This tasty dish features juicy Italian sausage cooked with colorful peppers and sweet onions. It’s a simple mix of flavors that will make your dinner bright and delicious.
Trust me, the smell of this cooking will have everyone in your home ready to eat! I love serving it in a warm bun, but it’s also great on its own for a hearty meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Choose between mild or spicy sausage based on your preferred heat level. If you want a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausages are also great alternatives.
Bell Peppers: The mix of red, green, and yellow peppers makes the dish visually appealing and adds a sweet flavor. If you prefer, use only one color or even substitute with other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
Onion: A large yellow onion is ideal for sweetness. However, Vidalia onions or red onions work well if you’re looking for a different taste. I enjoy using sweet onions for extra flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives a rich flavor, but you can swap it for canola or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand. Just ensure it has a high smoking point for cooking.
Garlic: While optional, garlic adds a lovely fragrant kick. You can use garlic powder as a substitute if you’re short on fresh garlic.
How Do I Properly Sauté Peppers and Onions?
Sautéing efficiently ensures the peppers and onions are soft but not mushy. Here’s how to do it right:
- After removing the sausages, add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. The fond left over from the sausage adds flavor!
- Cook over medium heat, as high heat can burn them quickly. Allow them to soften – this should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Keep the veggies moving around in the pan. This helps them cook evenly and achieve a beautiful caramel color.
- If you’re using garlic, add it in the last couple of minutes to prevent burning.
With these tips, your peppers and onions will be perfectly cooked, adding both flavor and color to your dish!
Easy Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 6 Italian sausage links (mild or spicy, according to taste)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix) or fresh chopped herbs
- 4 hoagie rolls or Italian bread, sliced and toasted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 25 minutes in total: 10-12 minutes to cook the sausages and about 10 minutes to sauté the peppers and onions. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausages:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage links. Cook them while turning occasionally until they are nicely browned on all sides and cooked through, which will take about 10-12 minutes. After they’re done, take the sausages out of the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and have a slight golden color. This adds a lovely sweetness to the dish!
3. Enhance the Flavor:
Now, if you’re using garlic, sprinkle it into the skillet with the peppers and onions. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and the Italian herbs as well. Stir everything well and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Combine!
It’s time to bring it all together! Slice the cooked sausage links in half or keep them whole, then return them to the skillet with the sautéed peppers and onions. Mix everything together, letting the flavors meld for an additional 2 minutes on the heat.
5. Serve:
To finish, pile the sausage mixture onto your toasted hoagie rolls or Italian bread. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness!
6. Enjoy!
Serve warm and dig in! This dish is perfect as a hearty sandwich or can also be enjoyed as a standalone meal alongside pasta, salad, or roasted potatoes.
FAQ about Easy Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions
Can I Use Other Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegan sausage alternative based on your dietary preferences. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, especially for leaner meats.
What Can I Substitute for the Bell Peppers?
If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, you can use sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or even roasted eggplant. The key is to keep the overall flavor balance, so choose vegetables that can hold up well when sautéed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover sausage and peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, use plant-based sausage and ensure that the hoagie rolls or bread are also vegan-friendly. You can follow the same cooking instructions for the veggies, and you’ll have a delicious vegan meal!
