Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Peppers Ragù
A rustic Italian ragù featuring wood-fired sausage simmered with bell peppers and tomatoes for a hearty dinner. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 50 minutes pairs Italian sausage links, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Italian sausage links
- 1 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch strips yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage links, cooking for 6-8 minutes, turning frequently until browned and cooked through, then remove and slice into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add the diced 1 medium yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the sliced 1 medium red bell pepper and 1 medium yellow bell pepper strips to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Step 4: Stir in 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Return the sliced sausage to the skillet and simmer the ragù over low heat for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Finish by stirring in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, then serve hot over polenta or pasta.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Peppers Ragù take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Peppers Ragù?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep italian sausage links from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Peppers Ragù?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Peppers Ragù for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Wood-Fired Italian Sausage and Peppers Ragù?
Italian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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