Name: Ina Garten Sausage And Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds Italian sausage (sweet or spicy); 2 red bell peppers, sliced; 2 green bell peppers, sliced; 2 yellow onions, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

This Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish, which includes Italian sausage and bell peppers simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s a classic comfort food recipe, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, and ready in just 55 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Ina Garten Sausage And Peppers Ingredients

2 pounds Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 red bell peppers, sliced
2 green bell peppers, sliced
2 large yellow onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

How To Make Ina Garten Sausage And Peppers

Brown the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausages and cook 5–7 minutes, turning until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: Add remaining olive oil to skillet. Sauté bell peppers and onions 7–10 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
Build the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine sausage and sauce: Return sausages to skillet, nestling them into sauce. Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes until fully cooked and flavors meld.
Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot as-is, over pasta, or in crusty sandwich rolls.

Recipe Tips

Sweet vs. spicy sausage: Use sweet Italian sausage for mild flavor or spicy sausage for heat. A mix of both is also delicious.
Can I bake this dish instead? Yes, combine browned sausages, sautéed vegetables, and sauce in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
How to make the sauce richer: Add a splash of red wine while simmering.
Can I use chicken sausage? Yes, it works well if you prefer a lighter option.
Best peppers to use: A mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers gives the dish sweetness and color.

What To Serve With Ina Garten Sausage And Peppers

This versatile dish can be served in several ways:

Over pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
With crusty Italian bread or sandwich rolls
Alongside creamy polenta
Paired with a simple green salad

How To Store Ina Garten Sausage And Peppers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooled sausage and peppers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Ina Garten Sausage And Peppers Nutrition Facts (per serving, 6 servings)

Calories: 420
Protein: 22g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 950mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make sausage and peppers ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats very well and the flavors develop overnight.

Can I cook sausage and peppers in the oven?

Yes, bake everything in a covered dish at 375°F for 30 minutes.

What type of sausage is best?

Italian pork sausage is traditional, but chicken or turkey sausage also work.

Can I serve sausage and peppers as a sandwich?

Absolutely—pile into hoagie rolls with melted provolone or mozzarella.

Try More Recipes: