Hearty Italian Sausage Pasta Sauce
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Hearty Italian Sausage Pasta Sauce, a delightful blend of savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and juicy stewed tomatoes. This dish offers a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Sautéed bell peppers and onions add sweetness and depth, while the optional beans create a filling and nutritious stew base. Served over your favorite pasta or rice, this versatile sauce can easily be paired with a crisp salad and warm garlic bread for an authentic Italian experience. Remember, this recipe is simple yet well-balanced, making it a go-to for both novice and seasoned cooks looking to deliver a delicious meal with minimal effort.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
1/2 lb (remove from casing and crumble)
Red bell pepper
1 small (diced)
Red onion
1/2 small (diced)
Stewed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (diced with juice)
Flour
1-2 tablespoons (optional for thickening)
Green onions
2-3 (diced)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized saucepan, crumble and brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until thoroughly cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the diced red bell pepper and red onion to the pan, cooking until the vegetables are tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3
Carefully drain off any excess grease from the pan to keep the sauce light.
4
In a separate bowl, stir the flour into the canned stewed tomatoes until fully combined to avoid lumps. Then, add this mixture to the saucepan, along with the diced green onions.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly to incorporate all ingredients.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low-medium and cover the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer for 15 minutes covered and then another 15 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Hearty Italian Sausage Pasta Sauce?
The main protein in this recipe is 1/2 lb of Italian sausage.
How should I prepare the Italian sausage for this recipe?
You should remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it.
What kind of bell pepper is used in this sauce?
The recipe calls for one small red bell pepper, diced.
What type of onion is included in the vegetable base?
A 1/2 small red onion, diced, is used for the base.
What kind of canned tomatoes are recommended?
You should use one 14.5 ounce can of stewed tomatoes, diced with their juice.
Is flour a mandatory ingredient in this sauce?
No, the flour is an optional ingredient used for thickening the sauce.
How much flour should I use if I want to thicken the sauce?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour.
How many green onions are needed for this dish?
You will need 2 to 3 diced green onions.
How long does it take to brown the Italian sausage?
It takes approximately 5 to 7 minutes to brown the sausage over medium heat.
When do I add the red bell pepper and red onion?
Add the diced pepper and red onion after the sausage is thoroughly cooked.
How long should the peppers and onions cook?
Cook the vegetables for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender.
Why should I drain the grease from the pan?
Draining excess grease helps to keep the pasta sauce light and less oily.
What is the best way to incorporate flour into the sauce without lumps?
Stir the flour into the canned stewed tomatoes in a separate bowl before adding the mixture to the saucepan.
At what point should I add the green onions?
Add the green onions to the saucepan along with the tomato and flour mixture.
What heat setting should be used to bring the mixture to a boil?
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat while stirring constantly.
How long does the sauce need to simmer covered?
The sauce should simmer covered for 15 minutes.
How long does the sauce need to simmer uncovered?
After the initial simmer, leave the pan uncovered for another 15 minutes.
What is the total simmering time for this recipe?
The total simmering time is 30 minutes.
What are the recommended serving options for this sauce?
This sauce is excellent served over your favorite pasta or rice.
Are there any suggested side dishes to pair with this meal?
It pairs well with a crisp salad and warm garlic bread.
Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes, adding beans is an optional way to create a more filling and nutritious stew base.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner cooks?
Yes, it is designed to be simple and well-balanced for both novice and seasoned cooks.
How many main ingredients are required for this sauce?
There are 6 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe.
Can this sauce be used as a stew?
Yes, the description mentions it can be served as a filling stew, especially if beans are added.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
You can expect a rich, savory flavor with sweetness from bell peppers and depth from stewed tomatoes.
What is the purpose of stirring constantly while bringing the sauce to a boil?
Stirring constantly ensures all ingredients are fully incorporated and prevents sticking.
Does this recipe require a lot of kitchen equipment?
No, it is a one-pot style recipe primarily requiring a medium-sized saucepan and a mixing bowl.
How do I prepare the stewed tomatoes?
The stewed tomatoes should be diced and used along with their juice from the can.
What type of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe is an authentic Italian-style pasta sauce.