This Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions recipe is a perfect blend of savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions, making it a comforting and flavorful dish. With a simple preparation and the option to choose mild or hot sausage, it’s a versatile meal that’s sure to please. Serve it with crusty bread, over pasta, or on its own for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove sausages from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Combine and Bake: Return the sausages to the skillet, placing them on top of the peppers and onions. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)).
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread or over pasta!
Servings and Timing:
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving (1 sausage with peppers and onions)
Variations:
- Add Tomatoes: For a richer flavor, add a can of diced tomatoes to the skillet before baking.
- Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
- Cheesy Option: Top the sausage and vegetables with mozzarella or provolone cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey finish.
- Vegetable Variety: You can mix in other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked sausage, peppers, and onions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the sausage and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use different types of sausages?
Yes! You can substitute Italian sausage with chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausages. - Do I have to bake the dish in the oven?
You can skip the baking step and continue cooking everything on the stovetop. Just make sure the sausages are fully cooked. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausages and vegetables ahead and store them in the fridge. Bake them just before serving. - What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with pasta, rice, or on a sandwich with crusty bread. - Can I use pre-cooked sausages?
Pre-cooked sausages can be used; just reduce the baking time to heat them through. - Can I make this dish without onions?
Yes, you can omit the onions or substitute them with shallots or leeks. - How can I make this dish lower in calories?
Use chicken or turkey sausages and reduce the amount of oil to cut down on calories. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the sausages you use are gluten-free. - Can I cook this on the grill?
Yes! Grill the sausages and vegetables separately, then combine them for serving. - How can I add more flavor?
Deglazing the skillet with white wine or adding balsamic vinegar to the vegetables can enhance the flavor.
Conclusion:
This Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions dish is an easy and delicious meal that brings classic Italian flavors to your table. With minimal prep and a short cook time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with different sausages, vegetables, or seasonings. Plus, it stores and reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with your favorite sides or on its own!