Hey there, Mom Tribe! Vivien here, ready to tackle another week of the dinner dilemma with you. Let’s be real, finding something that’s quick, easy, and actually gets eaten (by everyone!) can feel like winning the lottery. That’s why I’m sharing my family’s absolute favorite: Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions. It’s a flavor explosion that even my pickiest eater secretly loves. This dish has saved me during countless 5 PM panics, and I’m betting it will do the same for you.
Growing up, my Nonna always made the best Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions for our family get-togethers. The aroma alone was enough to make your mouth water! She’d stand over the stove, stirring with a wooden spoon, her apron covered in flour and love. I remember sneaking little bites of the sweet peppers when she wasn’t looking.
I tried recreating her Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions for years, but it never quite tasted the same. One day, I finally realized what was missing: simplicity! Nonna didn’t fuss over fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. She just used fresh, quality ingredients and let the flavors speak for themselves. That’s the beauty of this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions. It’s simple, honest food that brings people together.
So, if you’re searching for a weeknight winner that will satisfy even the most discerning palates (aka, your kids!), look no further. I promise, this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions will become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking, fellow kitchen warriors!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Okay, Mom Tribe, let’s talk ingredients. I’m all about keeping things simple and using what you already have on hand. Don’t feel like you need to run to a specialty store for this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your call!)
- 2 large bell peppers (any color, sliced)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
See? Nothing too crazy!
Now, for my mom-tested ingredient swaps: No worries if you don’t have fresh garlic – I use garlic powder all the time. About 1/2 teaspoon will do the trick. And if you’re out of tomato sauce, a can of diced tomatoes (drained) works just as well. This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is all about flexibility!

You can grab everything you need for this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions at Target while doing your regular grocery run. I always stock up on sausage when it’s on sale. This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions doesn’t have to break the bank!
Here’s a trick that saved my sanity more than once: pre-chop your veggies on Sunday. That way, when the 5 PM panic hits, you’re already halfway there with your Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions.
My family loves when I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra kick. But if you’re cooking for sensitive palates, you can totally leave that out of your Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions.
Leftover Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully!
Trust me, this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions ingredient list is short because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! Let’s move on to the good stuff – cooking!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, fellow kitchen warriors, let’s get down to business and whip up this amazing Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step of the way, just like we’re cooking together in my chaotic kitchen.
- Heat it up: Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. We’re going to create a delicious base for our Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions.
- Brown the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up the sausage with a spoon as it cooks. I prefer Sweet Italian Sausage in my Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions.
- Veggies in! Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now – that’s how you know your Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is on the right track!
- Garlic Time: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let it burn! This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is all about building layers of flavor.
- Sauce it up: Pour in the tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir so all those delicious flavors combine into the Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions.
- Simmer down: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together. This is the perfect time to fold that laundry pile or help with homework. The aroma of simmering Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is pure comfort!
- Check the sausage: Make sure the sausage is cooked through. I always cut one open to be absolutely sure. Don’t panic if your Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions looks a little saucy – it will thicken up as it cools.
- Taste test: Give it a taste and adjust seasonings as needed. My family always wants more salt! This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is your creation, so make it perfect for your family’s taste.
- Serve it up: Serve hot on hoagie rolls, over pasta, or on its own. See the “How We Love to Eat This!” section for more ideas. This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is incredibly versatile!
Here’s where I used to mess up my Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions – I wouldn’t let it simmer long enough. Trust me, that extra time makes all the difference in flavor!
While your Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! You’ve got this, mama! And for an extra helping of goodness check out this Sausage Pasta Skillet.
How We Love to Eat This!
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions, now what? The possibilities are endless, Mom Tribe! Here’s how we roll at my house.
The kids devour this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions when I serve it on toasted hoagie rolls with a little provolone cheese. Instant crowd-pleaser! It reminds me of Italian Street Food. They also love it mixed with pasta. A quick and easy meal is always a win in my book!
This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something fast and satisfying. It’s also great for weekend cookouts or potlucks. Everyone always raves about it!
For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Makes it look fancy without any extra effort. Trust me, presentation matters, even for picky eaters.
Leftovers (if there are any!) are fantastic in omelets or breakfast burritos. Waste not, want not! It’s like a whole new meal with the same delicious Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions.
For a seasonal variation, try adding a can of pumpkin puree to the sauce in the fall. Sounds crazy, but it adds a lovely sweetness to this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions.
We also love using this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions as a topping for pizza. It’s a fun way to change up pizza night and get the kids involved in making their own creations.
My friend raved about this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions so much, that she uses this Sausage Peppers Onions Sandwich for lunch on the go! For more family meal inspiration you might like Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage.
Remember, this is your kitchen, your family, and your Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions. Make it your own and enjoy!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Alright, Mom Tribe, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions. I’m here to help!
Can my picky eater handle this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions?
Yes! Start with sweet Italian sausage and finely chop the peppers and onions. You can even leave the peppers and onions out altogether and just serve the sausage in a bun with a little tomato sauce. Baby steps!
What if I burn my Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)
We’ve all been there! If it’s just a little burnt, scrape off the burnt parts and add a little extra tomato sauce to mask the flavor. If it’s totally charred, it’s probably best to start over. But hey, at least you tried!
Can I make this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to eat. This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is a meal-prep champion!
What kind of sausage is best for Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions?
That’s totally up to you! I love sweet Italian sausage for a mild flavor, but hot Italian sausage adds a nice kick. You can even use a combination of both! It’s your Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions, so make it how you like it!
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Of course! Mushrooms, zucchini, and even spinach would be great additions. Get creative and use what you have on hand. This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is super versatile!
My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it?
Remove the lid and let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste to help thicken it up. Your Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions will be perfect in no time!
Can I freeze Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is a freezer superstar!
Final Thoughts:
This Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions is more than just a recipe; it’s a reminder of family, comfort, and simple joys. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles on their faces. It’s a taste of home, no matter where you are.
It’s special to my family because it’s a dish my Nonna used to make, and it always reminds me of her warm kitchen and loving spirit. My kids love it because it’s delicious and easy to eat (especially on those nights when they’re extra picky!). For me, it’s special because it’s a sanity-saver that I can always count on.
Here are my Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions Mom Hacks:
- Pre-chop those veggies! Seriously, it makes a huge difference.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a unique twist.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal! You’ll thank yourself later.
My family loves the traditional version, but we also enjoy these family-tested variations:
- Spicy Sausage with Jalapeños: For those who like a little heat!
- Chicken Sausage with Broccoli: A healthier twist.
- Italian Sausage Skillet with White Beans: Adds protein and fiber.
My son loves the chicken sausage version, while my daughter prefers the traditional Sweet Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions. I encourage you to make it your own!
I hope you’ll give this Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions a try and make it a part of your family’s mealtime routine. It’s a simple, delicious, and comforting dish that will bring joy to your table. Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to be made with love.

So go ahead, fellow kitchen warriors, and create your own Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions magic! You’ve got this!
Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions
This classic Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal. Sweet bell peppers and savory sausage combine for a simple yet delicious dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot), casings removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Hoagie rolls or crusty bread, for serving (optional)
- Mustard or marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the olive oil, sliced onion, and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Serve the Italian sausage with peppers and onions on hoagie rolls or crusty bread, if desired. Top with mustard or marinara sauce, if desired.
Notes
For a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage. Serve with a side salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.