Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

This Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers recipe is the kind of weeknight dinner hero you’ll want to make again and again—it’s boldly flavorful, eye-catching with those vibrant bell pepper strips, and truly hands-off thanks to your trusty pressure cooker. Whether you’re stuffing juicy sausage and saucy peppers into a hoagie or spooning it over rice for a cozy meal, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your home kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each of these ingredients may seem simple on its own, but together they build an Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers you’ll crave. Sizzling sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a bold tomato base are the backbone, while classic Italian herbs, red wine, and a little heat round out every bite.

• Smoked Sausage (13 oz packet): Pre-cooked or uncooked—use your favorite variety (chicken, turkey, or classic pork), sliced or left whole for more rustic appeal.
• Yellow, Red, and Green Peppers: A trio of bell peppers brings gorgeous color and that iconic, sweet flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Roughly sliced for extra texture and natural sweetness that melds beautifully into the sauce.
• Garlic: Six cloves add the right kick—don’t skimp (your kitchen will smell amazing!).
• Canned Diced Tomatoes (like Rotel, 10 oz): Use hot for a spicy kick or regular if you want to keep it mild.
• Tomato Paste: Boosts richness and helps the sauce cling to every bite.
• Olive Oil: For luscious sautéing and adding subtle Mediterranean notes.
• Italian Seasoning, Dry Basil Flakes, Paprika, Red Chili Flakes: A blend that delivers both warmth and complexity—add more chili if you’re feeling bold.
• Red Wine (½ cup): Deepens flavor and gives the sauce real Italian flair (swap for broth or water if preferred).
• Salt: Dial it in to taste, bringing every flavor into balance.

Variations

This is one of those fabulous recipes that you can change up on a whim! Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers adapts to dietary needs, ingredient swaps, or your favorite comfort food cravings—no matter what’s on hand.

• Mix Up the Sausage: Try spicy Italian sausage for extra heat, mild for a kid-friendly dish, or go with turkey/chicken sausage for something lighter.
• Make It Low-Carb: Skip the bread or rice and serve your sausage and peppers over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
• Add Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, baby spinach, or even a can of drained cannellini beans add heartiness and extra nutrition.
• Turn Down the Spice: Omit the red chili flakes and use plain diced tomatoes for a milder version that’s just as delicious.
• Swap the Wine: Don’t want to use wine? Use chicken broth or water—your dish will still be full of flavor, though the sauce will be a bit milder and less rich.

How to Make Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function, and once that olive oil shimmers, add the sausage. If you’re using pre-cooked, slice before browning; if uncooked, brown them whole and dice later. Sear until nicely golden on the edges—this develops rich, savory flavor! Don’t worry about any tasty browned bits sticking to the bottom, because you’ll be deglazing soon. Transfer sausage to a plate once browned.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers, Onion, and Garlic

Add your prepped bell peppers, sliced onion, and that mountain of garlic to the pot. Sauté for just 1–2 minutes—the goal is a glossy, vibrant mix, with the veggies just starting to soften but still brightly colored.

Step 3: Layer in Tomatoes, Seasonings, and Wine

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, all those fragrant herbs and spices, a sprinkle of salt, and the red wine. Give everything a thorough mix, scraping up every bit clinging to the bottom of the pot. This step is key for maximum flavor and prevents the dreaded burn notice!

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Now it’s Instant Pot magic time! Lock on the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes if you want meltingly soft peppers, or just 5 minutes for a more tender-crisp result. When the timer beeps, do a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting” so the veggies don’t overcook.

Step 5: Add Back Sausage & Simmer Sauce

Once the lid is off, return your browned sausage to the pot (with any juices!). Taste for salt. Turn the Sauté function back on, this time on LOW, and simmer to thicken the sauce to your liking. Peppers tend to release liquid—so if you want a thicker, hoagie-ready filling, keep simmering for a few minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers is ready! Scoop it over pasta, nestle it inside a sandwich roll, or serve with your favorite grain for a comforting meal. Every bite is savory, saucy, and deeply satisfying.

How to Serve Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley adds a burst of color and a lovely herbaceous finish. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese or even a drizzle of good olive oil will elevate each serving of Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers, making every bite feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish plays perfectly with a cozy bed of fluffy white rice, buttery noodles, or creamy polenta. If you’re aiming for something fresh and light, a big green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. And don’t forget crusty bread or garlic rolls for sopping up all that saucy goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

Stuff your sausage and peppers into toasted hoagie rolls for the ultimate handheld dinner, spoon it atop baked potatoes for a twist, or layer it over cheesy grits for total comfort. You can also pile it high in a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly for an irresistible one-dish bake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers keeps beautifully for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. As the flavors meld, every reheated bite just gets more delicious—making leftovers something to get excited about.

Freezing

Cooled sausage and peppers freeze well for up to a month! Simply portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Note that the peppers will soften further upon reheating, but the flavors remain vibrant and satisfying.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftovers into a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If your sauce has thickened, add a splash of broth or water and stir until you regain that saucy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience how fun, flavorful, and freeing dinner feels with Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers on the menu. Whether it’s a weeknight hustle or a weekend treat, this recipe is your ticket to effortless comfort food with a dash of Italian flair—give it a try, and I think you’ll fall in love just like I did!

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