Spicy Sausage and Peppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is full of rich, comforting flavor and comes together with minimal prep and cleanup. The combination of spicy sausage and sweet bell peppers creates a beautiful balance of heat and sweetness. It’s incredibly versatile, easy to scale for a crowd, and can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you’re craving something spicy and satisfying or need a quick go-to dinner, this dish delivers every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spicy Italian sausage (links or bulk)
• Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
• Onion, sliced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• Tomato paste
• Olive oil
• Dried oregano
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. If using sausage links, brown them whole until cooked through, then slice into rounds. If using bulk sausage, break it into pieces and cook until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté sliced onions and bell peppers until soft and slightly caramelized, about 7–8 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Return the sausage to the skillet and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 40 minutes

Variations

• Mild Version: Use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
• Cheesy Twist: Top with shredded mozzarella or provolone and bake until bubbly.
• Add Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine before adding tomatoes for deeper flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Grain Bowl: Spoon over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
You can also freeze the sausage and pepper mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of sausage works best?

Spicy Italian sausage is ideal, but you can use any type—pork, chicken, or turkey, depending on your preference.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats very well and is perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

What’s the best way to serve sausage and peppers?

Serve it over pasta, in hoagie rolls, with polenta, or just on its own as a main dish.

Can I use frozen peppers and onions?

Yes, they work well in a pinch, though fresh produce gives the best flavor and texture.

How do I make it extra spicy?

Use hot Italian sausage, add extra crushed red pepper flakes, or toss in sliced chili peppers.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, it’s naturally dairy-free. Just skip the optional cheese topping if adding.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your sausage and other ingredients are gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.

Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, tomato sauce works, though the texture will be smoother and less chunky.

How long should I cook the sausage?

Sausage should be cooked until browned and fully cooked through—internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for pork.

Can I bake this dish?

Yes, after sautéing, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with cheese (optional), and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Conclusion

Spicy Sausage and Peppers is a flavorful, fuss-free dish that’s as comforting as it is versatile. With its bold seasoning, tender vegetables, and savory sausage, it’s a go-to meal for busy nights or relaxed weekends. Whether you pile it into a sandwich or serve it over pasta, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at the table.

Spicy Sausage and Peppers

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Spicy Sausage and Peppers is a flavorful one-pan meal combining Italian sausage, bell peppers, and onions simmered in a zesty tomato sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining, it’s easy to make and bursting with bold, hearty flavor.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

• 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (links or bulk)
• 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14–15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. If using sausage links, brown them whole until cooked through, then slice into rounds. If using bulk sausage, break it up and cook until browned. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
3. Add more oil if needed and sauté sliced onions and bell peppers for 7–8 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
7. Return sausage to the skillet and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve.

Notes

• Use sweet Italian sausage for a milder version.
• Add a splash of red wine after sautéing vegetables for richer flavor.
• Great served over pasta, rice, polenta, or in sandwich rolls.
• Can be baked with cheese for a casserole-style dish.
• Dish freezes well—perfect for batch cooking and meal prep.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg