Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

This Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions recipe is a perfect blend of savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions, making it a comforting and flavorful dish. With a simple preparation and the option to choose mild or hot sausage, it’s a versatile meal that’s sure to please. Serve it with crusty bread, over pasta, or on its own for a satisfying meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, your choice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove sausages from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Combine and Bake: Return the sausages to the skillet, placing them on top of the peppers and onions. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)).
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread or over pasta!

Servings and Timing:

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving (1 sausage with peppers and onions)

Variations:

• Add Tomatoes: For a richer flavor, add a can of diced tomatoes to the skillet before baking.
• Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
• Cheesy Option: Top the sausage and vegetables with mozzarella or provolone cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey finish.
• Vegetable Variety: You can mix in other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked sausage, peppers, and onions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the sausage and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use different types of sausages?
   Yes! You can substitute Italian sausage with chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausages.
2. Do I have to bake the dish in the oven?
   You can skip the baking step and continue cooking everything on the stovetop. Just make sure the sausages are fully cooked.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the sausages and vegetables ahead and store them in the fridge. Bake them just before serving.
4. What can I serve with this dish?
   It pairs well with pasta, rice, or on a sandwich with crusty bread.
5. Can I use pre-cooked sausages?
   Pre-cooked sausages can be used; just reduce the baking time to heat them through.
6. Can I make this dish without onions?
   Yes, you can omit the onions or substitute them with shallots or leeks.
7. How can I make this dish lower in calories?
   Use chicken or turkey sausages and reduce the amount of oil to cut down on calories.
8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the sausages you use are gluten-free.
9. Can I cook this on the grill?
   Yes! Grill the sausages and vegetables separately, then combine them for serving.
10. How can I add more flavor?
    Deglazing the skillet with white wine or adding balsamic vinegar to the vegetables can enhance the flavor.

Conclusion:

This Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions dish is an easy and delicious meal that brings classic Italian flavors to your table. With minimal prep and a short cook time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with different sausages, vegetables, or seasonings. Plus, it stores and reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with your favorite sides or on its own!

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