Zesty Italian Sausage Ragu with Peppers and Onions
Indulge in this robust and flavorful Zesty Italian Sausage Ragu, a vibrant dish that melds the heat of spicy Italian sausage with the sweetness of bell peppers and the richness of tomatoes. This delightful ragù is simmered to perfection, making it a hearty sauce that can be enjoyed over steaming rice or al dente pasta, offering versatility that caters to both preference and palate. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this dish stimulates the taste buds while providing a hearty serving of vegetables and protein. It's an excellent way to elevate your standard sausage and pepper dish into something truly spectacular. Adjust the level of heat to your liking for a personalized touch!
4
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
hot Italian sausage
1.5-2 lbs (boiled and sliced as preferred)
red pepper
1 (cleaned and sliced into 1/4-inch long slices)
onions
3 (sliced)
yellow banana peppers
4-6 (sliced long)
garlic
1-2 teaspoons (chopped)
Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon
red pepper flakes
to taste (dash as spicy as preferred)
tomato
1 (sliced thin)
extra virgin olive oil
as needed (for sautéing)
sugar
a dash or two
salt
to taste
whole canned tomatoes
29 ounces (crushed or used whole)
Parmesan cheese
1/2-1 cup (for thickening and topping)
white wine (Pinot Grigio or similar)
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a separate pot, bring a few inches of water to a boil and add the hot Italian sausage. Cover and simmer until cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
2
While the sausage is cooking, heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and chopped garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent.
3
Stir in the sliced red pepper and banana peppers, then add the thinly sliced tomatoes. Sauté until the peppers are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Once the peppers are tender, add the crushed whole tomatoes (using 3/4 of the can is recommended), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in a dash of sugar and red pepper flakes to adjust spiciness according to taste. Add the Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined. Allow the mixture to heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
5
Check on the sausage; once the water has mostly evaporated, begin to brown the sausage in the same pot. Cut the sausage to your preferred size for better incorporation into the ragu.
6
Deglaze the sausage pan with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to reduce slightly, approximately 2-3 minutes.
7
Combine the ragu from the second pot with the sausage, stirring to blend the flavors. Heat together until warmed through.
8
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and keep warm until ready to serve.
9
Serve generously over your choice of cooked rice or pasta. Enjoy your Zesty Italian Sausage Ragu!
Nutrition Information
12.5
Fat
32.5
Carbs
20
Protein
3
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Italian Sausage Ragu with Peppers and Onions?
It is a robust and flavorful sauce that combines spicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and rich tomatoes, ideal for serving over rice or pasta.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What type of sausage is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1.5 to 2 pounds of hot Italian sausage.
What kinds of peppers are used in the ragu?
The dish uses a combination of one red pepper and 4-6 yellow banana peppers.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this ragu?
Yes, you can adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of red pepper flakes and choosing between hot or mild sausage.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 20 grams of protein in each serving.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe requires one thinly sliced fresh tomato and 29 ounces of whole canned tomatoes, which should be crushed.
How long do I need to simmer the sausage initially?
The sausage should be simmered in water for about 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
What type of wine is best for deglazing the pan?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio is recommended for deglazing.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, a dash or two of sugar is added to help balance the flavors of the tomatoes.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 to 1 cup of Parmesan cheese for thickening and topping.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 32.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 14 ingredients required for this recipe.
How should the onions be prepared?
The three onions used in this recipe should be sliced.
How long should I sauté the peppers?
The peppers should be sautéed for approximately 5-7 minutes until they are softened.
What is the purpose of deglazing with white wine?
Deglazing helps to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan and incorporate them into the sauce.
Can I serve this dish with something other than pasta?
Yes, this ragu is very versatile and can be served over steaming rice as well.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for extra virgin olive oil.
How much fiber is in a serving of this ragu?
There are 3 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the recommended preparation for the garlic?
The 1-2 teaspoons of garlic should be chopped before being added to the pot.
How should the banana peppers be sliced?
The yellow banana peppers should be sliced long.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese is added to the pot after the canned tomatoes and seasonings, then mixed until well combined.
How do I brown the sausage?
Once the water has mostly evaporated from the sausage pot, you begin to brown the sausage in that same pot.
What seasoning blend is used?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
Do I use the entire can of whole tomatoes?
The instructions recommend using about 3/4 of the 29-ounce can.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to transfer the mixture to a casserole dish to keep it warm until you are ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, its hearty nature and the way the flavors meld over time make it excellent for meal prep.
How long do I cook the onions and garlic?
Sauté the onions and garlic for about 5 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent.