Oven-baked Italian sausage and peppers is my go-to recipe for a quick and effortless weeknight meal. Skip the stove and let the oven do the work-juicy sausages with caramelized onions and peppers are packed with flavors and baked to perfection. This easy sheet pan dinner is a lifesaver on busy nights!
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There's nothing better than baked sausage and bell peppers fresh out of the oven! I make this all year round, but I especially love serving it with hoagie buns for game days. Either way, this is the best one pan meal I have tried in a long while!
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📖Why My Recipe Works
- We're using fresh, uncooked Italian sausage. Unlike pre-cooked sausage, fresh sausage retains its natural moisture and fat during cooking, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
- Adding the sauce on the side makes reheating and dipping easy. It also allows the veggies to fully caramelize.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- Italian Sausage- You can use mild, spicy, or sweet Italian sausage, depending on your preference. For a leaner option, you can use turkey or chicken sausage.
- Bell Peppers- Adds a subtle sweetness to the dish. Use red, yellow, green, or orange bell peppers or a combination of these.
- Onions- White onions or yellow onions both work.
- Marinara Sauce- Use my homemade San Marzano sauce or any store-bought marinara.
- Parmesan Cheese- Swap with pecorino romano.
- Fresh Basil- Fresh oregano and parsley also work.
- Seasonings- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
⏲️How to Make Baked Italian Sausage
- On a large baking sheet, spread the bell peppers and onion and toss to coat with olive oil and seasonings. Arrange the sausage links among the veggies to let them soak up the flavors.
- When baking the sausage, flip it halfway through and stir the peppers to ensure even cooking and prevent them from burning quickly. After flipping add the sauce in an oven proof bowl before returning to the oven.
- The sausage is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and when it is golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. Top with fresh basil and parmesan.
🥗What to Serve with Sausage and Peppers
I love to pair baked sausage and peppers with garlic bread for a flavorful side, or a house salad or Caesar salad for a fresher and lighter option.
You can turn this into a pasta dish by serving it over marinara sauce and your favorite pasta. It's the perfect meal when you're craving something filling!
Leftovers make fantastic subs, just load them into a soft bun and enjoy! Top with pesto for a unique twist that takes the flavors to the next level.
👩🏻🍳Jen's Testing Notes
- Prep the onions and peppers the day before for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Top the sausages with fresh mozzarella in the last five minutes of baking for a melty, gooey finish.
More Easy Italian Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Baked Italian Sausage and Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers (any color) sliced
- 2 white onions sliced
- 2 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt omit if your seasoning has salt
- 1 pound Italian sausage sweet, mild, or hot
- 1½ cup marinara sauce for dipping
- basil and parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Spread the s bell peppers, and onion on a large sheet pan. Toss with the oil, Italian seasoning and salt. Nestle in the sausages.4 bell peppers (any color), 2 white onions, 2 Tablespoon olive oil, 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 pound Italian sausage
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, flip the sausages and stir the peppers and onions to prevent burning. Add the tomato sauce to an oven proof bowl. Return to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the sausages are cooked through.1½ cup marinara sauce
- Top with basil and parmesan for serving.basil and parmesan cheese
Clara says
Quick and tasty.
Belinda says
Directions were easy to follow.
Jen Wooster says
Thanks for the feedback!