Seared Sausage and Peppers with Tomatoes

4 servingsmediumItalian-American
Seared Sausage and Peppers with Tomatoes

Italian sausage links seared at high heat, then simmered with diced red onion, red and green peppers, garlic, canned tomatoes, oregano, and chili flakes. Finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley. A one-skillet braise that builds depth through initial browning and low-temperature stewing.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 pound Italian sausage, about 10 links
    chicken sausage1:1poultry

    lighter alternative

    Full guide →
  • 1 red onion, diced into 1-inch squares
  • 2 red pepper, seeded and large diced
    yellow pepper1:1vegetable

    similar sweetness and texture

    Full guide →
  • 1 green pepper, seeded and large diced
  • 2 clove garlic, smashed and finely chopped
  • 1 28 ounce can tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes(optional)
  • ¼ cup white wine
    vegetable broth1:1liquid

    omits alcohol

    Full guide →
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley
    fresh basil1:1herb

    different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • salt, pinch(optional)
  • black pepper, fresh cracked

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat skillet to 400°F, add oil and sausage links, sear on all sides until browned, then remove and set aside.

  2. 2

    Add diced onion, peppers, and garlic to skillet and sauté.

  3. 3

    Cut sausage into 1-inch coins and return to skillet.

  4. 4

    Add canned tomatoes, oregano, chili flakes, and white wine.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to 275°F, cover with lid, and simmer until sausage is fully cooked.

  6. 6

    Finish with lemon juice, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Tips

Tip 1

Sear sausage at high temperature to develop a flavorful crust before braising.

Tip 2

Cutting sausage into coins after searing ensures even cooking and distribution throughout the sauce.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Make Ahead

Sear sausage and prepare vegetables up to 8 hours ahead. Braise just before serving.

Serve With

Serve over polenta, pasta, or crusty bread to capture the tomato-wine sauce.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not skip the high-heat sear to avoid losing color and depth in the final dish.

Watch

Do not cook past the fully cooked stage to avoid dry, tough sausage.

Substitutions

red pepper
yellow pepper1:1vegetable

similar sweetness and texture

Full guide →
white wine
vegetable broth1:1liquid

omits alcohol

Full guide →
Italian sausage
chicken sausage1:1poultry

lighter alternative

Full guide →
fresh Italian parsley
fresh basil1:1herb

different flavor profile

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →