Easy Turkey Sausage and Peppers Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Magic

Savory turkey sausage dances with vibrant peppers in a mouthwatering culinary adventure that promises pure comfort.

Robust flavors burst from each carefully crafted bite of this simple yet incredible dish.

Hearty ingredients merge seamlessly, creating a meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Mediterranean influences shine through with bold seasonings and fresh vegetables.

Lean protein combines with sweet bell peppers, delivering a balanced and nutritious plate.

Weeknight dinners just became infinitely more delicious and effortless.

You’ll find this recipe so straightforward that mastering it feels like second nature.

Grab a skillet and let the magic begin, your taste buds will thank you!

Why Turkey Sausage and Peppers Deserves a Spot on Repeat

• Quickly Customize: Swap bell peppers for any seasonal vegetables or add your favorite spices to make this dish uniquely yours.
• Minimal Cleanup: One-pan cooking means fewer dishes and faster kitchen tidying, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy cooking days.
• Protein-Packed Meal: Lean turkey sausage provides a healthy protein boost, making this dish satisfying and nutritious without feeling heavy.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy over rice, pasta, in a sandwich, or as a standalone dish that adapts to different meal preferences and styles.

Turkey Sausage and Peppers: What You’ll Need

• Turkey Sausage: A lean and flavorful protein that adds richness to the dish.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic: A colorful blend of vegetables that provides a sweet and aromatic base for the recipe.

• Diced Tomatoes, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: Ingredients that add depth, heat, and balanced seasoning to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

• Fresh Basil: A fragrant herb that adds a bright and fresh finish to the dish.

How to Make Turkey Sausage and Peppers Effortlessly

Step 1: Brown the Turkey Sausage

Drizzle olive oil into a spacious skillet and warm it over medium heat. Gently place turkey sausage into the pan and break it apart using a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown color and looks crispy, which takes around 8 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

• Sliced bell peppers
• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become tender and the onions turn translucent and slightly caramelized.

Step 3: Combine and Season

Return the browned sausage to the skillet.

• Diced tomatoes
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture gently simmer for 10-15 minutes.

This allows the ingredients to meld and create a harmonious, delicious blend of flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the hot sausage and pepper mixture to serving plates.

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of aromatic freshness.

Smart Tips for Juicy Sausage and Sweet Peppers

• Swap traditional pork sausage with lean turkey sausage for a healthier protein option that's lower in fat and calories.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – add more for spice lovers or reduce for milder palates.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Enhance flavor by deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking sausage, capturing all those delicious browned bits.
• Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato-based sauce for a complete meal.

Flavor Combos to Try with Turkey Sausage and Peppers

• Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace regular turkey sausage with spicy chorizo-style turkey sausage and add black beans, corn, and jalapeños for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Medley: Use Italian-seasoned turkey sausage, swap bell peppers for zucchini, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Low-Carb Veggie Swap: Replace sausage with cauliflower crumbles or ground turkey, increase vegetable variety with mushrooms and spinach, and serve over cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
• Slow Cooker Comfort: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after initial sautéing, cook on low for 4-6 hours for a hands-off, tender meal that develops deep, rich flavors.

What Pairs Well with Turkey Sausage and Peppers

• Pair Perfectly with Fresh Salads: Create a crisp mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the savory sausage and add refreshing lightness.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic Italian bread or ciabatta to soak up delicious pan juices and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
• Match with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese that cuts through the richness of the turkey sausage and enhances the peppers' sweetness.
• Enhance with Herbed Polenta: Prepare creamy polenta with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to create a smooth, comforting side that absorbs the dish's robust flavors.

Storing Turkey Sausage and Peppers Like a Pro

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the sausage and peppers are completely cooled before sealing.
• Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date of preparation.
• Microwave Reheat: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.

Turkey Sausage and Peppers Q&A

• Is turkey sausage healthier than regular pork sausage?

Turkey sausage has less fat and fewer calories compared to traditional pork sausage, making it a leaner protein option for those watching their diet.

• Can I use different colors of bell peppers?

Absolutely! You can mix red, yellow, and green bell peppers to create a colorful and nutritious dish that adds variety to the recipe.

• How spicy will this dish be with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat level. If you prefer more spice, add extra flakes; if you want less heat, reduce the amount or omit them completely.

• What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?

Canned diced tomatoes are perfect, but you can also use fresh diced tomatoes during summer when they’re ripe and flavorful for an even fresher taste.

Turkey Sausage and Peppers Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy “Turkey Sausage and Peppers” promise a flavor explosion straight from Italian-American kitchens. Hearty links nestled with sweet bell peppers and caramelized onions deliver comfort on a plate perfect for weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound Italian turkey sausage

Vegetables:

• 4 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling surface for cooking sausage.
2. Crumble turkey sausage into the hot pan, breaking it into smaller pieces while cooking until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 8 minutes.
3. Transfer the browned sausage to a separate plate, leaving behind flavorful drippings in the skillet.
4. Introduce sliced bell peppers, thinly cut onions, and minced garlic into the same pan, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, combining with diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
6. Reduce heat to low, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, enabling ingredients to blend and develop a rich, harmonious flavor profile.
7. Once simmering is complete, plate the sausage and pepper medley, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finishing touch.
8. Serve immediately while hot, offering a delicious and aromatic dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Choose lean turkey sausage for a healthier protein option that’s lower in fat compared to traditional pork sausage.
• Add extra spice by increasing red pepper flakes or including a dash of smoked paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
• Opt for fresh bell peppers in various colors like red, yellow, and green to create a vibrant and nutritionally diverse dish.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by verifying the turkey sausage ingredients and using certified gluten-free products if needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg