This easy baked sausage with peppers and onions is a colorful and tasty meal. You just toss everything together and let the oven do the work—how simple is that?
It’s so flavorful and filling, you might forget it’s healthy! I love serving it on a roll or over rice. Dinner has never been this easy and delicious! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: Italian sausage is the star here. You can choose mild or spicy based on your taste. If you want a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausages are great alternatives.
Bell Peppers: The mix of red, yellow, and green peppers adds great color and flavor. If you’re short on peppers, you can use just one or two colors, or substitute with other sweet peppers like orange or even poblano for a twist.
Onion: A yellow onion works best for its sweetness. If you have red or white onions on hand, those can work too, just keep in mind they may alter the flavor slightly.
Olive Oil: This helps everything roast perfectly. You can swap it with avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer. Both add different flavor notes!
How Do I Bake Sausage Perfectly?
Baking sausage is simple, but a few tips will help you achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior and juicy interior. Here’s how:
- Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange sausages on a baking sheet with space between them for airflow.
- Turn the sausages halfway through cooking. This makes sure they brown evenly on all sides.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; sausages should reach 160°F (70°C) for safe eating.
Optional but recommended: Broil for the last couple of minutes for extra browning and crispiness!
Easy Baked Sausage Peppers and Onions Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 ½ pounds Italian sausage links (mild or spicy)
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced into rings or strips
For Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for extra heat
For Extra Flavor:
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added sweetness and tang)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
For Serving:
- Sandwich rolls or cooked rice, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 10 minutes for prep time and approximately 25-30 minutes of cooking time. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish! This makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Keeping the oven at the right temperature is key for properly roasting the sausages and veggies!
2. Prepare the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle in the garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add in the red pepper flakes. Toss everything together until the veggies are well coated with the oil and seasonings.
3. Arrange the Sausages & Veggies:
Take a large baking sheet or a shallow roasting pan and lay the sausage links down in the center. Spread the tossed peppers and onions around the sausages making sure they are evenly distributed and mix them in slightly.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to turn the sausages halfway through the cooking time. You want the sausages to be browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temp of 160°F (70°C), and the peppers and onions should be tender.
5. Add Optional Flavor:
If you’re using balsamic vinegar, drizzle it over the veggies and sausages right after you take them out of the oven for an extra touch of deliciousness!
6. Garnish & Serve:
To finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top for a pop of color and freshness. You can serve this dish as is for a low-carb option or pile it onto sandwich rolls or serve over rice for a filling meal.
Enjoy your flavorful and easy baked sausage, peppers, and onions dinner!
FAQs about Easy Baked Sausage Peppers and Onions Dinner
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is a classic choice, you can use any sausage you prefer, such as bratwurst, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if the sausage type differs in thickness or cooking recommendations.
What Should I Do if I Have Leftover Ingredients?
If you have leftover bell peppers or onions, they can be sautéed and added to other dishes like scrambled eggs, salads, or pasta. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sausage and veggie mixture up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, simply bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes if they’re cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it up in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This dish pairs well with sandwich rolls or cooked rice for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, you can serve it over a bed of greens or with a side salad to balance out the flavors!
