Baked Italian Sausage and Peppers: A One-Pan Sheet Pan Classic

Savory Italian sausages roasted with sweet peppers, tomatoes, and onions make for an effortless, flavor-packed sheet pan dinner.

By Medha deb
Created on

Baked Italian Sausage and Peppers: Classic Sheet Pan Simplicity

For busy nights and comforting meals, few recipes deliver as much ease and flavor as Baked Italian Sausage and Peppers. Brilliantly straightforward, this one-pan classic blends robust Italian sausage with sweet peppers, juicy tomatoes, onions, and a sprinkle of oregano—all roasted until caramelized and golden. With minimal hands-on time and easy cleanup, it’s a dish every home cook should have in their repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pan Convenience: Everything roasts together on a single sheet pan, making prep and cleanup seamless.
  • Customizable Flavors: Use sweet or hot sausages, mix pepper colors, or add your favorite Italian seasonings.
  • Healthy and Balanced: With lean protein, colorful veggies, and less added fat, it fits into most healthy eating plans.
  • Weeknight Friendly: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for when time is short but dinner can’t wait.

Ingredients for Baked Italian Sausage and Peppers

This dish thrives on fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4 Italian turkey sausages (sweet or hot, about 12 oz. total), cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 bell peppers (red, orange, or both), halved, seeded, and thickly sliced
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredient note: Italian turkey sausage offers lighter fare, but classic pork sausage is equally authentic. Choose sweet sausage for milder taste or hot for a spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Combine the vegetables: On a large rimmed sheet pan, toss peppers, tomatoes, onion, and garlic with olive oil, dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Add the sausage: Scatter the sausage pieces over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.
  4. Roast: Place the pan in the oven and roast for 15–20 minutes, or until the sausages are cooked through, the skins begin to blister, and vegetables are golden and tender. Stir once halfway through for even caramelization.
  5. Serve: Dish up immediately, either on its own, over rice, polenta, or stuffed into fresh rolls.

Nutrition Information

ServingCaloriesProtein (g)Carbs (g)Fiber (g)Sugars (g)Fat (g)Sodium (mg)
Per serving210161026 (0 g added)13 (0.5 g saturated)665

Nutrition may vary depending on sausage and exact ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Try serving it:

  • On its own: Standalone, this makes a hearty, low-carb meal.
  • On crusty rolls: Piled into hoagie or Italian bread, it’s the ultimate sausage and peppers sub.
  • With pasta: Spoon over your favorite noodle shape and a ladle of tomato sauce for Italian comfort.
  • Over polenta or rice: The juices soak in and elevate these easy grains.
  • With a salad: Pair with a crunchy green salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations

  • Mix up vegetables: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or even fennel bulbs for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Use different sausages: Pork, chicken, or plant-based sausages all work well.
  • Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic for tangy heat.
  • Make ahead: Chop veggies and prep sausages in advance for a faster weeknight meal.
  • Easy cleanup: Line your sheet pan with parchment or foil for super-fast cleanup.

What to Do with Leftovers

  • Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in covered containers up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven or a skillet over medium heat until hot. For microwave, heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between.

Why Sheet Pan Meals Make Weeknight Cooking Easy

There’s a reason sheet pan dinners have become so popular. Not only do they minimize dishwashing, but roasting concentrates flavor in a way that stovetop methods simply can’t. The oven’s dry heat caramelizes vegetables and crisps sausage skin, resulting in deeper flavor and an irresistible texture. Everything is ready at the same time, and thanks to easy prep, you can have a home-cooked meal after a long day without the hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of sausage should I use?

The recipe works with any Italian sausage—turkey, pork, or chicken—with sweet or hot varieties depending on your preference. For a leaner option, use turkey sausage. Vegan sausages can also be substituted with similar cooking times.

What kind of peppers are best?

Red, orange, or yellow bell peppers provide natural sweetness and vibrant color. Green peppers work but are less sweet and more bitter. Mixing multiple colors adds visual appeal.

Can I prepare this meal in advance?

Absolutely. Prep all ingredients up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, assemble on the sheet pan and bake as directed.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes. Portion into containers with whole grains or salad for easy weekday lunches or dinners. The dish reheats well and maintains flavor and texture.

How can I lower the sodium content?

Choose sausages labeled as low-sodium and use less added salt. Load up on extra vegetables for bulk and flavor without extra sodium.

Health Benefits of Italian Sausage and Peppers

With its blend of lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables, this recipe offers:

  • High-quality protein for muscle maintenance and satiety
  • Antioxidant-rich veggies like peppers and tomatoes
  • Low carb content for those watching carbohydrate intake
  • Good fats from olive oil and sausage, especially if choosing poultry sausage

Tip: Serve with a big salad or more roasted veggies to increase fiber and micronutrients.

More Healthy Dinner Inspiration

  • Try roasted sausage and fennel for a touch of anise flavor.
  • Sheet pan pesto sausage and veggies for a twist—replace oregano with basil pesto and add zucchini and potatoes.
  • Check out other quick sheet pan dinners featuring chicken, shrimp, or plant-based proteins with colorful vegetables.

Other Healthy Reads from Prevention

Final Thoughts

Baked Italian Sausage and Peppers proves that the most satisfying dinners don’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it delivers rustic flavors and healthy nutrition—making it a perfect meal for hectic weeknights, family tables, or easy entertaining. Try it once, and it may quickly become part of your regular meal rotation.

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb