Hearty Sausage and Peppers

This sausage and peppers recipe is my go-to for busy nights when I want a comforting meal that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. Simple yet packed with flavor, the mix of juicy sausage with sweet and colorful peppers always creates a crowd-pleasing dinner. You can enjoy it on its own or piled high in a soft roll for a classic Italian-American touch. Every time I make this, the sizzling pan draws everyone to the table before it is even ready.

I first tried this after a long work day and was amazed at how quickly it brought the family together. Now I keep the ingredients on hand for those nights when I want dinner to feel special with almost no effort.

Ingredients

• Extra-virgin olive oil: provides a rich base and brings all flavors together choose a good quality oil for best results
• Red wine vinegar: adds brightness and balances the fats look for a vinegar with strong aroma and deep color
• Garlic: gives a deep savory background use fresh and mince it finely so it melts into the sauce
• Dried oregano: delivers earthy notes try to pick leaves that are still green and fragrant
• Crushed red pepper: offers gentle heat use less or skip for milder taste
• Bell peppers: supply sweetness and color mix red yellow and orange for the prettiest dish choose peppers that feel heavy and glossy
• Yellow onion: gives a mellow base flavor slice the onions evenly to match the peppers for even cooking
• Kosher salt: enhances overall flavor go for flakes over fine grains so it disappears in the bake
• Black pepper: brings gentle spice grind it fresh if you can
• Italian sausage: hot or sweet for classic flavor select links with a natural casing and visible herbs inside
• Fresh basil: adds a finishing note of freshness slice right before serving for brightest flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Seasoning:

Preheat oven to four hundred degrees. In a large bowl whisk together extra-virgin olive oil red wine vinegar minced garlic dried oregano and crushed red pepper until fully blended

Toss Vegetables in Dressing:

Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the bowl. Toss using clean hands or two big spoons so all pieces are slicked with the seasoned oil. Make sure every slice is shiny and well-coated for even roasting

Arrange in Pan and Top with Sausage:

Pour the dressed vegetables into a nine by thirteen inch pan and spread out in an even layer. Place sausage pieces right on top spacing them out to let heat move evenly

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for forty to forty-five minutes mixing things up once halfway through. Check that the sausage is browned and cooked through and the veggies are soft and slightly caramelized around the edges

Finish and Serve:

Sprinkle freshly sliced basil over the hot pan just before bringing to the table. Serve right away as a main dish in bowls or turn into sausage and pepper sandwiches

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I love using hot Italian sausage because it adds just enough kick to balance the sweetness of roasted peppers. Watching my kids race to pick out their favorite color pepper from the pan always makes me smile

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Freeze any extra in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen gently in a covered baking dish

Ingredient Substitutions

Try different sausages like chicken chorizo or even vegetarian sausage. You can use any mix of peppers and switch red wine vinegar for balsamic if you prefer a deeper sweetness. For onion lovers double the onions or try a combo of yellow and red for more color

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Serving Suggestions

Enjoy straight from a bowl with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Make sausage and pepper subs with soft Italian rolls or serve with garlic bread mashed potatoes or pasta with marinara for a complete meal

A Little History

Sausage and peppers became a staple of Italian-American kitchens for good reason. This combination began with home cooks using simple market ingredients and evolved as a favorite at street fairs and family gatherings especially in New York. It brings together heartiness and unforgettable aromas in every bite

Common Recipe Questions

→ Which type of sausage works best?

Classic Italian pork sausage is ideal, but chicken, turkey, or even spicy varieties like chorizo or andouille can add unique flavors.

→ Can I use different colors of bell peppers?

Yes, mixing red, yellow, orange, or green peppers adds color and varying sweetness. Choose your favorites for a personal touch.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, garlic bread, pasta, or buttered noodles complement the savory flavors perfectly.

→ Do the vegetables need to be sliced a certain way?

Slice peppers and onions to roughly the same size for even cooking and ideal texture in every bite.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ Can the dish be made ahead?

Yes! Prep ingredients in advance and store them separately or assembled, unbaked, in the fridge, then bake when ready to serve.