Sausage

Italian Sausage And Pepper Skillet

Name: Italian Sausage And Pepper Skillet
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage; 2 large bell peppers, sliced; 1 large onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1 tsp (5g) dried basil; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley

By Odette Delacroix · June 19, 2026 · Sausage

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

Savory Italian Sausage And Pepper Skillet

There's something special about a hearty, comforting skillet dish that brings everyone together. For me, that dish is the Italian Sausage And Pepper Skillet. It's a staple in my household, and I'm excited to share the recipe with you. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's incredibly easy to make.

I remember the first time I made this recipe - it was a chilly winter evening, and I was looking for something warm and comforting to serve my family. I had all the ingredients on hand, and I was able to whip it up in no time. The combination of savory Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and crispy bacon was a hit with everyone.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of flavors and textures. The Italian sausage adds a nice spice, while the bell peppers add a touch of sweetness. The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that brings everything together. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner cook.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, comforting meal that's easy to make. It's great for a weeknight dinner, and it's also perfect for a special occasion. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and bacon to create a flavorful and hearty skillet dish. We'll be cooking the sausage and bacon in a large skillet, then adding in the bell peppers and onions to cook until they're tender. Finally, we'll be seasoning with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of parsley to bring everything together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The combination of Italian sausage, bell peppers, and bacon creates a delicious and savory flavor profile.
The dish is hearty and comforting, making it perfect for a chilly evening.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, with the bell peppers and onions adding a nice touch of sweetness and crunch.
The recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your own favorite ingredients to make it your own.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of flavors and textures. The Italian sausage adds a nice spice, while the bell peppers add a touch of sweetness. The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that brings everything together. By cooking the sausage and bacon in a large skillet, we're able to create a nice crust on the bottom, which adds to the flavor and texture of the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of layers. By cooking the sausage and bacon first, then adding in the bell peppers and onions, we're able to create a nice layering of flavors. This helps to bring out the best in each ingredient and creates a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts.

Finally, the use of salt, pepper, and parsley to season the dish helps to bring everything together. These simple seasonings add a brightness and depth to the dish that helps to balance out the richness of the sausage and bacon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and bacon. You'll also need some salt, pepper, and parsley to season the dish. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for Italian sausage that is made with high-quality pork and has a nice balance of spices. You'll also want to choose bell peppers that are firm and have a nice sweetness to them. The onions and garlic should be fresh and have a nice pungency to them.

1 lb (450g) Italian sausageLook for Italian sausage that is made with high-quality pork and has a nice balance of spices. You can also use sweet or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
2 large bell peppers, slicedChoose bell peppers that are firm and have a nice sweetness to them. You can use any color bell pepper you like, but red or yellow work particularly well in this recipe.
1 large onion, slicedLook for onions that are fresh and have a nice pungency to them. You can use any type of onion you like, but yellow or white work well in this recipe.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer, but fresh garlic is recommended.
6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch piecesChoose bacon that is thick-cut and has a nice smokiness to it. You can use any type of bacon you like, but applewood-smoked bacon works particularly well in this recipe.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoUse dried oregano for the best flavor. You can also use fresh oregano if you prefer, but dried oregano is more convenient and has a longer shelf life.
1 tsp (5g) dried basilUse dried basil for the best flavor. You can also use fresh basil if you prefer, but dried basil is more convenient and has a longer shelf life.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. You can also use table salt if you prefer, but kosher salt or sea salt has a more delicate flavor.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use pre-ground black pepper if you prefer, but freshly ground black pepper has a more vibrant flavor.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilUse high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. You can also use other oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer, but olive oil is recommended.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor. You can also use dried parsley if you prefer, but fresh parsley has a more vibrant flavor and a nicer texture.

Ingredients for Italian Sausage And Pepper Skillet

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerTongs or spatula

How to Make Italian Sausage And Pepper Skillet

1
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
2
Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside with the bacon.
3
Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4
Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
5
Add the cooked sausage and bacon back to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and bell peppers. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
6
Season the dish with dried basil and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
7
To check for doneness, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the sausage has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
9
Serve the Italian Sausage And Pepper Skillet hot, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
10
Consider serving with crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a filling and satisfying meal.
11
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Don't overcrowd the skillet, cook the ingredients in batches if necessary.
Let the dish rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Consider serving with a side of crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a filling and satisfying meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish seems dry.
Experiment with different types of sausage or bell peppers to change up the flavor.
Add some heat to the dish with red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the sausage and bacon long enough, resulting in undercooked or raw ingredients.
Overcrowding the skillet, leading to steamed instead of browned ingredients.
Not seasoning the dish enough, resulting in a bland or uninspired flavor.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, leading to a lack of flavor melding and a less satisfying texture.
Using low-quality ingredients, resulting in a less flavorful and less satisfying dish.
Not reheating leftovers gently, resulting in a dry or overcooked dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or bratwurst, for a unique flavor.
Add some heat to the dish with red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
Use different types of bell peppers, such as Anaheim or Poblano, for a unique flavor.
Add some acidity to the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Use different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or Mozzarella, for a creamy and rich flavor.
Add some freshness to the dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.
Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a filling and satisfying meal.

What to Serve With Italian Sausage And Pepper Skillet

Serve the Italian Sausage And Pepper Skillet hot, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Consider serving with a side of crusty bread or over rice or pasta for a filling and satisfying meal.

Some other serving suggestions include:

Crusty bread: Serve the skillet with a side of crusty bread for a filling and satisfying meal. Simply slice the bread and serve alongside the skillet.

Rice or pasta: Serve the skillet over rice or pasta for a filling and satisfying meal. Simply cook the rice or pasta according to package instructions and top with the skillet.

Roasted vegetables: Serve the skillet with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Simply toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender.

Salad: Serve the skillet with a side of salad, such as a simple green salad or a more substantial grain salad, for a light and refreshing meal. Simply toss the greens with your favorite toppings and dressing.

Crusty breadRice or pastaRoasted vegetablesSaladGrilled cheese sandwichesPolenta

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish seems dry.

To freeze, simply cool the skillet to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply thaw the skillet overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish seems dry. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until hot and steaming.

Some tips for reheating:

Reheat gently: Reheat the skillet gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish seems dry.

Add a splash of liquid: Add a splash of water or broth to the skillet if it seems dry, to help rehydrate the ingredients and prevent drying out.

Stir frequently: Stir the skillet frequently while reheating, to prevent burning or scorching.

Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C): Reheat the skillet to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of Italian sausage for this recipe, such as sweet or hot Italian sausage. Look for sausage that is made with high-quality pork and has a nice balance of spices.

Can I use different types of bell peppers for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of bell peppers for this recipe, such as Anaheim or Poblano peppers. Simply slice the peppers and cook according to the recipe instructions.

How do I store leftovers?

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the sausage and bacon, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish seems dry.

What is the internal temperature of the sausage when it is cooked?

The internal temperature of the sausage should be at least 160°F (71°C) when it is cooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage for this recipe. Simply slice the sausage and cook according to the recipe instructions, omitting the cooking step.

How do I reheat the skillet?

To reheat the skillet, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish seems dry. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until hot and steaming.

Can I freeze the skillet?

Yes, you can freeze the skillet. Simply cool the skillet to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label and date the container, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

The Full Recipe

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