Ina Garten’s Sausage and Peppers Recipe — Classic Italian Dish

I’ve been meaning to make Ina Garten’s Sausage and Peppers for a while. I planned to cook it last week but ended up trying something else. Now that I finally made this copycat version with my husband, I can say it exceeded expectations — comforting, juicy, and full of flavor.

This dish features well-seasoned sausages simmered with sweet bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dinner that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a simple side salad and your favorite drink.

My husband loves meals that combine meat and vegetables, so preparing this together made the whole process fun and memorable. The recipe is straightforward and well suited to weeknight cooking or a relaxed weekend meal.

What is Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers?

Ina Garten’s Sausage and Peppers is a classic, rustic dish of sausages cooked with bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a savory sauce. This version follows that comforting profile: sausages browned, then simmered with vegetables and tomato-forward flavorings until everything is tender and saucy. It’s simple to prepare and full of layered, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup good olive oil
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausages
• 2 red bell peppers, sliced
• 2 yellow bell peppers, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup Marsala wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers?

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages and brown them, turning occasionally, about 7–10 minutes. Transfer the sausages to a plate and set aside.

Step 2:

In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, and cook another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3:

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute. Pour in the Marsala wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let the liquid simmer for roughly 3–5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4:

Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and return the sausages to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes so the sauce thickens and the sausages finish cooking through.

Step 5:

Just before serving, stir in the chopped basil and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with bread or your preferred side.

Some Tips!

• Pick sausages you enjoy—sweet, spicy, or apple‑ and cheese‑filled varieties all work well.
• Brown the sausages well for extra flavor; this step takes about 7–10 minutes.
• Adjust garlic timing to control intensity: adding it earlier mellows the flavor, while adding it later keeps it brighter.

How to Store Leftovers?

Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

What to Eat with Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers?

This saucy, flavorful dish pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. It also works well with a simple green salad, roasted or mashed potatoes, or a crisp coleslaw for contrast.

FAQ

Can I use different types of sausages?

Yes. Sweet or hot Italian sausages, chicken sausages, or other varieties will work—choose according to your taste.

What if I don’t have Marsala wine?

Chicken broth is a fine substitute and keeps the dish flavorful without the wine.

What other vegetables can I add?

Mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant are good additions and complement the peppers and tomatoes well.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Use more or less to suit your spice preference.

What is the Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers dish made of?

It’s made with sausages, bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomato paste, Marsala wine or broth, diced tomatoes, fresh herbs, and seasonings like oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes—swap in plant-based sausages or hearty vegetarian sausage alternatives and follow the same method.

Conclusion

This Ina Garten–inspired Sausage and Peppers is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family meals. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it delivers big, satisfying flavor. Enjoy and feel free to share the recipe with friends and family.