Sausage and Peppers

/ Recipe

Sausage and peppers is a classic Italian dish that can be great on a sandwich (of course) but may even be better served up over rice with some sauce to keep things juicy and moist. I find this to be pretty cozy to eat when it is cooler weather but also a nice staple any time of year too. You can even omit the sausage and swap for ground turkey if you prefer!

Highlights

⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 30 minutes

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Serves: 6

🧊 Make Ahead? – No

❄ Freezer Friendly? – Yes

🌱 Substitutions? – Yes, feel free to swap in ground turkey for the sausage if you prefer! Just be sure to use a lighter, simple red sauce instead! You can use any color bell pepper you have but I think green adds a bit more visual interest and contrasting flavor profile.

Ingredients List

  • 1 diced onion
  • 1 diced green or red bell pepper (or a combination)
  • 1 lb ground sweet Italian sausage

  • 3/4 jar sausage and peppers red sauce (add more if you want extra sauce)

  • 2 cups cooked white rice or one 8.8 oz-packaged cooked rice

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
This recipe contributes 5 items to your weekly list plus 1 pantry staple.

Recipe: Sausage and Peppers

  1. Begin cooking the 2 cups of rice so this is complete by the time you are through with the rest of your meal.
  2.  Heat a dutch oven or large sauce pan on the stove. Add the sausage, breaking up with a wooden spoon. Cook through until browned. Remove and set aside in a bowl (do not drain the pot).
  3. With the heat on, scrape down the sides and add your onions and peppers. Cook through until onions are slightly transluscent, about 5-7 minutes. If needed, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and burning.
  4. Add the sausage back to the pan and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Top with sauce and stir until warm all the way through.
  5. Top rice with sausage mixture and enjoy!

Family Tips

  • You can dial up or down the spice with red pepper flakes!
  • If you want to omit the sausage and swap in ground turkey I would change the sauce for a simple red tomato sauce.
  • This can be a really yummy lunch leftover on a roll too (sausage and peppers!)
  • If you want to freeze the sausage and pepper mixture just keep it in an airtight container for up to one month. Heat in a pot on the stove until fully melted and hot (you will want to cook fresh rice or eat with some bread, I do not recommend freezing the rice).