Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Our Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers recipe is your ticket to a quick, delicious meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Packed with juicy Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich, aromatic sauce, this one-pot wonder is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by slicing Italian sausage into 1-inch thick pieces, cutting bell peppers into strips, and thinly slicing the onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and allow it to heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Brown the sliced Italian sausage in the Instant Pot for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Remove sausage and set aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to "Sealing", and select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the sausage and peppers. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for fresh Italian sausage with good fat content for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Don't Skip Browning: Take the time to brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables. This step builds a deep, complex flavor base for your dish.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow a 5-minute natural pressure release to help the meat stay tender and juicy.
- Customize Your Dish: Experiment with different colored bell peppers or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over creamy polenta, fluffy rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Garnish for Extra Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can brighten the entire dish and add a pop of color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 239kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
