What You'll Need
This is a wonderfully low-equipment recipe.
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
A large skillet is especially useful because you want the vegetables to have enough room to cook and brown rather than steam.
Choosing Your Sausage
You have plenty of options here.
Mild Italian Sausage
This is a great everyday choice and works especially well for families who don't want much heat.
Hot Italian Sausage
Choose this if you like a little spice.
The sausage itself can provide most of the heat, but you can add red pepper flakes if you want even more.
Sweet Italian Sausage
Sweet Italian sausage works beautifully with the naturally sweet peppers and onions.
Chicken or Turkey Sausage
For a lighter variation, use chicken or turkey sausage.
Because leaner sausages can cook differently, watch them carefully so they don't dry out.
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
This recipe is incredibly forgiving.
Change the Peppers
Use any combination of:
- Red bell peppers
- Green bell peppers
- Yellow bell peppers
- Orange bell peppers
- Cubanelle peppers
- Banana peppers
You can even add a few sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Add More Vegetables
Try adding:
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Cherry tomatoes
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Roasted red peppers
Just be mindful not to overcrowd the pan.
Add Tomatoes
For a saucier version, stir in a can of diced tomatoes or some crushed tomatoes.
This turns the dish into something closer to an Italian-style sausage and pepper skillet.
Add Wine
For an extra layer of flavor, replace part of the broth with a splash of dry white wine.
Let it simmer for a few minutes so the alcohol cooks off and the sauce reduces slightly.
How to Make Sausage, Peppers and Onions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the onions and peppers into strips.
Try to keep the pieces relatively similar in size so they cook evenly.
Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
Having the vegetables ready before you start cooking makes the process much easier.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add the sausage and cook until browned on the outside, turning occasionally.
If you're using sausage links, you can leave them whole while browning and slice them afterward.
If using loose sausage, break it into large chunks as it cooks.
The sausage doesn't necessarily need to be completely cooked through at this stage if you're going to finish it in the skillet with the vegetables, but make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
For ground or pork sausage, cook thoroughly according to food-safety guidance.
Step 3: Slice the Sausage
If you're using sausage links, remove them from the skillet and let them rest briefly.
Slice them into thick rounds.
Don't slice them too thin. Those chunky pieces give you that satisfying bite of sausage in every forkful.
Step 4: Cook the Onions and Peppers
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet if needed.
Add the onions and bell peppers.
Cook over medium heat for about 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
You're looking for tender vegetables with some beautiful browned edges.
Don't rush this part.
Those browned edges are where so much flavor develops.
Step 5: Add the Garlic and Seasonings
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 6: Bring Everything Together
Return the sausage to the skillet.
Pour in the broth and stir everything together.
Let it simmer for about 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is cooked through and the liquid has reduced slightly.
The broth should leave everything lightly coated rather than swimming in liquid.
Step 7: Taste and Finish
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Add salt if needed, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.
And that's it!
One skillet, a handful of ingredients, and a dinner that smells absolutely fantastic.
What Temperature Should Sausage Reach?
For food safety, use an instant-read thermometer rather than relying only on appearance.
Ground pork sausage should reach 160°F (71°C).
Poultry sausage should generally reach 165°F (74°C).
Insert the thermometer into the thickest portion of the sausage for the most reliable reading.
What to Serve With Sausage, Peppers and Onions
This is where this recipe gets really fun.
Serve It in Hoagie Rolls
Pile the hot sausage, peppers, and onions into toasted Italian rolls.
Add melted provolone or mozzarella for an incredible sandwich.
Serve Over Rice
Spoon everything over white rice, brown rice, or your favorite grain.
The flavorful juices soak right into the rice.
Serve With Pasta
Toss the sausage, peppers, and onions with cooked pasta and a little Parmesan.
For a saucier dish, add extra tomato sauce.
Serve Over Mashed Potatoes
This is pure comfort food.
Creamy mashed potatoes topped with savory sausage and sweet peppers and onions?
Yes, please.
Serve With Crusty Bread
A loaf of crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices left in the skillet.
Tips for the Best Sausage, Peppers and Onions
Don't Crowd the Pan
If your skillet is too crowded, the vegetables will release moisture and steam instead of browning.
Use a large skillet or cook the vegetables in batches if necessary.
Let the Vegetables Brown
You don't need to stir constantly.
Give the peppers and onions time to sit against the hot skillet so they can develop those delicious browned edges.
Use a Mixture of Pepper Colors
Different colored bell peppers don't just make the dish prettier.
They also provide slightly different levels of sweetness and flavor.
Don't Burn the Garlic
Garlic cooks quickly.
Add it after the peppers and onions have softened, and cook only until fragrant.
Taste Before Adding More Salt
Sausage can already be quite salty, so taste the finished dish before adding additional salt.
Can I Make Sausage, Peppers and Onions Ahead of Time?
Yes!
You can cook the entire recipe ahead of time and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
When you're ready to serve it, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of broth if the mixture seems dry.
It's also a great meal-prep option because it reheats well.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for 3–4 days.
Reheat in a skillet, microwave, or covered oven-safe dish until heated through.
If you're serving the leftovers in sandwiches, reheating them in a skillet is especially nice because it brings back some of the browned edges.
Can You Freeze Sausage, Peppers and Onions?
Yes.
Place the cooled sausage and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
Freeze for up to about 2–3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently.
The peppers may be slightly softer after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Easy Variations
Cheesy Sausage and Peppers
Top the finished skillet with shredded mozzarella or provolone.
Cover for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Sausage and Peppers With Tomatoes
Add 14–15 ounces of diced tomatoes and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Spicy Sausage and Peppers
Use hot Italian sausage plus red pepper flakes and sliced jalapeños.
This one definitely brings the heat!
Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes
Add par-cooked potatoes to the skillet for an even heartier dinner.
Italian-Style Sandwiches
Serve the sausage, peppers, and onions inside toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone.
This is probably one of my favorite ways to serve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sausage is best for sausage, peppers and onions?
Italian sausage is the classic choice. You can use mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage depending on how much heat you prefer.
Can I use sausage links?
Absolutely. Brown the links, then slice them into rounds before finishing them with the peppers and onions.
Can I use chicken sausage?
Yes. Chicken sausage is a good alternative, especially if you prefer a leaner option. Make sure poultry sausage reaches 165°F internally.
Why are my peppers and onions watery?
The pan may be overcrowded, or the vegetables may have been cooked at too low a temperature. A large skillet and medium to medium-high heat help encourage browning.
Can I add tomato sauce?
Definitely. Add pizza sauce, marinara, crushed tomatoes, or diced tomatoes for a saucier version.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Use hot Italian sausage, red pepper flakes, fresh jalapeños, or a combination of all three.
What cheese goes well with sausage, peppers and onions?
Provolone and mozzarella are especially good. Parmesan can also be sprinkled over the finished dish.
How do I know when the sausage is done?
The safest method is to use an instant-read thermometer. Ground pork sausage should reach 160°F, while poultry sausage should reach 165°F.
Recipe at a Glance
Recipe: Sausage, Peppers and Onions
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: About 40–45 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Cooking method: Stovetop skillet
Approximate Nutrition
Nutrition varies depending on the sausage and how much oil is used.
Per serving, this recipe is approximately:
- Calories: 450–550
- Protein: 22–30g
- Carbohydrates: 12–18g
- Fat: 32–40g
- Fiber: 3–4g
- Sodium: Variable, largely depending on the sausage
Serving the sausage and vegetables over rice, pasta, or bread will increase the carbohydrate and calorie content.
The Bottom Line
Sausage, Peppers and Onions is proof that a great dinner doesn't have to be complicated.
Browned Italian sausage, sweet onions, colorful peppers, garlic, and a few simple seasonings come together in one skillet to create a meal that's comforting, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.
Stuff it into a crusty roll.
Pile it over rice.
Serve it with pasta.
Or just grab a fork and eat it straight from the skillet.
I won't judge!
If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear what you thought. Leave a review and share a photo on Pinterest so other readers can see your version, too.
And if you love easy skillet dinners as much as I do, be sure to subscribe by email for more comforting recipes delivered right to your inbox!
