Savory Turkey Sausage & Colorful Peppers Medley
Enjoy this healthier rendition of a classic Italian dish with my Savory Turkey Sausage & Colorful Peppers Medley. By opting for lean turkey sausage instead of traditional pork, you'll significantly cut down on fat while still enjoying a satisfying meal. Each bite is packed with vibrant, sautéed bell peppers and onions, offering not just a feast for the palate but also a burst of color to your plate. A splash of homemade pasta sauce elevates this dish with rich flavors, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a delightful meal prep option for busy days. Whether served over pasta, in a sandwich, or on its own, this dish is sure to leave you craving more.
N/A
Servings
210
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (measured)
hot Italian turkey sausage
4 links (pat dry)
red bell pepper
1 (sliced)
green bell pepper
1 (sliced)
onion
1 small (sliced)
water
1/4 cup (measured)
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (measured)
pasta sauce (or tomato sauce)
1/2 cup (measured)
salt & pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, pat the turkey sausages dry with a paper towel to ensure they brown nicely. Once the oil is hot, add the sausages and brown them on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausages from the pan and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté the veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they soften but still retain a slightly crisp texture.
3
Next, pour in the balsamic vinegar and water, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes before stirring in the pasta sauce. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Return the browned sausages to the skillet and slice them into bite-sized pieces if desired. Stir everything together, ensuring the sausages and vegetables are well combined in the sauce.
5
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, either on its own or over cooked pasta, or in a sandwich for a hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
11.7g
Fat
10g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Turkey Sausage & Colorful Peppers Medley?
It is a healthier version of a classic Italian dish featuring lean turkey sausage, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a splash of pasta sauce.
How many calories are in this turkey sausage dish?
There are 210 calories per serving in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, by using lean turkey sausage instead of pork, the dish significantly reduces fat content while providing high protein and vitamins from fresh vegetables.
What specific type of sausage is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 links of hot Italian turkey sausage.
Can I substitute the turkey sausage with pork sausage?
Yes, you can use traditional pork sausage, though the nutritional profile will change, specifically increasing the fat content.
How much protein is provided per serving?
This dish contains 15g of protein per serving.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are olive oil, turkey sausage, red and green bell peppers, onion, water, balsamic vinegar, pasta sauce, and seasoning.
How long does it take to brown the sausages?
Browning the sausages on all sides takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes over medium-high heat.
Which types of peppers are used in this medley?
The recipe uses one red bell pepper and one green bell pepper, both sliced.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can easily customize the medley by adding mushrooms, yellow peppers, or zucchini.
Why is balsamic vinegar used in this recipe?
Balsamic vinegar is used to add a rich, tangy flavor and to help deglaze the pan by scraping up browned bits.
How do I ensure the sausages brown correctly?
Patting the turkey sausages dry with a paper towel before cooking helps them brown nicely in the hot oil.
Can I serve this dish with pasta?
Yes, serving this medley over cooked pasta is a popular and hearty serving suggestion.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as a delightful meal prep option for busy days due to its simplicity and how well it reheats.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 11.7g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of pasta sauce?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either pasta sauce or standard tomato sauce.
How long should I sauté the peppers and onions?
The vegetables should be sautéed for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are soft but still slightly crisp.
When should I slice the sausages?
You should brown the sausages whole first, then remove them and slice them into bite-sized pieces before returning them to the sauce.
What size onion is required?
The recipe specifies using one small sliced onion.
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat level depends on the 'hot' Italian turkey sausage chosen; you can use mild turkey sausage if you prefer less spice.
Is the Savory Turkey Sausage & Colorful Peppers Medley dairy-free?
The core ingredients are dairy-free, but you should check your specific brand of pasta sauce to ensure it contains no cheese or milk products.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, this dish can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How many ingredients are in the total count?
There are 9 ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to heat olive oil and brown the turkey sausages for 8-10 minutes.
What are the different serving options?
You can serve it on its own, over pasta, or inside a sandwich roll.
Can I use frozen peppers?
While fresh peppers are recommended for texture, frozen peppers can be used as a convenient substitute.
Is there information on fiber or sugar content?
Fiber and sugar details are not currently specified in the nutritional breakdown for this recipe.
How do I incorporate the pasta sauce?
After simmering the vinegar and water, stir in 1/2 cup of pasta sauce and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.