Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes
If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together quickly, this Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant colors and comforting textures, this dish combines savory sausage, tender roasted potatoes, and sweet bell peppers for a perfect harmony of taste that’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: Minimal chopping and one-pan cooking save time and clean-up work, making dinner a breeze.
- Balanced flavors: The sausage’s rich spiciness pairs beautifully with the sweetness of bell peppers and the earthiness of potatoes.
- Versatile meal: Works well as a main dish or can be served alongside other favorites for a complete feast.
- Nutritious blend: Combines protein, complex carbs, and veggies all in one satisfying dish.
- Kid-friendly: Mild seasoning adaptable to suit family tastes without compromising flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one brings texture, flavor, and color that make this dish pop off the plate.
- Italian Sausage: Opt for sweet or spicy varieties depending on your preference, slicing them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for bright, sweet notes and vibrant color contrast.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes work perfectly here; they hold their shape well and crisp up nicely.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed along with peppers and sausage.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves give the dish an irresistible aroma and enhance savory tones.
- Olive Oil: For roasting and sautéing, adding richness and helping everything brown evenly.
- Dried Oregano & Basil: Classic Italian herbs that elevate the overall flavor with their earthy, aromatic presence.
- Salt and Pepper: To season perfectly, bringing out the natural flavors of each ingredient.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For a little extra heat if you like your Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes with a kick.
Variations for Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own by swapping or adding ingredients based on what you have or your dietary preferences.
- Swap Sausage Types: Try chicken, turkey, or vegetarian sausage to lighten up the meal or cater to specific diets.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Spice Levels: Adjust heat by including hot Italian sausage or increasing red pepper flakes.
- Herb Twists: Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary can add a new aromatic layer to the dish.
- Make It Sheet Pan Style: Roast everything together on one baking sheet for an even quicker cleanup.
How to Make Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Start by washing and cutting the potatoes into bite-sized chunks, slicing bell peppers and onions into thin strips, and slicing the sausage into rounds or pieces that will cook evenly and absorb flavors well.
Step 2: Cook Potatoes
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the potatoes seasoned with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Cook until they start to turn golden and become tender but not fully done, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Sauté Sausage
Push the potatoes to one side of the pan and add the sausage pieces. Cook until browned all over and cooked through, rendering their flavorful fat that will season the rest of the dish naturally.
Step 4: Add Peppers, Onions, and Garlic
Mix in the bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic with the sausage and potatoes. Continue cooking until the peppers soften and the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for a minute or two, then remove from heat and get ready to enjoy your comforting Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes!
Pro Tips for Making Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes
- Use room temperature sausage: It cooks more evenly and browns better if you don’t cook it straight from the fridge.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give ingredients space to brown rather than steam for maximum flavor and texture.
- Pre-cook potatoes slightly: Parboiling or microwaving for a few minutes speeds up cooking and ensures tenderness.
- Fresh herbs finish best: Add fresh parsley or basil at the end for bright, fresh notes.
- Make it one pot: Using a wide skillet lets you cook everything with minimal pans and faster clean-up.
How to Serve Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can add a lovely salty touch that complements the savory sausage.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for soaking up any juices. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a light pasta for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style dining, serve the Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes straight from the skillet on a rustic wooden board. Alternatively, load it into warmed hoagie rolls for a delicious sausage and pepper sandwich twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep flavors fresh and ingredients tender.
Freezing
Freeze fully cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy rotation.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove in a skillet over medium heat to retain the crispy texture or microwave until warm, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying.
FAQs
Can I use sweet sausage instead of spicy?
Absolutely! Sweet Italian sausage works just as well and provides a milder flavor if you prefer less heat in your Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes.
What type of potatoes are best?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape when cooked and develop a nice crispy exterior while staying tender inside.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, simply toss all the ingredients with olive oil and seasoning on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
Is it okay to use frozen bell peppers?
You can use frozen if necessary, but fresh peppers provide better texture and sweetness in this dish.
How do I keep the potatoes from getting mushy?
Cook potatoes over medium heat without overcrowding the pan and avoid stirring too often so they crisp up instead of turning mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes recipe is a true weeknight winner—with simple ingredients, little fuss, and fantastic flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting, vibrant flavors that only this classic combo can deliver.
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PrintSausage, Peppers and Potatoes
A hearty, flavorful, and satisfying one-pan meal featuring savory Italian sausage, tender roasted potatoes, and sweet bell peppers. This quick and easy Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, combining protein, complex carbs, and vegetables in a harmonious dish with balanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing (also option for oven roasting)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 3 medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 each red, yellow, and green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Wash and cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips. Slice the sausage into rounds or pieces that will cook evenly and absorb flavors well.
- Cook Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes seasoned with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to turn golden and become tender but not fully cooked, about 10–12 minutes.
- Sauté Sausage: Push the potatoes to one side of the pan and add the sausage pieces. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, allowing the fat to render and flavor the dish naturally.
- Add Peppers, Onions, and Garlic: Stir in the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic with the sausage and potatoes. Continue cooking until peppers are softened and onions are translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes as desired. Cook together for an additional 1–2 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat and garnish as preferred before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature sausage to ensure even cooking and better browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to allow ingredients to brown instead of steam.
- Parboiling or microwaving potatoes briefly shortens cooking time and improves tenderness.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end for bright, fresh flavor notes.
- This dish can be made as a one-pan meal using a wide skillet for easy cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: sausage, peppers, potatoes, Italian sausage, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, family dinner, gluten free
