This easy and flavorful sausage and peppers recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or gathering. Loaded with Italian sausage, fresh veggies, and aromatic spices, it’s a crowd-pleaser you can pair with bread for a hearty meal.
Can I use pre-cooked sausages for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausages. However, since they are already cooked, you may want to reduce the cooking time to prevent them from becoming too dry. Add them in about halfway through cooking the vegetables.
What type of sausage works best for sausage and peppers?
Italian sausages (sweet or spicy) work best for this dish. You can mix both types for a balanced flavor, or choose your preference based on how mild or spicy you want the dish to be.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, sausage and peppers can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
How do I know when the sausages are fully cooked?
The sausages should be browned on the outside and have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of in the oven?
Yes, you can cook sausage and peppers on the stovetop. Brown the sausages first, then add the vegetables and cook until tender, stirring frequently.
What can I serve with sausage and peppers?
This dish pairs well with crusty bread, pasta, rice, or polenta. You can also serve it as a sandwich filling on hoagie rolls.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, sausage and peppers freeze well. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage alternatives. Adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the type of sausage you use.
Do I need to peel the sausages before cooking?
Yes, for this recipe, it’s recommended to remove the sausage casing and crumble the meat into bite-sized pieces for more even cooking and flavor distribution.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow pepper, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 spicy Italian sausages, casing removed and smooshed into bite-size pieces
- 5 sweet Italian sausages, casing removed and smooshed into bite-size pieces
- 1 container cherry tomatoes, halved
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Fennel seeds, to taste
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Serve with bread
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the chopped yellow pepper, red pepper, onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add the sausage pieces to the dish, arranging them evenly among the vegetables.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gently toss everything together to evenly coat with the oil and seasonings.
- Roast in the oven for 35 minutes or until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are caramelized.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve hot with your favorite bread.
Note: Adjust the seasoning as needed to fit your personal taste preferences.
