The Ultimate Skillet Sausage and Peppers: An Easy Italian-American Classic
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this incredible **skillet sausage and peppers recipe**! Bursting with the vibrant flavors of seared Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and tender onions, all nestled in a savory sauce, this dish is pure comfort food. Whether you serve it on a soft hoagie roll, reminiscent of your favorite hometown deli, or enjoy it on its own, this classic Italian-American meal is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why This Skillet Sausage and Peppers Recipe is a Must-Try
Sausage and peppers is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary tradition deeply rooted in Italian-American culture, often enjoyed at family gatherings, festivals, and weeknight dinners alike. This classic dish traditionally features either sweet, medium, or hot Italian sausage combined with julienned bell peppers and onions. Its versatility is part of its charm: some prefer to savor it as a hearty main course, while others find it perfectly complemented by a robust hoagie bun, turning it into the ultimate sandwich experience.
Our skillet version of this beloved recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. By cooking everything in one pan, you concentrate all the delicious juices and browned bits, creating a deeply savory sauce that coats every ingredient. The searing process locks in the flavor of the sausage, and the vegetables soften beautifully, absorbing all the aromatic goodness from the garlic, herbs, and deglazed pan drippings. This method not only makes cleanup easier but also ensures every bite is packed with that authentic, robust taste you crave.
While this recipe focuses on the stovetop-to-oven skillet method, offering a fantastic sear and even cooking, it’s worth noting the many ways this dish can be prepared. You might have seen it baked entirely in the oven on a sheet pan for a hands-off approach, or even cooked quickly in an air fryer. For those looking to cut down on cooking time significantly, our air fryer Italian sausage and peppers recipe is an excellent alternative, proving just how adaptable this delicious meal can be. No matter your preferred cooking method, the core components of quality sausage, fresh peppers, and aromatic onions remain key to its irresistible appeal.
Gather Your Ingredients for Flavorful Sausage and Peppers
Crafting the perfect batch of sausage and peppers starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. This dish relies on a harmonious blend of savory meats and crisp, sweet vegetables, all brought together by a simple yet robust sauce. Below is a list of what you’ll need. For specific measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Information & Substitution Suggestions for Italian Sausage and Peppers
Understanding each ingredient’s role allows for perfect execution and creative customization of your skillet sausage and peppers. Here’s a deeper look into the components:
- SAUSAGE: The star of the show! You can choose between mild, medium, or hot Italian sausage based on your preference for spice. Italian sausages typically come seasoned with fennel, paprika, garlic, and other spices, providing a rich, savory base.
- Choosing Your Sausage: For a classic flavor, pork Italian sausage is traditional. However, you can also find chicken or turkey Italian sausages if you prefer a leaner option. Ensure the sausages are fresh and of good quality.
- Adding Heat: If you opt for mild sausage but want a kick, don’t hesitate to add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the pan when sautéing the vegetables. This allows you to control the spice level precisely.
- PEPPERS: Bell peppers are crucial for both flavor and visual appeal. A colorful mix is customary, usually consisting of at least three different bell pepper varieties.
- Color & Flavor: Red bell peppers offer a sweet and fruity flavor, while green bell peppers have a slightly more bitter, earthy note. Yellow and orange bell peppers fall somewhere in between, providing sweetness without the intensity of red. Using a combination of red, green, and either yellow or orange creates a beautiful, vibrant dish.
- Preparation: Julienne the bell peppers and slice the yellow onion thinly to ensure they cook evenly and integrate well with the sausage.
- Other Options: For an even more authentic Italian-American touch, consider adding mild Italian frying peppers (like Cubanelle) alongside or in place of some bell peppers for a sweeter, more delicate flavor.
- YELLOW ONION: A large yellow onion, thinly sliced, provides a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish. As it caramelizes slightly, it releases sugars that enhance the overall flavor profile.
- GARLIC: Four cloves of minced garlic infuse the dish with a pungent, aromatic flavor. Always use fresh garlic if possible; it makes a noticeable difference compared to pre-minced jarred garlic.
- CHICKEN BROTH: This liquid helps to deglaze the pan, picking up all the flavorful browned bits (fond) left behind by the sausage and vegetables. It also adds moisture and forms the base of the savory sauce. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
- RED WINE VINEGAR: A touch of red wine vinegar adds a crucial acidic brightness that cuts through the richness of the sausage and peppers, balancing the flavors and elevating the dish. Don’t skip this!
- TOMATO PASTE: Two tablespoons of tomato paste contribute a concentrated tomato flavor and rich umami, thickening the sauce slightly and giving it a deeper, more robust character.
- OREGANO: Fresh oregano leaves provide an earthy, slightly peppery, and aromatic herbal note that is classic in Italian cuisine. If fresh isn’t available, one teaspoon of dried oregano can be used as a substitute. Consider other fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish at the end.
