SaveItalian Sausage and Peppers
Sweet Italian sausage with bell peppers and onions in a garlic tomato sauce. Sunday dinner staple.
Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026
Servings
Est. total: $12.00 · $3.00/serving
Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage links
- 2 medium red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes (one can)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 pieces Italian bread (or hoagie rolls, for serving)
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown sausage links on all sides, about 8 minutes total. They don't need to be cooked through yet. Remove and set aside.
2 tbsp olive oil1 1/2 lb sweet Italian sausage links - 2
In the same skillet, sauté peppers and onion 6-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2 medium red bell pepper1 medium green bell pepper1 large yellow onion4 cloves garlic - 3
Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and salt. Nestle sausages back into the sauce. Cover and simmer 15-20 minutes until sausages reach 160°F internal temperature.
14 oz crushed tomatoes1 tsp dried oregano1 tsp dried basil1/4 tsp red pepper flakes1/2 tsp saltUse an instant-read thermometer — sausage should reach 160°F for food safety.
- 4
Serve sausages and pepper mixture on Italian bread or hoagie rolls. Spoon extra sauce over the top.
4 pieces Italian bread
Pairs With
Chianti or Rosso di Montalcino
Tomato-loving grape with bright acidity
Birra Moretti or similar
Clean, crisp, and refreshing against the sausage fat
Campari, sweet vermouth, soda
Bitter and refreshing, an Italian classic
Make It Yours
Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.
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Cooking Soundtrack
Dean Martin, Italian jazz, and bossa nova. The soundtrack to every great pasta night.
Nutrition
Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Tips
- •Use a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage for more complexity.
- •Don't slice sausages before cooking — they stay juicier cooked whole.
Substitutions
- Italian sausage → chicken sausage for lighter option
- crushed tomatoes → marinara sauce
- Italian bread → polenta for gluten-free
Leftovers
Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium heat.
Leftover Ideas
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.
Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.
Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.
Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
