🌭🇮🇹 Italian Sausage, Peppers & Onions
A simple, hearty dish featuring seared Italian sausages with sweet bell peppers and caramelized onions — all simmered together in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce. Serve it over pasta, polenta, or tucked into crusty rolls for a satisfying sandwich.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)
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1½ lbs (about 5–6 links) Italian sausage
(sweet, spicy, or a mix — pork or chicken) -
1 tbsp olive oil
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1 large onion, sliced
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3 bell peppers, sliced (use red, green, yellow for color)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: ¼ cup red wine or splash of balsamic vinegar
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
🔪 Instructions
1. Brown the Sausage
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In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add sausages and brown on all sides (about 8–10 minutes total).
👉 They don’t need to cook through yet. -
Remove sausages and set aside.
2. Sauté the Peppers & Onions
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In the same pan, add sliced onions and peppers.
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Cook for 8–10 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
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Add garlic, oregano, and chili flakes. Stir for 1 minute.
3. Simmer Everything Together
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Slice sausages (optional), then return them to the pan.
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Add crushed tomatoes (and wine or balsamic, if using).
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Cover and simmer on low for 20–25 minutes, or until sausages are fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
4. Finish & Serve
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs.
🍽️ How to Serve:
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🥖 On a toasted hoagie or sub roll with melted provolone
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🍝 Over pasta (penne or rigatoni)
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🍚 With polenta, mashed potatoes, or rice
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🥗 Alongside a crisp green salad or sautéed greens
✅ Variations:
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No tomato version: Omit the crushed tomatoes for a lighter sautéed dish.
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Cheesy Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.
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Add-ins: Mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for more veg.
Would you like a sheet pan version, slow cooker adaptation, or a spicy arrabbiata-style twist?
