Looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights? Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers is the ultimate comfort dish that combines zesty sausages, sweet bell peppers, and a rich, savory tomato-based sauce—all cooked to perfection, thanks to your trusty Instant Pot! This one-pot meal is not just simple to prepare but also versatile, making it a hit at family dinners or casual gatherings alike. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick list of ingredients to gather before you get started. Feel free to customize based on your preferences:
- 1 pound of Italian sausage or sausage links (mild, sweet, or spicy—your choice!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 3 bell peppers, sliced into strips (use a mix of red, yellow, and green for more color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, if you like it spicy)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional Serving Suggestions
- Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread
- Parmesan cheese for topping
How to Make Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers
Follow these simple steps to make this delicious dish in your Instant Pot:
Step 1: Brown the Sausages
Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the sausages. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through yet—they’ll finish cooking later. Remove the sausages and set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Using the same pot, toss in the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Stir them occasionally for about 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. This step builds flavor for your sauce!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the can of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water (or broth), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, and remember to scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze any browned bits—that’s where the flavor lives! Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Reunite the Ingredients
Return the sausages to the pot, nestling them into the veggie and sauce mixture. This ensures all the flavors combine beautifully during cooking.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes. Once it’s done, carefully perform a Quick Release to release the pressure.
Step 6: Final Touches
After opening the lid, give the dish a gentle stir. If the sauce is thinner than you’d like, use the Sauté function again to simmer it for a few minutes or until it thickens to your liking.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of freshness. Serve your sausage and peppers with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful sauce. Want an extra kick? Top it with grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Tips for Customization
- Switch up the protein: Use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
- Play with spices: Amp up the heat with more red pepper flakes or swap dried oregano for thyme or rosemary for a different flavor twist.
- Add more veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or even some cherry tomatoes during the sauté step to bulk up the dish.
- Make it a sandwich: Serve the sausage, peppers, and sauce in a crusty hoagie roll for a hearty sausage and pepper sub.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers checks all the boxes—it’s fast, full of bold flavors, and effortlessly versatile. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup quick and easy. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a home-cooked Italian-inspired meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Give it a try tonight, and watch it become a go-to favorite. Happy cooking!
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