Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers 1 skillet meal

Name: Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers 1 skillet meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage; 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color); 1 onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

by Jannet Lisa

2 de September de 2025

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Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers has become my absolute go-to for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. I remember the first time I made this, the aroma of sizzling sausage, sweet peppers, and onions filled my kitchen, making my stomach rumble with anticipation. My family devoured it in minutes, and I knew I’d found a keeper! This easy cheesy Italian sausage peppers dish is so simple to whip up, even on the busiest nights, and the melted cheese takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers

Incredible flavor explosion: Savory Italian sausage meets sweet peppers and onions, all topped with gooey, melted cheese.

Super speedy prep: You can have this delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
A healthier weeknight option: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a satisfying and balanced dish.
Budget-friendly goodness: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that pack a big flavor punch.

Family-favorite guaranteed: Even picky eaters love this crowd-pleasing Italian sausage with cheese and peppers.
Versatile and adaptable: Easily customize with your favorite peppers or a spicier sausage.
This Italian sausage with cheese and peppers is perfect for a quick and easy dinner!

Ingredients for Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers

Gather these simple components for a fantastic cheesy sausage and pepper bake. I always grab the brightest bell peppers I can find, and don’t shy away from a bit of heat with hot Italian sausage if that’s your jam! The combination of savory sausage, sweet peppers, and onions, all melded together with gooey cheese, makes this a truly delightful dish.

1 pound Italian sausage – mild or hot, your choice!
2 bell peppers, sliced – I love using a mix of red and green for color

1 onion, sliced – a yellow or white onion works wonderfully
2 cloves garlic, minced – for that essential aromatic punch
1 tablespoon olive oil – to get everything started

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – the melty star of the show
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese – for a salty, nutty finish
Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all those delicious flavors

How to Make Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers

Whipping up this skillet cheesy Italian sausage peppers is a breeze, and the results are absolutely delicious. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time!

Step 1: Grab a large skillet and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Step 2: Add 1 pound Italian sausage to the hot skillet. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t drain all the flavorful drippings from the pan!
Step 4: Now, add your 2 sliced bell peppers and 1 sliced onion to the same skillet. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and get a little tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll start to smell that sweet aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 5: Toss in the 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for just about 1 minute more until it’s wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 6: Return the cooked Italian sausage back into the skillet with the softened peppers and onions. Give it all a good stir to combine everything.
Step 7: Sprinkle both the 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. This is where the magic happens in this skillet cheesy Italian sausage peppers!
Step 8: Taste your creation and season with salt and pepper as needed. This skillet cheesy Italian sausage peppers dish is best served immediately while it’s hot and cheesy.

Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers 1 skillet meal - Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers

Want to elevate your cheesy Italian sausage peppers? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference!

Don’t crowd the pan when cooking the sausage; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.

Using a mix of bell pepper colors not only looks beautiful but also offers slightly different flavors.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers?

The real secret to the best cheesy Italian sausage peppers is in the quality of the sausage and not overcooking the vegetables. A good Italian sausage brings a ton of flavor, and slightly tender-crisp peppers add a wonderful texture. For more tips on cooking sausage, check out this guide to cooking sausage.

Can I make Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers ahead of time?

You can prep most of the components ahead of time! Slice your peppers and onions and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Cook the sausage and set it aside. When you’re ready to eat, just sauté the veggies, add the sausage back, and melt the cheese. This is a great way to save time, similar to how you might prep ingredients for Greek chicken stuffed peppers.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers?

A common pitfall is overcooking the peppers, making them mushy. Also, be sure not to overcook the sausage; it should be browned but still juicy. Lastly, make sure you have enough cheese to get that glorious melty, bubbly topping! For more cooking advice, you might find these cooking tips helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers

This versatile dish is perfect for so many occasions! For a classic Italian-American experience, I love serving my cheesy Italian sausage peppers dinner piled high on crusty Italian bread, making delicious mini-sandwiches. Another favorite pairing is over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta, which soaks up all those amazing savory juices.

Don’t forget a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sausage and cheese. It’s a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress! You might also enjoy serving this with garlic parmesan sweet potato wedges.

Nutrition Facts for Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers

Here’s a breakdown of the deliciousness per serving of this fantastic cheesy Italian sausage peppers dish. I always find it helpful to know what I’m working with for a balanced meal.

Calories: 450

Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Protein: 25g

Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g

Sodium: 900mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your cheesy Italian sausage and peppers.

Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers 1 skillet meal - Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers

Once this amazing cheesy Italian sausage peppers dish has cooled down, properly storing your leftovers is key. I like to let it cool for about 30 minutes before transferring it into airtight containers. You can store these tasty cheesy Italian sausage peppers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option; just wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and they’ll keep well in the freezer for about 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious cheesy Italian sausage and peppers again, reheating is simple. For refrigerated leftovers, you can gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave them until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight first. This ensures your cheesy sausage and pepper bake stays moist and flavorful! You might also like to try these turkey meatballs for another easy meal prep option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers

What’s the easiest way to make Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers?

For the absolute easiest method on how to make cheesy Italian sausage peppers, stick to the skillet recipe. You’ll cook the sausage, then the veggies, add the sausage back, and melt the cheese all in one pan. It minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor!

Can I add more vegetables to my Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or even some spinach to your cheesy Italian sausage peppers. Just make sure to slice them similarly to the peppers and onions so they cook evenly. You might need to adjust cooking times slightly. Consider adding mushrooms as you might in a creamy spinach mushroom shrimp dish.

What kind of sausage is best for Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers?

I find that classic Italian sausage, whether mild or hot, provides the best flavor base for this dish. The herbs and spices in the sausage really complement the sweetness of the peppers and onions, making it truly delicious. For an extra kick, hot Italian sausage is fantastic!

How do I make this a complete Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers meal?

To make this a complete meal, I love serving it on toasted hoagie rolls for amazing sandwiches. Alternatively, you can serve it over pasta, rice, or even creamy polenta. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully with this hearty dish. For another great pasta option, check out cheesy garlic butter linguine pasta.

Variations of Cheesy Italian Sausage Peppers You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic skillet version, you’ll love experimenting with these fun twists on cheesy Italian sausage peppers. They’re all delicious ways to enjoy this favorite dish!

Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, swap mild Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for an extra fiery flavor.
Low-Carb Delight: Skip the bread or pasta and enjoy this dish as-is. It’s naturally lower in carbs, making it a perfect meal for those watching their intake. Another great low-carb option is this baked Italian sausage peppers cheese served over cauliflower rice.

Sheet Pan Simplicity: For even easier cleanup, try making a sheet pan version! Toss the sausage, peppers, and onions with olive oil and seasonings on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through, then top with cheese and bake for a few more minutes until melted.
Add Veggies Galore: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of baby spinach towards the end of cooking. They add extra nutrients and flavor to your cheesy Italian sausage peppers dish.