I absolutely love how this Easy Sausage and Peppers Recipe comes together—it’s one of those meals that feels like a big warm hug after a busy day. The combination of juicy sausage slices with sweet, tender peppers and caramelized onions creates such a comforting, flavorful dish that you’ll want to make on repeat. Plus, it’s really flexible—easy enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to impress family and friends.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how quickly it came together with just a handful of straightforward ingredients. You’ll find that it’s perfect served over steamed rice or just on its own for a simple, satisfying dinner. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that I’ve made countless times, and I promise you’ll enjoy every savory bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need a long shopping list—just everyday staples you might already have.
- Quick Cooking: Ready in around 30 minutes, perfect for hectic weeknights.
- Versatile Serving: Great over rice, pasta, or even stuffed into hoagie rolls for a sandwich twist.
- Family Favorite: My loved ones always ask for seconds—it’s that satisfying!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Sausage and Peppers Recipe brings its own magic—juicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and fragrant herbs all work together beautifully. I always recommend picking fresh, crisp peppers for the best texture and flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and sausage with a nice, mild flavor.
- Green bell pepper: Brings a bright, slightly bitter crunch.
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- White onion: Offers a subtle sharpness that mellows as it caramelizes.
- Sausage links: I recommend Italian sausage for its perfect balance of spice and savoriness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the whole dish with aromatics, but jarred works in a pinch.
- Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence: These herbs add that quintessential Italian flavor profile we all crave.
- Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.
- Fresh chopped parsley: For a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness at the end.
- Steamed white rice (optional): The perfect base to soak up all those delicious juices.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Easy Sausage and Peppers Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Depending on what you have on hand, you can swap flavors or tailor it to your family’s preferences without losing the soul of the dish.
- Spicy Sausage Variation: I once swapped mild sausage for spicy Italian sausage and it added such a fun kick—perfect if you like more heat.
- Vegan Twist: Try plant-based sausages and tofu in place of meat, with a splash of smoked paprika for that deep flavor.
- Different Peppers: Use yellow or orange bell peppers for a slightly sweeter take and brighter presentation.
- Herb Mix Changes: Feel free to experiment with fresh basil or oregano if you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand.
How to Make Easy Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Peppers and Onions to Perfection
Start by heating the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your sliced green and red peppers along with the onions and let them cook down until they’re tender and just starting to caramelize—about 10 to 12 minutes. I like to keep an eye on the heat and lower it if things are browning too fast, so nothing gets burnt. This slow sauté brings out the natural sweetness and creates the perfect base for the sausage.
Step 2: Add the Sausage and Brown It Well
Once your peppers and onions are soft and fragrant, add the sausage slices. Stir them in gently, spreading everything out so the sausage can get a nice golden crust. This usually takes 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll notice the aroma deepen and the sausage juices start to mingle with the veggies—that’s when you know magic is happening.
Step 3: Flavor It Up with Garlic and Herbs
Now it’s time for the garlic and Italian seasoning to join the party. Stir them in along with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This step lets all those flavors marry beautifully without burning the garlic. Give it a good stir and take a moment to breathe in that incredible scent!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once everything looks glossy and combined, turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. You can enjoy this Easy Sausage and Peppers Recipe right away—try it over steamed white rice or your favorite side. Watching everyone dig in with smiles is honestly one of my favorite parts.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Choose Quality Sausage: I’ve learned that using good-quality sausage makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
- Low and Slow on Veggies: Taking your time to properly caramelize the peppers and onions transforms the dish from good to unforgettable.
- Don’t Skip the Fresh Herbs: Parsley brightens the rich flavors and adds a fresh note that really balances the dish.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Giving everything room to cook helps ingredients brown instead of steam, which is key for flavor.
How to Serve Easy Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—it adds a lovely freshness and a pop of green that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if we’re craving some heat. A wedge of lemon on the side is surprisingly great too for a quick zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice—it soaks up all the delicious juices perfectly. I also love serving it alongside crusty bread to scoop up every last bit. If I’m aiming for a lighter meal, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at family gatherings, I’ve stuffed this sausage and peppers mixture inside toasted hoagie rolls for easy sandwiches. It’s always a hit! Another time, I served it over creamy polenta which made the meal feel extra special and comforting. You can get creative with the base or even serve it as a topping on baked potatoes for a cozy dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays great for about 3 to 4 days. It’s actually one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day because the flavors have had time to blend beautifully.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well too. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, so I can grab a tasty meal on days when cooking from scratch isn’t an option. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, I like warming it up slowly in a skillet or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This keeps the vegetables tender and the sausage juicy without drying out. Be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of sausage for this Easy Sausage and Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is classic for this dish, you can use sweet, spicy, chicken, or even turkey sausage depending on your taste and dietary preferences. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly with different types, especially if the sausage is pre-cooked.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the sausage you choose does not contain any gluten fillers or additives. Always check your sausage label to be sure, especially if you have sensitivities.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the sausage and peppers a day ahead and refrigerate. It actually tastes even better the next day! Just reheat gently before serving. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.
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What sides pair best with this dish?
This dish goes great with steamed rice, pasta, polenta, or crusty bread. For a lighter meal, a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables would be fantastic accompaniments.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful dinner that feels like comfort food but comes together quickly, I can’t recommend this Easy Sausage and Peppers Recipe enough. It’s become one of my go-to dishes for good reason: satisfying, adaptable, and totally delicious. I hope you give it a try soon—you’ll love how easy it is to make and how happy it makes everyone at the table!
PrintEasy Sausage and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Sausage and Peppers recipe is a flavorful one-pan dish featuring sautéed bell peppers, onions, and savory sausage links cooked to perfection with garlic and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it can be served on its own or over steamed rice for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large white onion, sliced into half-moons
- 12–13 ounce sausage links, sliced on a bias into rounds
- 8 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 1 tablespoon jarred minced garlic)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or herbs de provence
- Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- Steamed white rice or rice of choice, for serving (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Butter and Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced green and red bell peppers and the sliced white onion to the skillet. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and lightly caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Adjust heat if they begin to brown too quickly.
- Cook Sausage: Add the sausage rounds to the vegetables and stir well to combine. Continue cooking until the sausage is golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic along with 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or herbs de provence. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately over steamed white rice, if desired. Enjoy your flavorful sausage and peppers!
Notes
- Sausage and peppers will keep for 3-4 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For best flavor, use fresh garlic but jarred minced garlic can be a convenient substitute.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste depending on your preference for salt and spice.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for delicious variations.
- Read the full blog post for additional tips and tricks to perfect this recipe.