Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions
This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions recipe is a classic, hearty dish that’s both simple and delicious. The combination of juicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tender onions simmered in a rich tomato sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a versatile meal that can be served on its own or paired with crusty bread or hoagie rolls. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner. Garnished with fresh basil, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage links
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
– Crusty bread or hoagie rolls (for serving, optional)
Directions:
Brown the Sausage: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage links and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning frequently, until they’re evenly browned on all sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the Peppers and Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize, releasing their natural sweetness.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until it becomes aromatic.
Create the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet along with the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if desired), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Combine and Simmer: Return the browned sausage to the skillet, cover, and let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the sausage to fully cook and absorb all the rich flavors of the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve the dish hot. Pair it with crusty bread or hoagie rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 400 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings
