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    Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers

    Allergy Friendly Recipes Dairy-Free Recipes Easy Pork Recipes Gluten Free Instant Pot Instant Pot Pork Recipes Main Courses Real Food Sandwiches, Burgers, and Wraps June 10, 2021 | By Kristen Chidsey | 30 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers is a simple, flavor-packed meal made with Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, and rich tomato sauce. This recipe is delicious served as a low-carb meal, served as a sauce for pasta, or on buns for Sausage and Pepper Grinders.

    Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers is a simple, flavor-packed meal made with Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, and rich tomato sauce.

    Sausage and peppers are delicious served as a filling low-carb meal, as a hearty sauce for pasta, or on buns for mouth-watering Sausage and Pepper Grinders.

    White bowl with Italian Sausage, peppers, onions, in tomato sauce next to instant pot.

    One of my family's all-time favorite meals is Italian sausage with peppers.

    It is a simple meal made with only a handful of ingredients, yet the dish is packed with flavor.

    Simmered in a sauce made from chicken stock, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and spaghetti sauce, the sausage soaks up so much flavor while creating a rich, luscious sauce.

    I typically made this meal in the crockpot to have it ready after a long day. But thanks to the speediness of the Instant Pot, my family can enjoy this meal in just over 30 minutes any time we are in need of a quick, hearty dinner.

    Ingredients Needed

    Ingredients for sausage and peppers on white counter.
    • Italian Sausage: To impart the most flavor into the sausage and to create the most flavorful sauce, be sure to use uncooked Italian sausage links. Turkey, pork, or chicken Italian-flavored sausage all work well in this recipe. Select mild, spicy, or sweet Italian Sausage links depending on your family's preferences.
    • Bell Peppers: You can use any color of bell pepper, or a variety of bell peppers if you like.
    • Onion: Yellow or sweet onions work best in this recipe.
    • Garlic: What's an Italian dish without extra garlic added? Use either minced jarred or freshly minced garlic.
    • Broth: For the thin liquid needed, use either vegetable broth or chicken stock.
    • Spaghetti Sauce: A shortcut to adding so much flavor to Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers is to use a prepared marinara or spaghetti sauce. Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade spaghetti sauce.

    How to make Sausage and Peppers in the Instant Pot

    • Turn the Instant Pot to saute, add in a bit of oil, and allow to heat up for a minute or two.
    • While the oil is heating, pierce each sausage with a fork 3-4 times on each side. This will ensure the sausage cooks evenly and does not burst open while pressure cooking.
    • Once the oil is heated, add the sausages to the oil and sear on each side until just browned. This should take just about 2 minutes per side.
    Seared Italian Sausage in inner pot of Instant Pot.
    • Once browned, remove the sausages from the inner pot and place them onto a plate.
    • With the Instant Pot still on the saute setting, add in a bit more oil and the sliced onions and peppers. Saute for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften, and then turn the Instant Pot OFF.
    • Add in the stock and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits off the bottom of the inner pot. This will help to prevent a burn notice from happening.
    Peppers and onions sauteeing in inner pot of instant pot.
    • Nestle the sausage back into the inner pot and add in the minced garlic and top the sausage with the tomato sauce.
    Sausage, peppers, onions, and tomato sauce layered in instant pot.
    • Place the lid on the pressure cooker, being sure the vent knob is sealed. And set to cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes.
    • Once cook time has been reached, allow pressure to release naturally on its own for at least 10 minutes. It does not matter if your unit is on keep warm or not.
    Peppers, onions, and sausages in tomato sauce in instant pot.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Serve the sausage on hoagie buns with peppers and onions. Add a side of baked sweet potato fries or oven fries to complete the meal.
    • Serve the sausage, along with the peppers, onions, and sauce over pasta or rice with a tossed Greek Salad on the side.
    • Serve as a stand-alone dish with fresh fruit or steamed vegetables on the side, for a lower-carb meal.
    Italian Sausage topped with peppers, onions, on hoagie bun next to instant pot.

    Storing Leftovers

    Leftover Instant Pot Sauage and Peppers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish covered with a paper towel to prevent splatter in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

    You can also opt to freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Defrost in the refrigerator and reheat as desired. Use within 3 days of defrosting.

