Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! This Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper recipe is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine tender, juicy Italian sausage perfectly seared and nestled among sweet, colorful bell peppers, all simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce that will make your kitchen smell like a traditional Italian trattoria. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality deliciousness with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of Italian sausage, 2 bell peppers (any color), 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 can of diced tomatoes (
- 5 oz), 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the vegetables by slicing the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it is browned and cooked through.
- Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Leave any drippings in the pan as they will add flavor to the vegetables.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Return the cooked Italian sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- After 15 minutes, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a little more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this point.
- Once the dish is ready, serve it hot. It can be enjoyed on its own, over pasta, or in a sub roll for a delicious sandwich.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for fresh Italian sausage from a local butcher if possible. The quality of the sausage can make a significant difference in the final flavor.
- Pepper Variety: Don't be afraid to mix bell pepper colors! Red, yellow, and green peppers not only add vibrant color but also provide slightly different flavor profiles.
- Cooking Technique: Make sure to brown the sausage thoroughly. The caramelization adds depth and richness to the overall dish.
- Low and Slow: When simmering the final dish, keep the heat low to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Customize Your Spice: Add red pepper flakes if you want a spicier version, or keep it mild for those who prefer less heat.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve over pasta, in a sub roll, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
