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 cilantro white rice or one 8.8 oz-packaged cooked rice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Recipe: Sausage and Peppers
- Begin cooking the 2 cups of rice so this is complete by the time you are through with the rest of your meal.
- 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).
- 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.
- Add the sausage back to the pan and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Top with sauce and stir until warm all the way through.
- 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).
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