Craving a taste of Chicago without the plane ticket? Then you're in the right place! This recipe delivers the authentic, bold flavors of Chicago Italian sausage, right to your kitchen. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. This easy recipe focuses on fresh ingredients and simple techniques, resulting in a delicious homemade meal that rivals any takeout. Get ready to experience the magic of Chicago Italian sausage, made easy!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage (mild or hot, your choice!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh Italian parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread or pasta for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage from its casings and crumble it into the skillet. Brown the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's cooked through and slightly crispy. This is where the delicious flavor starts! Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. A little extra olive oil can be added if needed.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, remove from heat and stir in some fresh parsley. Serve hot over pasta, rice, polenta, or alongside crusty bread for dipping. This delicious Chicago-style Italian sausage is perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.
- Make it chunky: Leave some of the tomatoes whole for a chunkier sauce.
- Use different sausage: Experiment with other types of Italian sausage, such as hot Italian sausage or chicken Italian sausage.
- Slow cooker option: For an even easier approach, transfer the ingredients (after browning the sausage and sautéing vegetables) into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and ingredients used, but a general estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Chicago Italian sausage recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a delicious, homemade taste that everyone will love. Enjoy!