Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further! This sausage, peppers, potatoes, and onions recipe is a simple, satisfying dish perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, delivering delicious dishes with minimal effort. This recipe is easily adaptable to your taste and what you have on hand, making it a versatile addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or russet work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the onion and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Peel and cube the potatoes. This initial prep work makes the cooking process much smoother.
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Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onions and peppers to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
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Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the cubed potatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Add Liquid (Optional): For extra tender potatoes and a richer sauce, you can add about ½ cup of chicken broth or water to the skillet. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it's highly recommended.
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Cook Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the potatoes are tender, remove from heat and serve immediately. This simple dish is perfect on its own, or you can serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Sausage, Peppers, Potatoes, and Onions:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh oregano and basil will elevate the flavor profile significantly if you have them on hand.
- Different Sausage: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, such as chorizo or andouille.
- Add other vegetables: Consider adding other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms for added nutrients and flavor.
Variations:
- Sheet Pan Dinner: For an even easier cleanup, roast everything on a sheet pan in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- One-Pot Wonder: Use a slow cooker for a truly hands-off approach. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This hearty and flavorful sausage, peppers, potatoes, and onions recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and best recipes. Enjoy!