if necessary.
• Caramelize the Vegetables: Don’t rush the cooking process for the peppers and onions. Allow them to cook down and caramelize properly to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the dish throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it distributes heat evenly and creates a nice sear on the sausage and vegetables.
• Add a Touch of Acidity: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the dish and add a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the sausage.
• Toast the Hoagie Rolls: If serving as a sandwich, toast the hoagie rolls for a crispy texture. You can also add some provolone cheese or mozzarella cheese to the sandwich for extra flavor.
• Deglaze the Pan: After browning the sausage, deglaze the pan with a little white wine or chicken broth to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This will add even more flavor to the dish.

Variations and Additions

• Add Potatoes: Cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet along with the peppers and onions. Cook until the potatoes are tender.
• Add Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms can be added to the skillet along with the peppers and onions.
• Add Wine: Pour a half cup of dry white wine into the skillet after cooking the sausage and let it simmer for a few minutes to create a flavorful sauce.
• Add Tomato Sauce: For a saucier dish, add a can of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce to the skillet along with the peppers and onions.
• Make it Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes for a spicier dish. You can also add a chopped jalapeno pepper to the skillet along with the peppers and onions.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, or provolone cheese over the dish before serving.
• Serve with Polenta: Creamy polenta is a great alternative to pasta. Serve the sausage, peppers, and onions over a bed of creamy polenta.

Serving Suggestions

Italian sausage, peppers, and onions is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Sandwiches: Serve on hoagie rolls with your favorite toppings, such as provolone cheese, mustard, or marinara sauce.
• Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.
• Pizza Topping: Use as a pizza topping for a flavorful and satisfying pizza.
• Side Dish: Serve as a side dish with roasted potatoes, polenta, or grilled vegetables.
• Frittata or Omelet: Add to a frittata or omelet for a delicious and hearty breakfast or brunch.
• Skillet Meal: Top with a fried egg for a complete and satisfying skillet meal.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make Ahead: The peppers and onions can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet before adding the sausage. The entire dish can also be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors actually meld together even more when it sits overnight.

Storage: Store leftover Italian sausage, peppers, and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Freezing: You can also freeze Italian sausage, peppers, and onions for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

• Calories: 400-600
• Fat: 25-40g
• Saturated Fat: 10-15g
• Cholesterol: 80-120mg
• Sodium: 800-1200mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Fiber: 5-8g
• Sugar: 10-15g
• Protein: 20-30g

Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1.5-2 pounds Italian sausage (sweet, hot, or combination)
• 3 large bell peppers (any color or mix), sliced
• 2 large yellow or white onions, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Hoagie rolls or pasta, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the bell peppers, remove the stems and seeds, and slice into strips. Peel and slice the onions into half-moons. Mince the garlic.
2. Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and brown on all sides until cooked through (8-10 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside. Let rest, then slice or chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook the Peppers and Onions: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized (15-20 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
4. Combine: Add the sausage back to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired). Serve hot on hoagie rolls or over pasta.

Enjoy Your Delicious Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions!

This recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and additions to make it your own. Buon appetito!