Baked Sausage and Peppers: The Ultimate One-Pan Dinner Sensation

Key Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Difficulty: Easy

Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb

Equipment Needed

• Large rimmed baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• (Optional) Meat thermometer

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Italian sausage links
• 4 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. This high heat is the secret to perfect caramelization.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic begins.
3. Slice bell peppers and onions into even strips. Uniformity is key for even cooking.
4. Toss vegetables in the seasoned oil mixture until every piece is gloriously coated.
5. Spread vegetables on a lined baking sheet. Give them space – overcrowding is the enemy of roasting!
6. Arrange sausage pieces on top of the vegetables. Pro tip: Nestle them slightly into the veggie mixture.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring once halfway through. You’re looking for golden-brown edges and perfectly cooked sausage.
8. Optional broil for 2-3 minutes for extra caramelization. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
9. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Crucial Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure sausage reaches 160°F
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – space equals crispy edges
• Mix sausage colors and pepper varieties for visual appeal

Storage

• Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in airtight container
• Freeze: Up to 3 months

Variations

• Swap Italian sausage for chicken sausage
• Add cubed potatoes for extra heartiness
• Serve over pasta or in hoagie rolls
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cutting vegetables too thin
• Not preheating the oven
• Overcrowding the baking sheet

Why This Recipe Rocks

This isn’t just another sheet pan dinner. It’s a flavor explosion that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. One pan, minimal prep, maximum taste – what more could you want?

Nutritional Notes

• High in protein
• Low-carb friendly
• Packed with vegetable nutrients

Pro Chef Secret

The key to incredible flavor is letting those vegetables caramelize. Patience yields the most incredible results!