Indulge in a classic, hearty dish that bursts with flavor—Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions. This beloved Italian-American recipe combines savory sausages with sweet bell peppers, caramelized onions, and a hint of garlic, all brought together in a rich tomato sauce. Whether served in crusty rolls, over pasta, or on its own, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy!

Ingredients

For the Sausages:

• 6 Italian sausages (mild, sweet, or spicy, depending on preference)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Peppers and Onions:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 bell peppers, thinly sliced (a mix of red, yellow, and green for color)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
• 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Optional Serving Suggestions:

• Fresh hoagie rolls or crusty bread
• Cooked pasta or rice
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Sausages

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add the sausages and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

1. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions and peppers are soft and beginning to caramelize, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, and basil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and sugar (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
2. Return the sausages to the pan, nestling them into the sauce and vegetable mixture.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the sausages cook through.

Step 4: Check and Adjust Seasoning

1. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar as needed.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.

Serving Suggestions

• As Sandwiches: Place a sausage with a generous helping of peppers and onions in a hoagie roll. Top with grated Parmesan for a delicious sausage sandwich.
• Over Pasta or Rice: Spoon the sausages, peppers, onions, and sauce over a bed of spaghetti, penne, or rice for a hearty meal.
• On Its Own: Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a low-carb option.

Tips for Success

1. Choose Your Sausages Wisely: Mild, sweet, or spicy Italian sausages all work well. Choose according to your heat preference.
2. Mix Bell Peppers: Use a variety of bell pepper colors for the best visual and flavor appeal.
3. Caramelize the Vegetables: Don’t rush the cooking process for the onions and peppers. Their sweetness is key to the dish’s depth of flavor.
4. Make Ahead: The dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions recipe is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s easy to customize to your liking. The combination of tender sausages, caramelized vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce creates a dish that feels both hearty and indulgent. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Serve it your way, savor the robust flavors, and relish the simplicity of this timeless recipe!