How to Cook Italian Sausages
How to Cook Italian Sausage Links – We share the tried and true easy steps and tips to cook flavorful Italian sausages and peppers using the grill, oven, or stovetop!
Wait, what time is it? There is nothing quite like that intense moment in the evening after a busy workday… When you’ve suddenly realized um, oh yeah, you have to make dinner!
Every home cook needs to have a series of trusty go-to recipes that can be made in 30 minutes or less. (Because, hey, those nights happen!) This is why I recommend that you always keep a couple of ready-to-go proteins on hand. And packaged sausages are one of the best! They tend to have a long refrigerator shelf life, are easy to prepare, and are incredibly versatile to make all kinds of delicious family-friendly meals.
Italian Sausage and Peppers is a simple classic dish we make ALL the time. You can cook Italian sausages in the oven, on the grill, or on the stovetop. Whatever works best for you! While these are all great options, our favorite method is in a cast-iron skillet.
Skillet Italian Sausage and Peppers
Why is this recipe so quick and easy? Most packaged Italian sausages are already cooked when you buy them. So really, you are just warming them and caramelizing the exterior. This is done in only about 10 minutes, then the onions and bell peppers are seared right in the same skillet.
Pro Tip: If you buy raw sausages from the meat counter, they just need a few more minutes of time.
Here we share the simple steps to cook Italian sausage and peppers, with tips to prepare the links on the stovetop, oven bake, grill, or even boil. (But head’s up – boiling is not recommended. Keep reading to learn why!)
Ingredients You Need
- Butter – unsalted
- Italian sausage links – You can buy fresh sausages or pre-cooked smoked sausages.
- Bell peppers – any color, sliced
- Onion – peeled and sliced
- Salt and pepper – to taste
We used chicken sausages, yet this recipe can also be made with traditional pork sausage, beef sausage, or even plant-based meatless veggie sausage.
How to Cook Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions
First, prep your ingredients. Remove the bell pepper seeds and slice them into thin strips. Then peel and slice the onions.
Set a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, place the Italian sausages into the skillet.
Sear the sausages for 2 to 4 minutes per side, until the skin looks slightly blistered or charred. (6-8 minutes per side for raw sausages.)
Move the Italian sausages and place them on a holding plate.
Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, add in the onions. Sauté the onions for 2 minutes.
Then stir the bell peppers and continue to sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes. The onion should be soft, but I prefer if the bell peppers are still slightly firm.
Get the Complete (Printable) Italian Sausage Links and Peppers Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Salt and pepper the onions and peppers to taste. Then stir the sausages back into the skillet to rewarm.
Additional Methods to Cook Sausage
For Cooked/Smoked Sausages:
- Italian Sausages in the oven – 350 degrees F, 25 minutes
- Italian Sausages on the grill – Medium heat, 5-8 minutes (2-4 mins per side)
- In a skillet – medium heat, 5-8 minutes (2-4 mins per side)
For Raw Sausages:
- Italian Sausages in the oven: 350 degrees F, 25 minutes
- Italian Sausages on the grill – Medium heat, 12-16 minutes (6-8 mins per side)
- In a skillet – Medium heat, 12-16 minutes (6-8 mins per side)
Boiled Sausages:
Yes, you can boil raw or cooked Italian sausages, but why?? This just allows the flavor and juices to escape into the boiling water.
I would always suggest cooking them another way. Like with peppers and onions in a skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certainly! Feel free to use chicken and apple, cheese and spinach, mild sweet sausage, or other variations you prefer.
Serve as-is for a low carb main dish, or pile the sausages, onions, and peppers on soft hoagie rolls and top with provolone cheese. Then serve with a side of Italian Pasta Salad, or a cup of Minestrone Soup.
You can also enjoy them as a delicious protein with your favorite Italian-inspired dishes, like Cherry Roasted Tomatoes Pasta or with a simple spaghetti with Marinara Sauce.
Once the sausages have been cooked they will keep well for up to another 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and store.
Looking For More Easy Dinners? Be Sure To Also Try These Recipes:
- Kielbasa Apple Onion Skillet
- Italian Chicken Sausage and Roasted Fennel
- Chicken Sausage Apple Squash Sheet Pan Dinner
- Italian Sausage Stuffed Banana Peppers
- Sausage and Kale Soup
How to Cook Italian Sausages
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 Italian sausage links (I bought chicken sausages)
- 3 bell peppers varied colors
- 1 large onion
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Set a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, place the Italian sausages into the skillet.
- Sear the sausages for 2 to 4 minutes per side, until the skin looks slightly blistered or charred. (6-8 minutes per side for raw sausages) Move the Italian sausages and place on a holding plate.
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, add in the onions. Sauté the onions for 2 minutes, then stir and the bell peppers and continue to sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes. The onion should be soft, but I prefer if the bell peppers are still slightly firm.
- Salt and pepper the onions and peppers to taste. Then stir the sausages back into the skillet to rewarm. Serve as-is for a low carb main dish, or pile the sausages, onions, and peppers on soft hoagie rolls and top with provolone cheese.
Video
Notes
Italian Sausages in the oven – 350 degrees F, 25 minutes
Italian Sausages on the grill – Medium heat, 5-8 minutes (2-4 mins per side)
In a skillet – medium heat, 5-8 minutes (2-4 mins per side) For Raw Sausages:
Italian Sausages in the oven: 350 degrees F, 25 minutes
Italian Sausages on the grill – Medium heat, 12-16 minutes (6-8 mins per side)
In a skillet – medium heat, 12-16 minutes (6-8 mins per side) Boiled? Yes, you can boil raw or cooked Italian sausages, but why?? This just allows the flavor and juices to escape into the boiling water. I would always suggest cooking them another way. Like with peppers and onions in a skillet. Once the sausages have been cooked they will keep well for up to another 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and storing.
Nutrition
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