Rustic Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions over Garlic Mashed Potatoes 🍽️🌶️🧄
Savor bold, rustic Italian flavors in this hearty, comforting dish! Juicy Italian sausages are simmered with sweet bell peppers, caramelized onions, and savory herbs, then served over creamy garlic mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug from an Italian nonna! 🇮🇹✨ Perfect for family meals, meal prep, or when you’re craving a satisfying one-pan wonder.
Ingredients:
For the Sausage, Peppers & Onions:
6 Italian sausages (mild or hot, your choice)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 medium onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp fennel seeds (optional for authentic flavor)
¼ cup tomato paste
½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
2½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 cloves garlic, peeled
½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup whole milk (warm)
¼ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Sausages
In a large skillet or cast iron pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages and brown them on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point—just golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook another 6–8 minutes until everything is tender and slightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, basil, and fennel seeds. Sauté for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 more minute to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Simmer with Sausages
Return the sausages to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth (or wine), scraping the bottom to deglaze. Bring everything to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until sausages are fully cooked and juicy. Stir occasionally and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Mashed Potatoes
While the sausage mixture simmers, prepare the mashed potatoes. Place the cubed potatoes and whole garlic cloves in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
Add butter, warm milk, and sour cream (if using). Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Spoon a generous serving of garlic mashed potatoes onto each plate. Top with the sausage, peppers, and onions, making sure to drizzle some of that flavorful sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.
🍷 Serving Tip: Pair with a glass of rustic Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese for the perfect date-night or Sunday dinner vibe.
🍽️ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4–6