Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers Recipe

If you’re craving something hearty, colorful, and bursting with flavor, Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers is going to be your new best friend. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s both comforting and lightning-fast—perfect for busy weeknights yet bold enough to steal the show at your next potluck. Let’s dive into everything you need to make this Italian-American classic at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of everyday ingredients is all you need to build this vibrant, cozy dish. Each one plays a special role, from the smoky sausage to those tender, jewel-toned peppers that tie it all together.

• Smoked Sausage (13 oz packet): Pre-cooked sausage adds rich, savory depth—any kind (chicken, turkey, or pork) works great. Uncooked Italian sausage is delicious too; just brown it thoroughly first.
• Yellow, Red, and Green Bell Peppers (1 each, medium): The trio of peppers delivers color, sweetness, and a classic Italian vibe.
• Yellow Onion (1 medium): For a gentle, aromatic base that balances the peppers and sausage.
• Garlic (6 cloves, chopped): Brings a fragrant punch—don’t skimp!
• Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 10 oz): Adds juicy acidity and sauce; Rotel with chiles brings heat or use plain for a milder version.
• Tomato Paste (2 tbsp): Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For browning the sausage and sautéing the veggies.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Lends that familiar herbaceous, Mediterranean essence.
• Dried Basil (1 tsp): For extra herb flavor—fresh basil is wonderful for garnish.
• Red Chili Flakes (1 tsp, optional): For a little fire. Omit if you want less heat.
• Paprika (1 tsp, optional): Adds earthiness and gorgeous color.
• Red Wine (½ cup): Intensifies flavor and gives body to the sauce—sub chicken stock or water if needed.
• Salt (to taste): Adjust to bring all the flavors to life.

Variations

Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers is the ultimate “make it your way” meal, giving you endless options to tweak based on what you love or what’s in your fridge. Don’t be shy—get creative and truly make it yours!

• Make It Spicier: Craving a real kick? Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red chili flakes or spicy Rotel tomatoes.
• Go Lighter: Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for classic pork, or lighten the sauce with low-sodium chicken broth instead of wine.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach for more nutrition and color.
• Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally free from both, but always double-check sausages and tomato products for add-ins if you have allergies.

How to Make Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Set your Instant Pot to SAUTE and add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add the sausage pieces—either diced or whole, depending on your preference. Brown them well on all sides for maximum flavor. Remove and set aside; those delicious browned bits on the bottom add depth to your sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Toss in your sliced bell peppers, diced onion, and chopped garlic. Sauté for just a couple of minutes until fragrant and the colors start to pop, but don’t worry about fully cooking them yet—the Instant Pot will work its magic soon.

Step 3: Build the Sauce & Deglaze

Add the canned diced tomatoes (with all their juices), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, chili flakes, paprika (if using), salt, and red wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up every last brown bit from the bottom—this is key to avoiding the dreaded “burn” notice and brings robust flavor.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for 10 minutes for super soft peppers, or just 5 minutes if you like them with a little bite. As soon as the timer beeps, use the Quick Release method to vent all the steam.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Carefully open the lid and return the browned sausages to the pot. Give everything a good stir, then set the pot to SAUTE (low) and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is thickened to your liking. Extra-saucy for rice? Thicker for hoagies? The sauce is yours to master!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon your Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers over your favorite base—rice, quinoa, pasta, or pile it into crusty rolls for epic sandwiches. Dig in and savor every bite!

How to Serve Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers

Garnishes

A big sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving adds a burst of freshness and irresistible color. For an extra savory lift, try a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese or a few grinds of black pepper.

Side Dishes

This Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers pairs beautifully with a side salad tossed in vinaigrette, fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or buttery noodles. If you’re feeling classic, serve alongside garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the sausage and peppers straight from the Instant Pot with mini rolls for slider-style sandwiches. Or, make “sausage and pepper boats” by piling the mixture into baked hoagie rolls and topping with melty provolone under the broiler—total crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to seven days, making it a fantastic meal prep option for the week ahead.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooled sausage and peppers in portioned containers for up to a month. The peppers will soften even more when thawed, but the flavors meld beautifully.

Reheating

Gently reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage—it’ll come right back to life!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a meal that ticks all the boxes—quick, cozy, colorful, crowd-pleasing—Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers is calling your name! I hope you give it a try and discover just how easy homemade comfort food can be. Now grab your favorite sausage, fire up your Instant Pot, and enjoy every last saucy bite!

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