Sausage and Peppers Recipe (Stovetop or Oven)

Oh wow, let me tell you about my favorite meal — sausage and peppers! It’s so easy and, um, super yummy. Like, if you need dinner fast, this is it!

I make this when I want something cozy but don’t wanna cook forever. The sausages get all juicy, and the peppers? Oh, they get soft and sweet. Mmm, it smells so good in the kitchen!

You don’t need fancy stuff — just a few things, and boom, dinner’s ready. And guess what? You can eat it with bread, rice, or just like that! It’s kinda perfect, right?

So, wanna make sausage and peppers with me? Let’s do it — I’ll show you how step by step. You’re gonna love how easy it is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet or baking sheet for easy cleanup.
• Bold, Savory Flavors: The combination of sausage, sweet peppers, and a touch of vinegar makes every bite delicious.
• Versatile & Customizable: Enjoy it as a main dish, in sandwiches, or as a topping for pasta.
• Quick and Satisfying: Ready in about 45 minutes, making it great for busy days.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully for easy meals throughout the week.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes 4 hearty servings — enough to fill 4 large hoagie rolls or serve over pasta or rice for a family dinner.

Difficulty:
Easy — Great for beginners or anyone looking for a no-fuss, satisfying meal.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this flavorful sausage and peppers recipe, you’ll need just a few basic tools:

• Large Skillet or Sheet Pan: A 12-inch skillet for stovetop cooking or a baking sheet for oven roasting.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the onions and peppers evenly.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for safe chopping.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: To stir and flip the sausage and vegetables.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning.

Optional for serving:

• Serving Platter or Bowls: To present your finished dish beautifully.
• Grater (if using Parmesan): For fresh cheese garnish.

Ingredients for Sausage and Peppers

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious dish together. Exact measurements will be in the recipe card below.

• Precooked Italian Chicken or Turkey Sausage: Mild or spicy — choose based on your preference. Sliced into ½-inch rounds.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and color.
• Yellow Bell Pepper: Balances out the flavors and adds a bright contrast.
• Yellow Onion: Sliced thin for sweetness and depth.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing and flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a slight tang that cuts through the richness of the sausage.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for depth of flavor.
• Kosher Salt: To bring out all the flavors.
• Dried Basil & Oregano: Classic Italian herbs for an earthy, savory touch.
• Ground Black Pepper: For a hint of spice.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for added heat.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional): For a burst of freshness at the end.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Shaved or grated on top for richness.

Variations for Sausage and Peppers

• Use Different Sausages: Swap in pork, beef, or vegetarian sausages if you prefer.
• Add Tomatoes: Stir in diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for a saucier version.
• Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
• Add Mushrooms: Sliced cremini or white mushrooms add an earthy depth.
• Make it Cheesy: Top with mozzarella or provolone and melt under the broiler.
• Make it Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or eat as is for a low-carb meal.

How to Make Sausage and Peppers — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slice the Sausage and Vegetables

Start by slicing your precooked sausage into rounds about ½-inch thick — not too thin, so they hold their shape while cooking.
Next, slice the red and yellow bell peppers into thin strips, about ¼-inch wide. Peel and slice the onion into thin half-moons. Set everything aside in separate bowls to keep organized.

2. Sauté the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sausage slices in a single layer.
Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are nicely browned. Flip them over and brown the other side for another 2 minutes.

Once the sausage is browned on both sides, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t wipe out the pan — all that flavor left behind will go into the peppers and onions.

3. Cook the Peppers and Onions

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers.

Sprinkle them with a pinch of kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir everything together to coat in the oil and seasonings.

Let the vegetables cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until they soften and start to caramelize around the edges.

4. Add Garlic and Vinegar

Once the peppers and onions are tender, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.

Then pour in the red wine vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds a tangy note and helps lift all that flavor into the dish.

5. Return the Sausage and Combine

Add the browned sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the sausage, peppers, and onions are well mixed.

Let the whole mixture cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the sausage heats through and soaks up some of the juices from the vegetables.

Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you want more heat.

Optional Oven Method (If You Prefer Roasting)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread sliced sausage, peppers, and onions on a large sheet pan.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and toss everything together.
4. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until veggies are soft and sausage is heated through and slightly crisp on the edges.
5. Add the garlic and red wine vinegar in the last 5 minutes of roasting, then give everything a final toss before serving.

How to Serve Sausage and Peppers

This dish is incredibly versatile, and there are so many ways to enjoy it. Here are some of my favorite serving ideas:

• In Hoagie Rolls or Sandwiches: Pile the sausage and peppers into a toasted hoagie roll. Add provolone or mozzarella cheese on top and melt it under the broiler for a warm, melty sandwich.
• Over Pasta: Serve the sausage and peppers over spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. Toss with a little marinara or olive oil for added flavor.
• With Rice or Quinoa: Spoon the sausage and veggies over steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty grain bowl.
• As a Low-Carb Meal: Keep it simple and serve it as is, or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• With Roasted Potatoes: Pair with crispy roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner.
• As a Party Platter: Serve straight from the skillet or a warm serving dish for gatherings — let everyone scoop their own portions.

Optional garnishes: sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil, and add a little grated Parmesan cheese for richness.

Storing Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers store very well, making them great for meal prep. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat:

• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Oven: Reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Precooked Sausage for Convenience: It saves time and ensures the sausage is fully cooked. You can also use raw sausage links, but cook them fully before slicing and combining.
• Cut Peppers and Onions Evenly: Slicing them evenly helps everything cook at the same rate and gives a consistent texture.
• Brown the Sausage Well: Let the sausage slices brown undisturbed for a few minutes — this adds flavor and color to the final dish.
• Deglaze the Pan: Don’t skip the red wine vinegar — it lifts all the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan and adds a bright contrast to the savory sausage.
• Add Cheese for Extra Richness: A sprinkle of Parmesan or a slice of provolone melted on top makes this dish extra satisfying.
• Adjust Heat to Taste: Add more red pepper flakes if you like a spicier dish, or leave them out for a milder flavor.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings and depending on sausage type used):

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	310
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	12g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	6g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	790mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on sausage brand and portion size.

Sausage and Peppers FAQs

Can I use raw sausage instead of precooked?

Yes, but make sure to fully cook the sausage first. Brown them whole in the skillet until cooked through, then slice and return to the pan with the peppers and onions.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Sausage and peppers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully. Perfect for meal prepping.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or microwave them in short intervals, stirring between heats to ensure even warming.

Can I freeze sausage and peppers?

Yes, once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What are good side dishes for sausage and peppers?

They pair great with rice, pasta, roasted potatoes, or even crusty bread. You can also serve them alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.

Conclusion

Sausage and Peppers is one of those reliable, go-to meals that’s not only delicious but also quick to make and flexible enough to suit any occasion. Whether you enjoy it in a sandwich, tossed with pasta, or as a low-carb dish, it always hits the spot. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping and storing for easy lunches and dinners.