Johnsonville Italian Sausage, Onions & Peppers Skillet Recipe

Johnsonville Italian Sausage, Onions & Peppers Skillet Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 (22 ounce) package frozen Johnsonville mild Italian sausage slices
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
  • teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Hoagie or sub rolls (Optional)

Directions:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage slices, onion, green and red bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is cooked through.
  2. Next, add the diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the mixture is heated through.
  3. Once the dish is ready, serve it on hoagie or sub rolls if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian sausage and peppers!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories 516
Total Fat 49g (63% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat 15g (73% Daily Value)
Cholesterol 111mg (37% Daily Value)
Sodium 2120mg (92% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates 26g (10% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber 3g (10% Daily Value)
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 31g (62% Daily Value)
Vitamin C 72mg (80% Daily Value)
Calcium 71mg (5% Daily Value)
Iron 3mg (17% Daily Value)
Potassium 314mg (7% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Origin and History

The Johnsonville Italian Sausage, Onions & Peppers Skillet is a hearty American dish with Italian roots, thanks to the inclusion of Italian sausage. While the dish itself is a modern creation, it draws inspiration from Italian-American culinary traditions, particularly the popular "sausage and peppers" sandwich. This comfort food has been beloved in Italian-American communities for generations, often enjoyed during family gatherings, street festivals, and at local delis.

Regional Variations

The dish is commonly found across the United States but varies in its preparation depending on the region. In New York, for instance, it's often served in a hoagie roll as a sandwich, while in other areas, the sausage, peppers, and onions are served as a main dish with a side of pasta or rice. Some regions may incorporate additional vegetables like mushrooms or use a different variety of sausages, such as hot Italian sausage or sweet sausages, depending on personal taste preferences.

Distinction from Similar Dishes

While the Johnsonville Italian Sausage, Onions & Peppers Skillet shares similarities with other sausage dishes, it stands out due to its simplicity and versatility. Unlike complex Italian recipes that might use multiple herbs and spices, this dish relies on the foundational flavors of Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The addition of diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano gives it a mild yet flavorful twist, making it unique among other "sausage and peppers" variations. The dish is also quick to prepare, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is most commonly served in American homes, often as a casual dinner or lunch. Its convenience makes it a popular choice for weeknight meals, as it can be made in under 40 minutes. Additionally, it is a favorite at cookouts and family gatherings. The skillet dish is typically served either on its own or atop hoagie rolls, turning it into a sausage sandwich. For a complete meal, it's sometimes paired with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Interesting Facts

  • Italian sausage is a key component of the dish, and its popularity in American cuisine grew during the wave of Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • The addition of diced tomatoes with herbs like basil, garlic, and oregano reflects the common use of these seasonings in Italian cooking.
  • While bell peppers are standard in this dish, many cooks opt to use a variety of colorful peppers such as yellow or orange for added visual appeal and flavor.
  • Some variations of the recipe include adding cheese, like provolone or mozzarella, for a creamy twist, or even serving it with pasta for a more substantial meal.
  • While Johnsonville sausages are widely used in this recipe, many cooks experiment with other brands or flavors of sausage to create their own personalized version of this dish.

FAQ about Johnsonville Italian Sausage, Onions & Peppers Skillet Recipe

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Store the cooled sausage, peppers, and onions mixture in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Yes, you can use fresh Italian sausages. Just slice them into pieces and cook them in the skillet as you would the frozen sausage slices. The cooking time may be slightly longer depending on the size of the sausage pieces.

Yes, you can serve the sausage, peppers, and onions mixture without hoagie rolls. You could serve it over rice, pasta, or even a bed of greens for a lighter option.

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach to enhance the dish. Just be sure to cook them until tender, similar to the peppers and onions.

If the dish is too spicy, you can reduce or eliminate the red pepper flakes. You can also balance the heat by adding a bit of honey or sugar to the sauce, or by serving the dish with a cooling side like sour cream or yogurt.

Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of sausage you use.

To reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium diced tomatoes and a lower-sodium sausage, or consider making your own sausage. You can also skip adding extra salt during cooking and adjust seasoning to taste with herbs and spices.

Yes, you can prepare the sausage and vegetable mixture ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat before serving. This could even enhance the flavors as they meld together.

To avoid mushy peppers, cook them on medium-high heat and don’t overcook them. Add them toward the end of the cooking process, just after the onions are tender, so they retain their crunch.

Comments

Scott Rodriguez

12/06/2022 04:04:42 PM

This dish is foolproof! I use big organic green and red peppers, Spanish and yellow onions, a touch of rosemary, and a medley of sausages cooked in a pan with white wine. Perfecto! Thank you.

Carol Allen

12/18/2024 07:42:22 PM

This recipe is fantastic and easy to follow! I couldn't find sliced frozen sausage at my grocery store, so I substituted Johnsonville Italian sausage links instead. Since I intended to make hoagies, the links worked out perfectly for me. I've prepared sausage, peppers, and onions numerous times, but this recipe surpasses them all. The diced tomatoes are the standout element that sets this recipe apart from my usual version. They elevate the dish to a whole new level by tying everything together seamlessly. I'm definitely adopting this as my new go-to recipe :-)

Sharon Roberts

03/13/2024 05:26:07 PM

I have been preparing this dish for years instead of using Johnsonville sausage. I opt for Andalusia sausage and serve it over yellow rice. It is truly a fantastic meal option.

Frank Nguyen

03/11/2024 11:57:34 AM

Simple to prepare and satisfying!

Debra Cruz

01/22/2023 06:21:00 PM

My family absolutely adored this dish! I followed the recipe exactly, minus the Red Pepper Flakes, but I plan to add them in next time when my grandma is not around.