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Italian Sausage and Peppers Hero

A classic Italian-American street food favorite, featuring perfectly browned sweet and spicy sausages nestled in crusty rolls with slowly caramelized bell peppers and onions, all brought together with a touch of marinara sauce.

Italian Sausage and Peppers Hero
Prep 15 min Cook 35 min Total 55 min Level Easy
Serves 4

Ingredients

Main

  • 2 links Sweet Italian sausage links — pork or chicken
  • 2 links Hot Italian sausage links — pork or chicken
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil — divided
  • 1 large Red bell pepper — sliced into 1/4-inch strips
  • 1 large Green bell pepper — sliced into 1/4-inch strips
  • 2 medium Yellow onion — halved and sliced
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves — minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher salt — to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper — freshly ground
  • 0.5 cup Marinara sauce — warmed
  • 4 rolls Crusty Italian rolls — split lengthwise

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet and hot Italian sausages. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F), about 12-15 minutes.

    ~15 min
    Prick the sausages lightly with a fork before cooking to prevent the casings from bursting.

  2. Remove the sausages from the skillet and transfer them to a plate to rest. Leave the flavorful sausage drippings in the pan.

    ~1 min

  3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet if needed. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Toss to coat in the oil and drippings. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft, sweet, and lightly caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.

    ~20 min
    Cooking the peppers and onions slowly brings out their natural sweetness, which balances the savory and spicy sausages perfectly.

  4. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

    ~1 min

  5. Slice the rested sausages on a bias or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Return them to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Pour in the marinara sauce and toss everything gently to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until heated through.

    ~4 min
    Adding a splash of water or red wine before the marinara can help deglaze the pan and add extra flavor.

  6. While the mixture is simmering, optionally toast the Italian rolls in the oven or under the broiler until just crusty.

    ~2 min

  7. Assemble the heroes by generously filling the crusty rolls with the sausage, pepper, and onion mixture. Serve immediately.

    ~2 min
    Top with grated Parmesan or provolone cheese if you don't mind dairy!
Nutrition
680
Calories
28
Protein (g)
52
Carbs (g)
40
Fat (g)
13
Sat. Fat (g)
6
Fiber (g)
12
Sugar (g)
1450
Sodium (mg)
75
Cholesterol (mg)
Equipment
  • Large heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
Tips & Storage
  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
  • If grilling the sausages instead of pan-frying, cook them over medium heat until charred and cooked through, then slice and add to the stovetop caramelized peppers.
  • A sturdy, crusty roll is essential so the sandwich doesn't become soggy from the juices and marinara.
  • Storage: Store leftover sausage and pepper mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling on fresh rolls.
Tags
comfort food dairy_free fall family friendly game day hearty hero hoagie italian-american nut_free onions pan-fried peppers sandwich sausage savory street food sub summer weeknight dinner

🤖 This recipe was created with AI assistance. If you spot a mistake or something that doesn't look right, please report it.

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