    Recipe FAQs

    Do you have to brown the sausages before pressure cooking?

    No! You can skip sauteeing the sausages. In fact, you can even skip sauteing the onions and peppers and instead just layer the ingredients in the inner pot and cook for 7 minutes on high pressure. Just keep in mind that the exterior of the sausage will be softer, but you can finish them on the grill or under the broiler to crisp up if desired.

    Is it necessary to pierce the sausages before pressure cooking?

    Yes! This allows the sausages to cook evenly and for pressure not to build in the casing of the sausage, which could cause the sausage to burst or split open. It also allows for more flavor from the rich sauce to infuse the meat.

    Can I make Instant Pot Sauage without peppers and onions?

    Yes! If you are just looking for a recipe for Italian sausage, simply omit the peppers and onions from this recipe. The cooking time will remain the same.

    Can this be made using a bag of frozen peppers and onions?

    Yes! Using a 10-ounce bag of frozen peppers and onions is not only a time-saving tip but also typically saves you a few pennies as well. After sauteing the sausage, remove them to a plate, turn the instant pot off, deglaze the pan with stock then add in the frozen peppers and onions, along with the garlic, and tomato sauce and cook for 6 minutes on high pressure.

    Is the tomato sauce necessary?

    No! I love the flavor that the tomato sauce adds to this dish, but it can be omitted and still produce delicious results.

    Can I make this recipe low-carb?

    Yes! Just be sure your sausage and tomato sauce do not have added sugars.

    Is this recipe gluten-free?

    If you need this recipe to be gluten-free, be sure to check the label of your sausage over carefully, as it will vary depending on the brand you purchase.

    Can this recipe be doubled?

    Absolutely! You can double this recipe, or even just opt to throw in a couple of extra sausages with no change to the cooking time. Just keep in mind you may need to brown your sausages in batches.

    More Italian-Inspired Instant Pot Recipes

    • Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
    • Instant Pot Lasagna
    • Instant Pot Creamy Italian Pasta
    • Instant Pot Spaghetti
    • Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana

    If you enjoyed this easy recipe for Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

    Sausage and Peppers in white serving dish next to peppers, garlic, and onions.

    Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers

    Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers is a simple, flavor-packed meal made with Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, and rich tomato sauce.
    5 from 24 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 6 minutes minutes
    Pressure Build-Up and Release: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 36 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 369kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 2 teaspoons oil divided
    • 4-6 links Italian sausage uncooked
    • 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
    • 3 bell peppers thinly sliced
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1 cup chicken stock
    • 1 cup prepared spaghetti sauce
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Turn the Instant Pot to saute and let heat until it reads HOT, or for 2-3 minutes.
    • Add in 1 teaspoon of the oil. Pierce each sausage several times with a fork and then place the sausage into the oil and sear on each side until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the sausage from the inner pot and place them onto a clean plate.
    • With the pressure cooker still on the saute setting, add in an additional teaspoon of oil, along with the sliced peppers and onions. Saute for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables have begun to soften. Turn the Instant Pot off.
    • Add in the stock, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot.
    • Add the sausage back to the inner pot. Add in the garlic and then spoon the tomato sauce over the sausage.
    • Set to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release naturally on its own for at least 10 minutes.
    • Serve on buns, over pasta or rice, or as a stand-alone meal.

    Equipment Needed

    • Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart)

    Notes

    Notes for using an 8-quart model: 1 cup of stock is still enough liquid for this recipe, as the onions and peppers will give off more liquid as they cook.
    Feel free to omit the peppers, onions, garlic, and/or tomato sauce if desired. For the sausage, use any brand or variety you like of uncooked Italian sausage. Hot, sweet, mild, or turkey, pork, or chicken.
    Feel free to skip sauteeing the sausages, onions, and peppers and instead just layer the ingredients in the inner pot and cook for 7 minutes on high pressure.
    In place of the fresh onions and peppers, you can use a 10-ounce bag of frozen peppers and onions. After sauteing the sausage, remove them to a plate, turn the instant pot off, deglaze the pan with stock then add in the frozen peppers and onions, along with the garlic, and tomato sauce and cook for 6 minutes on high pressure.
    You can double this recipe, or even just opt to throw in a couple of extra sausages with no change to the cooking time. Just keep in mind you may need to brown your sausages in batches.
    Storage: Leftover Instant Pot Sauage and Peppers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave-safe dish covered with a paper towel to prevent splatter in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. You can also opt to freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Defrost in the refrigerator and reheat as desired. Use within 3 days of defrosting.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 819mg | Potassium: 768mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3060IU | Vitamin C: 123mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 3mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!
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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Pamela A Lombardo

      April 06, 2023 at 5:47 pm

      I made this last night and it was delicious!!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 06, 2023 at 7:35 pm

        I am thrilled to hear you enjoyed this recipe!

        Reply
    2. Jenn

      February 27, 2023 at 5:14 pm

      5 stars
      Super easy, I add less broth(1/4 cup) but make sure you layer broth, veggies, sausage, sauce on top otherwise you get a burn notice from the sauce. Served over penne or hogue buns! Make for a crowd as well, movie nights, Sunday's, football, parties!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 28, 2023 at 6:40 am

        Thanks for sharing Jenn! Yes, CRITICAL you layer the sauce on top, especially if you decrease the sauce.

        Reply
    3. Karen S

      January 14, 2023 at 5:34 pm

      5 stars
      Pretty tasty! I made it without the spaghetti sauce, and sauted the garlic for a minutes with the onions and peppers. I appreciate how the fat drained out of the sausages.

      Reply
    4. Danielle

      November 29, 2022 at 6:33 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is quick, easy, and delicious! Great weeknight dinner. There is a lot of leftover liquid. Hoping to find a good recipe to use it because it's a shame to throw it out!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 29, 2022 at 7:46 pm

        Hi Danielle! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed the dish! The leftover liquid would be delicious in a soup or used to cooked rice.

        Reply
    5. Rick Dale

      September 02, 2022 at 8:44 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe! I make it almost every week and it is the meal that my 13 year old asks for on his birthday. If I am pressed for time I do not brown the sausage and nobody seems to notice except me. I have also used frozen fajita vegetables when I am really being lazy and it comes out fine. I usually have to drain some of the liquid out after it is done cooking and then add back more spaghetti sauce. This might be due to my not measuring everything perfectly.

      I make a larger batch so I put the cooker on for 9 minutes and let it naturally depressurize for 15. A larger batch is required for my family if I want to have any chance of having some leftovers for lunch the next day!

      Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 02, 2022 at 9:09 am

        I love hearing this is not only a staple but your 13 year old's birthday request! What an honor! I love hearing how your adaptations work as well. I love making use of what you have on hand!

        Reply
    6. Essie

      July 03, 2022 at 7:23 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe! I used no sugar added sausage and marinara sauce for a delicious low carb meal. Thanks for another awesome instant pot recipe.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 04, 2022 at 6:51 am

        You bet! So happy to hear you enjoyed, Essie!

        Reply
    7. Ann Glowen

      July 01, 2022 at 9:38 am

      Have you tried making large batches of sausage.... Would I need to put foil between the layers of sausage?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 01, 2022 at 11:16 am

        As long as you don't fill the inner pot past 2/3rd of the way full, you will be good to go! It will take longer to come to pressure, but the cooking time will remain the same. No need to add foil.

        Reply
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    Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers is a simple, flavor-packed meal made with Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, and rich tomato sauce. This recipe is delicious served as a low-carb meal, served as a sauce for pasta, or on buns for Sausage and Pepper Grinders.

    Meet a Mind "Full" Mom

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    Hi! I'm Kristen. I want to welcome you into my kitchen and my REAL, imperfect life. Let me share with you tips and tricks to help you make healthy eating a reality for your family in the chaos of life and on the constraints of a budget. Read more

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    Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers is a simple, flavor-packed meal made with Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, and rich tomato sauce. This recipe is delicious served as a low-carb meal, served as a sauce for pasta, or on buns for Sausage and Pepper Grinders.

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