Sizzling Skillet Sausage and Peppers: Your Ultimate Guide to an Easy Italian-American Classic
Dive into the comforting flavors of this classic Skillet Sausage and Peppers recipe, a beloved Italian-American staple. Perfectly seared Italian sausages are nestled among vibrant, caramelized bell peppers and sweet onions, all brought together in a rich, savory sauce. Whether piled high on a soft hoagie roll, reminiscent of your favorite hometown deli, or enjoyed simply on its own, this dish promises a burst of deliciousness in every bite. It’s a versatile and satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings.
Why This Skillet Sausage and Peppers Recipe is a Must-Try
Sausage and peppers is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary hug, deeply rooted in Italian-American tradition. This recipe truly shines because of its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor achieved through careful searing and simmering in a single skillet. By cooking everything in one pan, you not only minimize cleanup but also allow all the delicious flavors to meld together beautifully. The fond – those browned bits left in the pan after searing the sausage – is crucial. When deglazed with chicken broth and red wine vinegar, it transforms into a rich, savory sauce that coats every piece of sausage and vegetable, elevating the dish from good to unforgettable.
Unlike oven-baked versions where ingredients sometimes steam more than sear, our skillet method ensures a fantastic caramelization on both the sausages and the vegetables. This browning develops complex flavors that are essential to a truly authentic sausage and peppers experience. We’re talking about that irresistible sweet and savory balance from the bell peppers and onions, combined with the robust, spicy kick (if you choose hot sausage!) of the Italian links. While a traditional skillet is fantastic, we also have a speedy air fryer Italian sausage and peppers recipe that significantly reduces cook time, perfect for those extra busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Skillet Sausage and Peppers
To create this incredibly satisfying meal, you’ll need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. All precise measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this comprehensive guide. Here’s a quick overview of what makes this dish so special:
Ingredient Spotlight and Smart Swaps
Each component plays a vital role in building the robust flavor profile of this dish. Let’s delve into the specifics and explore some versatile substitution options to tailor it to your taste.
- SAUSAGE: The star of the show! You have the flexibility to choose between mild, medium, or hot Italian sausage based on your preference for spice. For a noticeable kick, opt for medium or hot Italian sausage. If you only have mild on hand but crave heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the pan with the vegetables can easily remedy this. We recommend high-quality pork Italian sausage for its rich flavor and fat content, which helps in searing and developing the sauce. However, chicken or turkey Italian sausage can also be used for a lighter alternative, though they may require a bit more olive oil to prevent sticking and achieve a good sear.
- PEPPERS: Bell peppers are essential for both flavor and visual appeal. This recipe typically features a colorful medley of at least three different bell peppers, most commonly red, green, and either yellow or orange. Each color offers a slightly different sweetness and vibrancy. The green bell pepper provides a slightly more herbaceous and less sweet note, while the red, yellow, and orange varieties are sweeter and fruitier. Make sure to julienne them for consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- ONION: A large yellow onion, thinly sliced, caramelizes beautifully and adds a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish. White onions can be used as a substitute, offering a sharper flavor, while red onions would add a pop of color and a slightly bolder taste.
- GARLIC: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for that authentic Italian-American aroma and flavor. Four cloves provide a robust garlic presence, but feel free to adjust to your liking – more if you’re a garlic lover!
- LIQUIDS (CHICKEN BROTH & RED WINE VINEGAR): These liquids are key for deglazing the pan, which means scraping up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. The chicken broth adds a savory base, while the red wine vinegar introduces a crucial acidic brightness that cuts through the richness of the sausage and peppers, balancing the flavors perfectly. Vegetable broth can be substituted for chicken broth, and a splash of balsamic vinegar or even a dry white wine can replace red wine vinegar if needed.
- TOMATO PASTE: A concentrated tomato flavor booster. Two tablespoons of tomato paste deepen the umami notes and contribute to the rich color and texture of the sauce. Don’t skip this!
- OREGANO: Fresh oregano leaves offer the best flavor, providing an aromatic, slightly peppery, and earthy note. If fresh is unavailable, dried oregano works perfectly, just use about a third of the amount (e.g., 1 teaspoon dried for 1 tablespoon fresh).
