Italian Sausage with Peppers: A Rustic Delight

Prepare Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp oil
• 2 lbs sweet Italian Sausage links
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• Hoagie buns
• Provolone cheese slices
• Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage links and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions, sautéing until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Slice the browned sausages into pieces and return them to the skillet. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Open the hoagie buns and fill them with the sausage and pepper mixture. Top with slices of provolone cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Place under a broiler for a minute or two, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve immediately.

Cook Notes

Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet.

Variations

Keto Version

Skip the hoagie buns and serve the sausage and peppers over a bed of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles. Use a sugar substitute in place of brown sugar.

Low-Carb Version

Enjoy the sausage and peppers without the hoagie buns or substitute with a low-carb alternative. Also, consider using a low-sugar tomato sauce to reduce the carb count further.

Nutrition Fact

Per serving (approximate values, without hoagie bun):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 990mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 17g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. The inclusion of hoagie buns will alter these values significantly.

Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of this Italian Sausage with Peppers recipe, a true testament to the simplicity and brilliance of Italian cooking. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal, this dish promises to deliver satisfaction in every bite. Buon appetito!