Sausage and Peppers Sub
A quintessential Italian-American classic, this sub features juicy, browned Italian sausage nestled with sweet, tender bell peppers and onions in a toasted hoagie roll. A street fair favorite made simple for a hearty, satisfying meal any night of the week.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the vegetables
- a.Thinly slice the bell peppers and onion into approximately 1/4-inch strips. Mince the garlic cloves.
- 2
Cook the sausage
- a.Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausages and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until well-browned on all sides and cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- 3
Remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside on a cutting board
- a.Once cool enough to handle, slice them into 1-inch thick rounds. Do not wipe the skillet clean; leave the rendered fat for flavor.
- 4
Sauté the vegetables
- a.Add the sliced onions to the same skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become translucent. Add the sliced bell peppers and continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
- 5
Add aromatics and combine
- a.Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute more until the garlic is fragrant. Return the sliced sausage to the skillet. If using, pour in the marinara sauce and stir everything together.
- 6
Simmer and season
- a.Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- 7
Assemble the subs
- a.Split the hoagie rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. For best results, lightly toast the rolls in an oven or toaster oven. If using cheese, place a slice of provolone inside each roll to melt slightly from the heat of the filling. Generously spoon the sausage and peppers mixture into each roll and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use high-quality, flavorful Italian sausage from a butcher or trusted brand for the best results.
- 2Don't rush cooking the onions. Allowing them to soften properly builds a sweet flavor foundation that balances the savory sausage.
- 3Toasting the rolls is a crucial step. It creates a barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy and adds a pleasant crunch.
- 4For a deeper, more complex flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine or beef broth after sautéing the vegetables and before adding the sausage back.
- 5Feel free to use a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage to customize the flavor and heat level.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Baked Subs
Assemble the subs as directed, top with an extra slice of provolone or mozzarella, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add MushroomsAdd Mushrooms
Sauté 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms along with the bell peppers for an extra layer of earthy flavor.
Sausage & Peppers PastaSausage & Peppers Pasta
Skip the rolls and toss the finished sausage and peppers filling with 1 pound of cooked penne or rigatoni pasta. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Spicy Arrabbiata StyleSpicy Arrabbiata Style
Use hot Italian sausage, double the red pepper flakes, and add a splash of hot sauce to the marinara for a fiery kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Italian sausage is a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Excellent Source of Vitamin C
Bell peppers, especially red ones, are packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system, supports skin health, and aids in iron absorption.
Provides B Vitamins
Pork sausage is a good source of several B vitamins, including B12 and niacin, which are crucial for energy metabolism and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Frequently asked questions
A single Sausage and Peppers Sub typically contains between 700 and 850 calories, depending on the size of the roll, the type of sausage used, and the amount of cheese and oil.