- OLIVE OIL: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for searing the sausages and sautéing the vegetables, imparting its signature fruity and peppery notes while preventing sticking and aiding in browning.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Perfect Skillet Sausage and Peppers
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of preparing this delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Before you begin cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s ready for the final cooking stage of your sausages.
- In a sturdy 12-inch skillet (a well-seasoned cast iron skillet is highly recommended for optimal searing), heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the Italian sausage links. Sear them diligently on all sides, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully browned and have developed a delicious crust. This initial searing is crucial for locking in flavor and creating a pleasing texture. Once browned, remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside on a plate; they don’t need to be cooked through at this point.
EXPERT TIP: Using a well-seasoned cast iron skillet is paramount for this recipe. Its superior heat retention and even distribution will provide an excellent sear on both the sausages and the vegetables, contributing to a richer flavor profile and a satisfying crust.
- Do not clean or wipe out the skillet! All those browned bits (“fond”) left behind are packed with flavor. Add the sliced yellow onion and julienned bell peppers directly into the same skillet. Sauté these vegetables, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften and develop a slight char, about 8-10 minutes. This process allows the vegetables to release their natural sugars and caramelize, adding sweetness and depth to the dish. Next, stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for just 1 minute longer, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Pour the chicken broth and red wine vinegar into the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula. This crucial step, known as deglazing, incorporates all the rich flavors back into the sauce. Stir in the tomato paste and fresh (or dried) oregano. Continue to simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and thickened slightly, creating a luscious sauce that coats the vegetables beautifully. This reduction concentrates the flavors even further.
- Carefully nestle the seared sausages back into the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged in the delicious pepper and onion mixture. Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Roast for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the sausages are thoroughly cooked through. To ensure food safety, verify that the internal temperature of the sausages registers 160°F (71°C) on a reliable meat thermometer. The time may vary depending on the thickness of your sausages. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Here are some common questions and essential tips to help you master this delicious Skillet Sausage and Peppers recipe every time.
Allow any leftover sausage and peppers to cool completely before transferring them to an air-tight container. Store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
While best served fresh, you can certainly do some prep work in advance. You can slice the bell peppers and onions up to a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also sear the sausages and sauté the vegetables until the sauce is reduced (up to step 4) and then refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture in the skillet on the stovetop until simmering, then add the sausages back and finish in the oven as directed.
For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too dry. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot. Microwaving is an option for quick reheating, but it may compromise the texture of the sausages and peppers.
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or even spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Add heartier vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini with the bell peppers and onions, and softer vegetables like spinach towards the end of the cooking process.
Yes, it is! Once cooled, transfer the sausage and pepper mixture to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the oven.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Sausage and Peppers
This versatile dish can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways, making it suitable for various occasions and dietary preferences. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions:
- Classic Hoagie: The most iconic way to enjoy sausage and peppers is piled generously into a soft, hearty hoagie or submarine bun. You can toast the bun lightly for added texture or serve it soft.
- Alongside Sides: Serve the sausage and peppers as-is with a simple side. Great options include crispy baked French fries, potato chips, or healthier baked sweet potato fries. A fresh dinner salad offers a refreshing contrast, while a warm bowl of soup can make it a comforting meal.
- With Crusty Bread: Don’t let any of that delicious, flavorful pan juice go to waste! Serve with slices of crusty French bread or Italian bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich sauce.
- Over Pasta or Polenta: For a more substantial meal, spoon the sausage and peppers over a bed of al dente pasta (like penne or rigatoni) or creamy polenta. The sauce is robust enough to coat the pasta beautifully.
- Low-Carb Options: If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative, serve the mixture over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or simply enjoy it on its own.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese just before serving adds a lovely finish.
Explore More Delicious Sandwich and Skillet Recipes
If you loved this skillet sausage and peppers recipe, you’ll surely enjoy these other comforting and flavorful dishes from our collection:
- Lobster Roll
- Shrimp Po Boy
- Philly Cheesesteak
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
- Stuffed Peppers
I genuinely adore baking and cooking, and I find immense joy in sharing my kitchen experiences and perfected recipes with all of you! Remembering to visit the blog daily for new inspirations can sometimes be tricky, which is why I offer a super convenient newsletter. Every time a fresh recipe is posted, it lands directly in your inbox. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes to simplify your meal planning!
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!
Print It
Pin It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
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
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.