Italian Sausage and Peppers from Buca di Beppo features savory, spiced Italian sausage cooked with tender bell peppers and sweet onions, all simmered in a robust marinara sauce, creating a hearty and flavorful dish with vibrant colors and a satisfying texture.
Equipments
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serving platter or bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage links
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 large sweet onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Using fresh bell peppers in red, green, and yellow colors not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a variety of sweet and slightly bitter flavors essential to the dish. Make sure to select high-quality Italian sausage links with a balanced blend of spices for authentic taste. Fresh garlic and sweet onions contribute sweetness and depth, which balances the acidity of the marinara sauce. Seasoning with dried oregano and basil infuses traditional Italian herb flavors, so measure carefully to avoid overpowering the dish. You can recreate the Italian Sausage and Peppers from Buca di Beppo copycat menu by following these ingredient guidelines for an authentic, restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Instructions
- Slice the Italian sausage links into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut red, green, and yellow bell peppers into strips.
- Slice the large sweet onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add the sausage pieces to the pan and brown on all sides, using tongs to turn.
- Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers.
- Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour in 2 cups marinara sauce.
- Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1 teaspoon dried basil.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until sausage is cooked through and flavors meld, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer to a serving platter or bowl.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Italian Sausage and Peppers from Buca di Beppo copycat menu combines spiced Italian sausage with colorful bell peppers and sweet onions simmered in marinara sauce. If Italian sausage is not available, you can substitute with spicy Italian ground pork or turkey sausage for a similar flavor profile. Using jarred marinara sauce provides convenience, but homemade sauce can enhance freshness and customize seasoning. When cooking peppers, choose whichever colors you prefer to adjust the sweetness and presentation of your dish. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you desire more heat.
Tips
Make sure to brown the Italian sausage pieces evenly on all sides to develop a rich, savory flavor and prevent a greasy texture. When sauteing bell peppers and onions, cook just until tender to retain their vibrant colors and slight crunch; overcooking will make them mushy. Your marinara sauce should simmer uncovered to thicken slightly and concentrate flavors, so avoid covering the pan during this step. Use fresh garlic minced finely for the best aroma, adding it last to prevent burning and bitterness.
Nutritions
Italian Sausage and Peppers provide a balanced mix of protein from the Italian sausage and vitamins A and C from the colorful bell peppers, contributing to immune support and eye health. Olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats while the garlic and onions offer antioxidants that may reduce inflammation. The marinara sauce introduces lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. Enjoying this dish as part of your meal delivers a nutritious combination of flavor and essential nutrients that support your overall wellbeing.
Storage
Store leftover Italian Sausage and Peppers in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. This dish can be kept safely in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy your flavorful meal later. When reheating, warm it thoroughly on the stovetop or in a microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) to ensure food safety.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute Italian sausage with spicy chorizo or ground turkey sausage for a different flavor profile while maintaining the dish's hearty texture. Roasting the bell peppers and onions before adding them to the skillet enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the sauce. For a lighter option, swap marinara sauce with a fresh tomato and basil mixture or a light white wine and garlic sauce. Incorporate a splash of red wine during the simmering process to intensify the richness of the marinara and balance the spices in the sausage.
Allergies
Italian Sausage and Peppers from Buca di Beppo contains common allergens such as pork in the Italian sausage and garlic, which may cause reactions in sensitive individuals. The bell peppers and onions are generally safe but could trigger allergies in rare cases. Your allergy concerns should be carefully considered before consuming this dish, especially if you have known sensitivities to meat, garlic, or nightshade vegetables.
Why this recipe?
Italian Sausage and Peppers from Buca di Beppo is beloved for its authentic blend of spicy Italian sausage, sauteed bell peppers, and onions, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce that offers bold, savory flavors. The dish perfectly balances heat and sweetness, appealing to those who crave a hearty, well-seasoned meal that captures traditional Italian-American comfort food. Your taste buds will appreciate the fresh ingredients and the home-style cooking that gives this menu item its signature satisfying taste. Replicating this recipe allows you to enjoy the vibrant depth of Buca di Beppo's flavors at home, making it a delicious and rewarding cooking adventure.