Keto Sausage and Peppers (Grill)

This Sausage and Peppers Recipe is made with sweet and spicy sausages, bell peppers, onions, diced tomatoes and salt.

I love this recipe because it is so simple and easy to make and feeds a hungry family of five. I encourage you all to try this - this recipe is an Italian mom's best friend. This recipe is made on the grill but you can alternatively make it in the oven.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Cream Cheese Poblano Peppers or my Stuffed Anaheim Peppers.

Jump to:

• What are Sausage and Peppers?
• Why Should I grill Sausage and Peppers?
• Sausage and Peppers Recipe Ingredients
• How to Grill Sausage and Peppers
• What to serve with Grilled Sausage and Peppers
• Substitutions
• Sausage and Peppers Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Sausage and Peppers
• Sausage and Peppers Recipe Top tips
• Sausage and Peppers Recipe
• Food safety

What are Sausage and Peppers?

Sausage and peppers is a classic Italian-American dish that typically consists of Italian sausage and sautéed bell peppers and onions. The dish is often served as a sandwich or as a main dish with a side of pasta or rice.

The sausage used in the dish can vary, but it is usually a sweet or hot Italian sausage, which is a type of pork sausage seasoned with fennel, garlic, and other spices. The bell peppers used are typically green, red, or yellow, and are sliced and sautéed with onions until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

The sausage and peppers are often served together in a sandwich, which is sometimes called a "hero" or a "sub." The sandwich is usually made with a crusty Italian roll and may also include melted provolone cheese or marinara sauce.

In addition to being a popular street food and comfort food, sausage and peppers are also a common dish served at Italian-American festivals and other events.

Why Should I grill Sausage and Peppers?

• Flavor: Grilling imparts a smoky flavor to the sausage and peppers that you can't achieve through other cooking methods. This enhances the natural flavor of the ingredients and makes them even more delicious.
• Texture: Grilling also gives the sausage and peppers a crispy exterior and a juicy interior, creating a great texture contrast that makes the dish even more enjoyable to eat.
• Easy: Grilling is a relatively simple cooking method that requires minimal prep work and allows you to cook everything at once. This means you can easily cook a large batch of sausage and peppers for a crowd, without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
• Versatile: Grilled sausage and peppers can be served in a variety of ways, from sandwiches to pasta dishes, making it a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your preferences.

Sausage and Peppers Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Italian sausage
• Bell pepper
• Onion
• Diced tomatoes

See recipe card for Keto Sausage and Peppers quantities.

How to Grill Sausage and Peppers

Preheat the grill to medium high. Grill the sausages until brown for about 6-8 minutes. Place the browned sausages on a plate.  

What to serve with Grilled Sausage and Peppers

• Pasta: Serve grilled sausage and peppers over pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, with a simple tomato sauce or garlic and olive oil.
• Salad: Serve a simple green salad with grilled sausage and peppers to add some freshness to the meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Serve grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms, alongside the sausage and peppers for a healthy and colorful side dish.
• Potato Salad: A classic potato salad pairs well with grilled sausage and peppers, and can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining.
• Bread: Serve grilled sausage and peppers on a crusty Italian roll or sliced bread for a classic sandwich.
• Rice: Serve grilled sausage and peppers over rice, such as white or brown rice, for a hearty and filling meal.

Substitutions

• Sausage: I love using Premio sausage, but any sausage works. 
• Bell peppers: I love to mix and match between red and green bell peppers, but you can get creative. 
• Onions: I like to use yellow onions, but white or red onions work just as well. 
• Tomatoes: I love using diced tomatoes from the can. 

Sausage and Peppers Recipe Variations

• Spicy Sausage and Peppers: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet, and add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
• Chicken Sausage and Peppers: Use chicken sausage instead of pork sausage for a healthier and lighter version of this dish.
• Beer-Simmered Sausage and Peppers: Cook the sausage and peppers in beer instead of oil or water for a rich and flavorful twist on this classic dish.
• Balsamic Sausage and Peppers: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the sausage and peppers before serving for a tangy and sweet flavor that complements the savory sausage.
• One-Pot Sausage and Peppers: Cook the sausage and peppers in one pot with some tomato sauce and broth for a quick and easy meal that requires minimal cleanup.
• Sausage and Pepper Skewers: Thread sliced sausage, peppers, and onions onto skewers and grill for a fun and colorful presentation.

Check out these Pork Birria Tacos.

Equipment

• Grill: You can use either a gas grill or a charcoal grill. Gas grills are generally easier to use and require less maintenance, while charcoal grills provide a more smoky flavor.
• Aluminum pan: I love using an aluminum pan and placing it in the grill. I start by browning the sausage onto the griddle to get the marks on them, and then placing them into the pan with the rest of the veggies. 
• Grilling tools: You'll need a set of grilling tools, including tongs, a spatula, and a grill brush. These will help you handle the sausage and peppers on the grill and keep the grill grates clean.
• Oil brush: An oil brush or a piece of paper towel dipped in oil will help you coat the sausage and peppers with oil before grilling, preventing them from sticking to the grill grates.
• Foil tray: You can place a foil tray on the grill to catch any drippings from the sausage and peppers, making cleanup easier.
• Meat thermometer: To ensure that the sausage is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage. It should read 160°F for pork sausage and 165°F for chicken sausage.

How to store Sausage and Peppers

1. Let the sausage and peppers cool down to room temperature.
2. Transfer the sausage and peppers to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag to prevent the food from spoiling quickly.
3. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily identify it later.
4. Store the container or bag in the refrigerator. Sausage and peppers will typically last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Sausage and Peppers Recipe Top tips

• Use high-quality sausage: The quality of the sausage you use will greatly affect the overall flavor of the dish. Look for fresh, high-quality sausage from a reputable source for the best results.
• Cut the peppers and onions evenly: Cut the peppers and onions into similar-sized pieces to ensure that they cook evenly on the grill.
• Pre-cook the peppers and onions: To speed up the cooking process and ensure that the peppers and onions are cooked through, you can pre-cook them in a skillet on the stove before grilling.
• Oil the grill grates: To prevent the sausage and peppers from sticking to the grill, use an oil brush to coat the grill grates with oil before cooking.
• Use indirect heat: To avoid burning the sausage and peppers, cook them over indirect heat on the grill. This means turning off one side of the grill or moving the sausage and peppers to the cooler side of the grill.
• Don't overcook the sausage: Overcooked sausage can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sausage and remove it from the grill when it reaches 160°F for pork sausage or 165°F for chicken sausage.
• Serve hot: Sausage and peppers are best served hot off the grill. If you're cooking for a crowd, you can keep the sausage and peppers warm in a foil tray on the grill until ready to serve.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.