Easy Sheet Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers

Sausage, peppers, and onion cook together in the oven in this quick Italian sausage and peppers recipe! Serve over rice, pasta, or roasted potatoes. You can also use this entree in hoagie rolls.

Update: This recipe was originally published in 2022 and has been republished with all new photos.

I’ve always been a big fan of the combination of sausage, peppers, and onions. It’s something my dad and I had in common. If a sausage and pepper sub was on a restaurant menu I was sure to order it. There’s just something about that big savory flavor and oh my goodness that incredible smell. It makes me hungry just thinking about it and I guarantee you the whole family will agree.

This recipe is so easy, friends, and made with simple ingredients. We’re talking minimal prep. All you do is chop up the ingredients, spread them on a baking sheet, drizzle, season, and bake. Anybody can do it! This makes this a great recipe for busy weeknights.

I recommend this entree over rice (white rice or cauliflower rice both work beautifully) or in a hoagie roll for a really tasty sandwich. Other options include serving this over pasta, roasted potatoes, or roasted broccoli (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it). You truly can’t go wrong.

I’ve had a skillet version on the blog for years but for a long time I’ve wanted to bring you a quick sheet pan version too. If you like this dish you’ll love some of my other favorite recipes with sausage. My Easy Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables, Sheet Pan Sausage with Zucchini and Broccoli, Sheet Pan Sausage with Potatoes and Green Beans, and Sheet Pan Sausage with Potatoes and Apples are more sheet pan sausage recipes you’ll enjoy. My Air Fryer Sausage with Vegetables is a delicious way to prepare sausage in the air fryer.

Sheet Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Ingredients

• Sausage or kielbasa: You can use pork, chicken, beef, or turkey sausage. I most often use chicken sausage or beef sausage. Sweet Italian sausage or hot Italian sausages are also delicious options that add so much flavor.
• Bell peppers: I prefer a mix of red bell peppers and orange or yellow bell peppers. Green bell peppers work too but they’re less sweet.
• Onion: White onion or yellow onion both work well. I like to use red onion because it makes your finished dish extra colorful.
• Olive oil: The oil helps make the onion and bell pepper tender. It also gives us some browning on the sausage and really bring out its flavor. I recommend extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil but you can use any oil you’re comfortable cooking with.
• Seasonings: Dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper all create the perfect Italian seasoning blend for this easy meal.
• Fresh basil: Fresh basil is a bright finishing touch to this entree before serving.

How to Make Sheet Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers

Spread the sausage, bell pepper, and onion on a baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and all the seasonings. Use a spatula to spread everything around so that it’s evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake until peppers and onions are perfectly tender. Stir in fresh basil before serving.

Should you use parchment paper on your baking sheet?

For some recipes I strongly encourage parchment paper to prevent sticking; however, this entree has always done well for me without any. We’re using a good amount of oil which really keeps the ingredients from attaching themselves to the pan. Of course if you prefer to use parchment paper, go for it!

What size baking sheet should you use?

I recommend a large sheet pan for all my sheet pan recipes in order to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding. I’ve found 12 x 17 to be the perfect size.

What kind of sausage is best to use?

For this recipe you want to use a fully cooked dinner sausage. You can find it in your grocery store’s refrigerated case beside hot dogs.

Chicken, beef, turkey, or pork sausage will all work.

What color bell peppers and onions are best?

Any color bell pepper is perfect. I like to use a variety of colors so I prefer a combination of red, green, and orange or yellow.

White, yellow, or red onions all work well. Take your pick!

How to make this dish spicy

If you’re using a mild sausage then this entree won’t be spicy. To amp up the heat, select a spicy sausage and add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to everything before baking (a little goes a long way).

Is this entree good for meal prep?

This easy recipe is delicious for meal prep because both the sausage and bell peppers hold up well after reheating. Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to eat. Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Does this freeze well?

This entree freezes, thaws, and reheats beautifully. You can store it in the freezer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just add it to a skillet (after thawing) on the stove over medium to medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water as it’s cooking if you notice that it’s sticking to the pan.

How to serve this

There are so many different ways to enjoy this Italian sausage recipe. Serve over white rice, cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, spaghetti squash, pasta, or potatoes. Add to hoagie rolls or hot dog buns for a really fun handheld entree. The entire family will love sausage and pepper sandwiches!

Share the Love: