This hearty skillet dish brings together juicy sausages, sweet bell peppers, caramelized onions, and a savory tomato-based sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs. Perfect for a comforting family meal or feeding a crowd, this recipe is packed with flavor yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 8 sausages (choose from Cumberland, Andouille, or Bratwurst)
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 orange bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 cups roughly chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Preparation Steps
Searing the Sausages
Begin by heating a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it warm. Place the sausages in the skillet and sear them until they develop a rich brown color on all sides, about 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausages from the pan and set aside. This initial searing locks in juices and builds deep flavor.
Sautéing the Onions
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and start to caramelize. The residual fat and fond from the sausages will add richness to the onions.
Adding Peppers and Garlic
Next, add the sliced red and orange bell peppers along with the finely chopped garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the peppers soften slightly and the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
Building the Sauce
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the vegetables. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and season with salt and black pepper to your preference. Let the sauce gently bubble to allow flavors to meld.
Simmering with Sausages
Return the seared sausages to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables. Cover the skillet loosely and simmer for 20 minutes. This step ensures the sausages cook through completely and the sauce thickens, concentrating its flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve two sausages per person with a generous spoonful of the pepper, onion, and tomato sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, or a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty, complete meal.
Tips for Best Results
- Choose quality sausages: The flavor of your dish depends heavily on the sausage type. Cumberland, Andouille, or Bratwurst work wonderfully because of their distinct seasonings and fat content.
- Don’t rush the searing: Browning the sausages properly creates flavor through the Maillard reaction, so take your time for a deep golden crust.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible: It retains heat evenly and gives a better sear.
- For extra depth, add a splash of dry white wine or chicken broth when building the sauce. It adds acidity and complexity.
- Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste the sauce before serving and tweak salt, pepper, or Italian herbs as needed.
- Leftovers taste great reheated and even better the next day once the flavors have fully melded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of sausages?
Yes, feel free to use any sausage you like, including spicy Italian, chorizo, or even chicken sausage. Just adjust cooking time if needed.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you check your sausage ingredients carefully.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely. Prepare the skillet as instructed, then cool and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
This pairs well with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or steamed rice.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the sausage chosen. For a milder dish, select sweet sausages; for more heat, use spicy varieties.
This comforting Sausage Peppers and Onions skillet offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it’s a weeknight winner or a satisfying weekend meal.