Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further! This recipe for oven-baked sausage and peppers is a fantastic option for a quick dinner, a healthy lunch, or even a delicious side dish. It's packed with fresh vegetables, savory sausage, and a touch of aromatic herbs, all baked to perfection in one pan for easy cleanup. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it a staple in our home for easy healthy meals. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!), casings removed
- 1 large green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your sausage and peppers cook evenly and become beautifully tender. While the oven preheats, prepare your ingredients for faster cooking.
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or large baking dish over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened. This step builds flavor and texture.
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Brown the sausage: Add the sausage to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until browned. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. This browning step adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
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Simmer the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
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Bake to perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the peppers are tender. You can check the internal temperature of the sausage; it should reach 160°F (71°C).
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Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a side salad, making a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sausage and Peppers:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the sausage for a few hours before cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots.
- Make it a one-pot meal: Use a Dutch oven or other oven-safe pot for easier cleanup.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Sausage and Peppers: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Sausage and Peppers: Substitute the Italian sausage with your favorite vegetarian sausage alternative.
- Sausage and Peppers with Cheese: Sprinkle some mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the dish during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This simple sausage and peppers recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking at its finest. Enjoy the delicious flavors and easy preparation of this classic dish! It's a perfect example of easy recipes for healthy meals that the whole family will love. This recipe is also a great way to use seasonal ingredients for best recipes.