- OLIVE OIL: Essential for searing the sausage and sautéing the vegetables, good quality olive oil adds a subtle fruity note.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Skillet Sausage and Peppers
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this delicious recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Prepare the Oven & Sear Sausages: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s ready for the final roasting step. In a 12-inch skillet (a well-seasoned cast iron skillet is highly recommended for its excellent heat retention and non-stick properties), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place the Italian sausage links into the hot skillet. Sear them thoroughly, browning on all sides until a beautiful, golden-brown crust forms. This browning, known as the Maillard reaction, is crucial for developing deep, rich flavor. Once nicely seared, remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside on a plate; they don’t need to be cooked through at this stage.
EXPERT TIP – Using a well-seasoned cast iron skillet is key. The fond (browned bits) left at the bottom of the pan after searing the sausage will infuse immense flavor into your vegetables and sauce during deglazing.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Do not wipe out the skillet! The browned bits and residual fat are packed with flavor. Add the sliced onion and julienned bell peppers to the same skillet. Sauté them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and become slightly tender-crisp. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once they start to soften, add the minced garlic and sauté for just 1 minute longer, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce: Pour the chicken broth and red wine vinegar into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan – this process, known as deglazing, releases incredible flavor into your sauce. Stir in the tomato paste and fresh oregano (or dried oregano). Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has slightly reduced and the flavors have melded together, creating a fragrant and rich sauce.
- Finish in the Oven: Return the seared sausage links to the skillet, nestling them amongst the peppers and onions in the savory sauce. Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Roast for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through. To ensure they are safe to eat, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should register 160°F (71°C). Once cooked, remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Sausage and Peppers
Store any leftover sausage and peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick warm-up, but for best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This helps maintain the texture of the peppers and prevents the sausages from drying out.
Absolutely! Sausage and peppers often taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. You can cook the entire dish, let it cool completely, then store it as described above. Reheat when ready to serve. For a fresh touch, you might toast your hoagie rolls just before serving.
While a cast iron skillet is ideal for its searing capabilities and ability to go from stovetop to oven, any oven-safe skillet will work. Just ensure it’s large enough (12-inch is recommended) to accommodate all ingredients without overcrowding. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, you can transfer the seared sausages and sautéed vegetables with the sauce to a baking dish for the final roasting step.
If you enjoy a fiery kick, opt for hot Italian sausage. Additionally, you can add a generous pinch or two of red pepper flakes when you sauté the onions and bell peppers. For an extra layer of heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a few slices of fresh jalapeño or serrano peppers can be added during the simmering stage.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Skillet Sausage and Peppers
The beauty of skillet sausage and peppers lies in its incredible versatility when it comes to serving. While the classic presentation in a hoagie bun is undeniably popular, there are many ways to enjoy this flavorful dish:
- The Classic Hoagie: Pile the sausage and pepper mixture generously into soft hoagie-style buns. For an extra touch, you can lightly toast the buns or even melt some provolone or mozzarella cheese over the filling before serving. The soft bread provides the perfect contrast to the hearty filling.
- As a Standalone Meal: This dish is robust enough to be enjoyed on its own. It’s a satisfying low-carb option, packed with protein and vegetables.
- With Sides: Serve alongside a variety of popular American and Italian-American sides.
- Fries: Classic baked french fries or sweet and savory baked sweet potato fries make excellent companions.
- Chips: A simple side of potato chips adds a satisfying crunch.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Soup: Pair it with a simple tomato soup or minestrone for a comforting meal.
- With Crusty Bread: Don’t let any of that delicious pan juice go to waste! Serve with slices of crusty French bread or Italian bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
- Over Pasta or Polenta: For a heartier meal, serve the sausage and peppers over a bed of al dente pasta (like penne or ziti) or creamy polenta. The sauce is perfectly suited for coating pasta.
- In Rice Bowls: For a different twist, serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a complete meal.
More Delightful & Related Recipes
If you loved this skillet sausage and peppers, you’ll surely enjoy these other delicious recipes from our kitchen. They share similar comfort food vibes, often featuring hearty fillings and satisfying flavors:
- Lobster Roll
- Shrimp Po Boy
- Philly Cheesesteak
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
- Stuffed Peppers
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Sausage and Peppers
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 4 Italian sausages mild, medium, or hot
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper julienned
- 1 green bell pepper julienned
- 1 orange bell pepper julienned, or yellow
- 1 large yellow onion sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoon fresh oregano leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
Things You’ll Need
-
12 inch cast iron skillet
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Instant read thermometer
Before You Begin
- You can cook 4-6 sausages in your skillet at a time using the same ingredients listed in this recipe card.
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for a great sear on the sausages and the vegetables.
- Serve sausage and peppers in a hoagie bun or with some crusty french bread to sop up the flavorful juice in the pan.
- Use a medium or hot italian sausage and/or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the pan for some spice.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Instructions
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In a 12-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the sausage links, browning on all sides. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.
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Without wiping out the skillet, add the onion and bell peppers. Saute until veggies begin to soften. Add the garlic and saute 1 minute longer.
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Add the chicken broth and red wine vinegar to the pan and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the pan to deglaze it. Stir in the tomato paste and oregano and simmer until the liquid is reduced.
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Place the sausages back into the skillet and roast in a 400°F oven until the sausages are cooked through (register 160°F on a digital thermometer), about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.