If you’re craving something vibrant, hearty, and packed with flavor, the Sausage and Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish marries juicy, savory sausage rounds with sweet, tender roasted bell peppers and onions, all enlivened by fragrant herbs and a touch of heat. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. The colors alone will brighten your table and your mood!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sausage and Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe plays a crucial role, keeping the balance of juicy, sweet, and savory just right. The combination is straightforward but essential to achieving that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- 12-ounce package precooked Italian chicken or turkey sausage: Using precooked sausage saves time and ensures the meat stays juicy without drying out in the oven.
- 1 medium red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color, making the dish visually appealing.
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper: Provides a crisp, mild sweetness that contrasts nicely with the sausage.
- 1 small yellow onion: Brings softness and a subtle sharpness that deepens the flavor profile.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Helps roast the veggies and sausage to perfection while infusing a rich, fruity aroma.
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness of the sausage.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides warmth and depth, elevating every bite.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Brings a fresh, slightly peppery herbaceousness.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Lends a classic Italian flavor foundation.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and earthiness.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus additional to taste: Offers a gentle kick that can be adjusted depending on your spice preference.
- Optional for serving—fresh basil, parsley, Parmesan cheese: These fresh herbs and cheese add extra layers of freshness and umami.
How to Make Sausage and Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps clean-up easy and prevents sticking. Proper oven heat is key to roasting the bell peppers and sausage until they are beautifully caramelized without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
On the baking sheet, arrange the sausage slices, red and yellow bell pepper strips, and onion slices in an even layer. Drizzle them with the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar to infuse brightness and richness. Then, sprinkle over the minced garlic, kosher salt, dried basil, oregano, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything right on the tray to coat all the pieces evenly with flavor.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Spread the mixture out evenly to ensure each piece gets that delicious roasted edge. Place it in the oven for 25 to 35 minutes. Halfway through, give everything a good toss to promote even roasting. You’ll know it’s ready when the peppers are tender and slightly charred, and the sausage has taken on a gorgeous golden color.
How to Serve Sausage and Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Once your Sausage and Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe is out of the oven, the garnishes really make it pop. Sprinkle on thinly sliced fresh basil and chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that’s incredibly satisfying.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up all the flavorful juices. For something heartier, serve it over creamy polenta or alongside buttery mashed potatoes to create a comforting, balanced meal. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette nicely cuts through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Sausage and Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe stuffed inside warm hoagie rolls for a killer sandwich. You can also toss it with pasta or even stuff it into peppers or pita pockets for a fun twist. It’s versatile and delicious no matter how you choose to enjoy it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify overnight, making it perfect for quick lunches the next day. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the Sausage and Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe for up to 2 months. Simply transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain that roasted crispness, or pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Microwaving works too but tends to soften the peppers more, so be mindful of your preferred texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sausage instead of precooked?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the fresh sausage thoroughly before roasting with the peppers to ensure it’s safe and juicy.
What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are great substitutes and will maintain that tangy brightness in the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage with hearty plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
How spicy is the Sausage and Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more, less, or none at all.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! It holds up well in the fridge, and the flavors deepen with time, making it ideal for prepping meals ahead of a busy week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about the Sausage and Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe that keeps me coming back to it again and again. It’s quick to put together, full of flavor, and so versatile that it fits any meal occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s an effortless way to create a dish that feels like a celebration on your plate every time.
Print
Sausage and Roasted Bell Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Sausage and Peppers Recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring precooked Italian chicken or turkey sausage roasted with colorful bell peppers, onions, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the dish offers a delicious balance of savory sausage and tender roasted vegetables with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 (12-ounce) package precooked Italian chicken or turkey sausage, cut into ½-inch rounds
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into ¼-inch strips
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced into ¼-inch strips
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced into ¼-inch strips
Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus additional to taste
Optional for Serving
- Thinly sliced fresh basil
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the sliced sausage, red and yellow bell peppers, and onion strips evenly. Drizzle them with the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle the minced garlic, kosher salt, dried basil, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the mixture. Toss everything gently to coat the sausage and vegetables evenly with the seasonings and oil.
- Roast: Spread the sausage and pepper mixture out in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and slightly caramelized. Toss the mixture halfway through cooking to promote even roasting and flavor distribution.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the dish hot. For an extra pop of flavor, optionally garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil, chopped parsley, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy as is or paired with your favorite side.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian pork sausage if preferred instead of chicken or turkey.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level for a milder or spicier dish.
- Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta or rice for a more filling meal.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
