Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers Recipe with Pro Tips

I’d been wanting to try Ina Garten’s sausage and peppers for a while. I meant to make it last week but made something else instead. Now that I finally made this copycat version, I’m so happy I did — it’s comforting, juicy, and full of bright, homey flavors.

Picture well-seasoned sausages simmered with sweet bell peppers, onions, tomatoes and garlic in a rich pan sauce. It’s an easy, satisfying dinner for the whole family, perfect with crusty bread to soak up the sauce and a simple drink on the side.

My husband helped me prepare this recipe — he loves hearty meals that combine cooked meats and vegetables — so cooking it was fun and memorable. The process is straightforward and the result is rewarding.

What is Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers?

Ina Garten’s sausage and peppers is a classic, straightforward dish: sausages cooked with peppers in a savory tomato-based sauce. This copycat blends sweet bell peppers, onions, garlic and tomatoes with a touch of wine or broth and aromatic herbs. It’s simple to make, full of comforting flavor, and ideal for a casual family dinner.

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, about 7–10 minutes, turning so they color evenly. Remove the sausages and set them aside.

Step 2:

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

Step 3:

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about a minute. Pour in the Marsala wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let the mixture simmer for 4–5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4:

Add the diced tomatoes with their juice and return the sausages to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetables. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, until the sausages are cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened.

Step 5:

Just before serving, stir in the chopped basil and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.

Some Tips!

• Choose sausages you enjoy—sweet, spicy, or cheese-stuffed all work well.
• Brown the sausages well for better flavor and color; plan 7–10 minutes for this step.
• Adjust garlic timing to taste: add earlier for a more pronounced garlic flavor or later for a milder note.

How to Store Leftovers?

Allow the dish to cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

What to Eat with Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers?

This dish is excellent with warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It also pairs nicely with a crisp salad, coleslaw for crunch, or roasted or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.

FAQ

Can I use different types of sausages?

Yes. Sweet, hot, chicken or other sausages all work—choose what you and your family prefer.

What if I don’t have Marsala wine?

Substitute good-quality chicken broth if you don’t have Marsala; it still adds depth to the sauce.

What other vegetables can I add?

Mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant make great additions if you want more vegetables in the dish.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly spicy from the crushed red pepper flakes; you can adjust that amount to suit your taste.

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

The dish combines sausages with bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomato paste, Marsala wine or broth, diced tomatoes, basil, parsley and seasonings like oregano and red pepper flakes.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes—replace the sausages with plant-based sausages or firm roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

This hearty, juicy sausage and peppers recipe is easy to prepare and full of comforting flavor. It’s a reliable weeknight dinner that also works for casual gatherings. Share it with friends and family, and enjoy how simple ingredients come together to make something delicious.