Discover the savory flavors of Italy with our Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions recipe! This hearty and comforting dish combines succulent Italian sausage with sweet bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce infused with Marsala wine. Perfect for a satisfying dinner, this recipe can be served over mashed potatoes, noodles, or polenta, or enjoyed as a delicious sandwich in hoagie rolls. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 yellow onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup Marsala wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions:
- Brown the Sausages
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook until browned on both sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the sausages from the pan and drain on paper towels. - Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add Italian seasoning, chopped basil, and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant. - Add Liquids and Tomato Paste
Pour in the Marsala wine (or chicken broth) and add the tomato paste. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes. - Incorporate the Vegetables
Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. - Simmer with Sausage
Return the browned sausages to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables. Reduce the heat to low and let the dish simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the vegetables are tender. - Serve
Serve the Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions over your choice of mashed potatoes, noodles, polenta, or cauliflower rice. For a delicious sandwich option, split hoagie rolls lengthwise, hollow out the bottom of each roll, and fill with the sausage and vegetable mixture.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
- Serve Hot: For the best flavor and texture, serve the Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions hot. The savory sausage and rich tomato sauce are most enjoyable when warm.
- Pair with Sides: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over creamy mashed potatoes, tender noodles, or hearty polenta. It also makes a great filling for hoagie rolls for a satisfying sandwich.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Garnish with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of elegance.
- Customize with Toppings: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra depth and a bit of heat.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat in a skillet or oven until thoroughly warmed.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to stir the dish halfway through to ensure even heating.
These tips will help you enjoy your Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions at its best, whether you’re serving it fresh or storing it for later.
Variations:
- Spicy Sausage and Peppers
Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet sausage to add a spicy kick. You can also add extra red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the dish for additional heat. - Vegetarian Version
Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor. - Pasta Style
Turn this dish into a pasta meal by serving it over cooked penne, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta shape. Mix the pasta with the sausage and vegetable mixture for a hearty and satisfying meal. - Chicken Sausage
For a lighter version, use chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. The flavor will still be robust, but with fewer calories and less fat. - Mediterranean Twist
Add sliced Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts to the dish for a Mediterranean flair. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving for an extra touch of flavor. - Sweet and Sour Sausage
Incorporate a bit of sweetness by adding a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the tomato sauce. This creates a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory sausage and peppers. - Italian Sausage with Mushrooms
Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the bell peppers and onions. The mushrooms will absorb the flavors of the sauce and add an earthy depth to the dish. - Sausage and Roasted Vegetables
Roast the bell peppers and onions in the oven before adding them to the sauce. This adds a caramelized flavor that complements the sausage beautifully. - Sausage Stuffed Peppers
Use the sausage mixture to stuff bell peppers. Bake the stuffed peppers in the oven until tender, and serve with a side of tomato sauce. - Creamy Sausage and Peppers
Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream to the sauce at the end of cooking. This will create a creamy, rich sauce that coats the sausage and vegetables beautifully.
These variations offer a range of options to customize your Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions dish according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients to find your favorite version!
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various types of sausage, such as chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or spicy sausage. Each will bring a different flavor profile to the dish. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions ahead of time. Cook it fully and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving. - What can I use instead of Marsala wine?
If you don’t have Marsala wine, you can use chicken broth or white wine as a substitute. Both will add depth of flavor to the sauce. - Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned diced tomatoes work well in this recipe. They add a convenient and consistent flavor to the sauce. - How can I adjust the recipe for a lower sodium option?
Use low-sodium sausage and reduce or omit added salt. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth instead of Marsala wine to further reduce sodium content. - Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to enhance the dish and increase its nutritional value. - How do I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, use hot Italian sausage, add extra red pepper flakes, or mix in some sliced jalapeños. Adjust according to your preferred level of spiciness. - Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the sausages and sauté the aromatics, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. - What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, noodles, polenta, or cauliflower rice. You can also serve it as a filling for hoagie rolls for a delicious sandwich.
These FAQs address common questions and provide helpful tips for customizing and storing your Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions dish. Enjoy making this flavorful and versatile meal!
Our Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions recipe brings together bold flavors and hearty ingredients in a dish that’s both comforting and versatile. Whether you choose to serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, alongside pasta, or in a crusty hoagie roll, this meal is sure to impress. With its rich, savory sauce and perfectly cooked sausages and vegetables, it’s a fantastic option for family dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy the taste of Italy from the comfort of your home with this easy and delicious recipe!