• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Short Order Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food & Fun
  • Products I Love
  • Travel & Dining
  • Meet Angela
    • Bluesky
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Food & Fun
    • Products I Love
    • Travel & Dining
    • Meet Angela
    • Bluesky
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Air Fryer, Instant Pot, & Crock-Pot

    Updated: Jun 4, 2025 · Published: Oct 23, 2024 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 17 Comments

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers

    Jump to Recipe

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage and Peppers is a quick & easy recipe. The Italian flavors of garlic & basil add to the delicious combination. In 30 minutes this simple meal with juicy links of sausage in a savory sauce is a weeknight game changer.

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers overhead closeup of bowl

    Why this Sausage & Peppers Recipe is Amazing: The pressure cooker is used for both browning & cooking everything together so the sausage not only stays juicy but also soaks in the flavors of the peppers, onions, tomatoes, & spices - every bite is pure WOW!

    Browning the link adds flavor & helps hold those meaty juices inside - don't skip this step. It may splatter as it cooks quickly so make sure you can see down into the insert. This requires I get on my step stool & that is ok - safety first!

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers in a plate with cooked tomatoes.

    This was inspired by my Italian-inspired recipe for Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Spaghetti which is a kid favorite. Both pair well with ciabatta or my recipe for Italian Green Bean and Potato Salad. Ok, now we cook!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make
    • How to Pressure Cook Sausage & Peppers
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe Tips & Behind the Scenes
    • Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers
    • More Italian Main Dish Recipes

    Ingredients

    Start with 1-2 sausage links per person based on how you will be serving these and how big of appetites you are feeding. If serving in a roll as a sandwich 1 may be enough but if slicing on their own, hearty appetites may want 2.

    If you have never had Italian link sausage, it is a flavored pork sausage. It typically has garlic and a little fennel, for a subtle anise or licorice flavor. The ground version is what makes my recipe for Sausage & Broccoli Penne Pasta so delish.

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers ingredients

    Here are the ingredients needed to make this recipe:

    • Olive Oil - needed for the saute mode
    • Italian Sausage Links - mild or hot, or both!
    • Onion - thick slices of red, white, or yellow
    • Bell Peppers - thick slices of the sweet pepper, any color green, yellow, or orange
    • Can Diced Tomatoes - plain diced in the juice
    • Garlic - minced cloves
    • Spices - dried basil, salt, & pepper. Optional; dried oregano & red pepper flakes.

    See the recipe card for quantities & substitutions/variations.

    How to Make

    There are only a few quick steps for making sausage and peppers in any electric pressure cooker. This is a great way to cook Italian sausage without the oven or grilling.

    I have a 6-Quart Instant Pot Duo & love it. You will need one this size or larger to fit everything.

    Here are the easy steps for making this recipe:

    1. Brown the Italian Sausage
    2. Add Veggies & Spices
    3. Set the Instant Pot
    4. Natural Release & Serve

    See the step-by-step instructions with photos below plus the recipe card at the end of the post.

    How to Pressure Cook Sausage & Peppers

    To ensure these cook evenly since it is done all in one pot, you want to make sure everything cooks in the same amount of time. The key to this is making sure the slices of the peppers and onions are not too small.

    You want to cut the 2 large sweet bell peppers and the ½ of onion into large chunky strips.  See the image above for a sample.  Also, dice 2 garlic cloves. Once all this is ready gather your other ingredients.

    1 - Brown the Italian Sausage

    Place the insert into the Instant Pot and select SAUTE.  Add the olive oil and heat up for 1 minute. Once very hot add the sausage links into the hot oil in a single layer carefully. 

    Brown for about 3 minutes each before turning. Turn each twice so it browns on 3 sides minimum for a total of 9 minutes for each link. Remove sausages to a plate and set aside.

    Italian sausage links browned at the bottom of the pressure cooker.

    2 - Add Veggies & Spices

    Add the onions and let them cook in the hot oil for about 2 minutes, stirring to ensure they do not stick or burn. Once brown add the garlic and stir. 

    Add water and deglaze the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the bits. DO NOT SKIP this step to ensure that you do not get a burn warning.

    Turn the pot off by selecting CANCEL. To the onions and garlic, add the bell pepper slices. On top of that line the sausage in a single layer over the vegetables.

    Italian sausages layered on top of the peppers and onions in the instant pot insert.

    Next, add the full can of diced tomatoes including the liquid and sprinkles on the spices.  Add the optional oregano and/or red pepper flakes for a spicy version.

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers tomatoes and herbs on top

    3 - Set the Instant Pot

    Once everything is in the Instant Pot, lock the lid in place and be sure the vent valve is closed and sealed. Select MANUAL and press the up/down buttons to set it for 3 minutes.

    It will take about 5-10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come under pressure. Then it will cook for 3 minutes. Once it is done cooking let the electric pressure cooker naturally release for 5 minutes ONLY.

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers ready in the insert

    Once the 5 minutes is reached on the digital readout, CAREFULLY open the valve on the Instant Pot to release the remaining pressure. CAUTION - STEAM WILL BE HOT!  I typically do this with a wooden spoon to push the valve open from a distance.

    Serving Suggestions

    Open the lid and serve immediately. Use a slotted spoon if serving on rolls for a sandwich. If you want the chunky tomato sauce you a regular spoon and serve it with pasta or plain.   

    This recipe is great any time of year but especially in fall & winter when you crave comfort food. Make this for Sunday Supper or football game day.

     Italian Sausage links, tomatoes & Peppers in a bowl

    What to Serve with Sausage & Peppers : This is great plated over polenta or pasta. Or enjoy it in a hot dog or hoagie bun for a classic Sausage & Peppers Sandwich served with Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup.

    Serve with any of this yummy side dishes or for more recipe ideas, check out WHAT TO SERVE WITH SAUSAGE & PEPPERS:

    • SUMMER PESTO PASTA SALAD
    • ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD
    • AIR FRYER LEMON PARMESAN BROCCOLINI
    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers on a bun plated.

    Recipe Tips & Behind the Scenes

    Here is my recipe for success - including what I learned when testing, funny stories or bloopers, and more.

    • #1 Tip - cut the vegetables into large chunky strips, if they are too thin/small they will get too mushy
    • DO NOT skip the browning the sausage step.
    • Make sure your pressure cooker is large enough to fit everything, this recipe can easily be doubled.
    • Classic pork Italian sausage is used but you can substitute for chicken or turkey versions.
    • This is a great low-carb, keto, paleo, Whole30, & gluten-free dinner.
    • Saute cut up leftover sausages, peppers, etc into a skillet in the morning & add scrambled eggs for an amazing breakfast.

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers featured overhead of plate with sausage and peppers

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers

    Angela
    Instant Pot Italian sausage and peppers is a quick & easy recipe. They are great for sandwiches or as is for the best keto, low-carb, or gluten-free meal. This Instant Pot sausage and pepper recipe is done in one pot and is complete in just 20-minutes. 
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 6
    Calories 454 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot or other Electric Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 6 Sweet or Spicy Italian sausage link
    • ½ red or sweet large onion cut into ½" half rings
    • 2 sweet bell peppers seeded & sliced into ½″ wide long slices
    • ½ Cup water
    • 15 oz Can Diced Tomatoes do NOT drain
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • salt & peppers to taste
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red peppers Optional
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the 2 large sweet bell peppers and the ½ of onion into large ½ inch chunky strips. Also, mince 2 garlic cloves. 
    • Select the SAUTE option on your Instant Pot. After about a minute when it is hot, add olive oil and then, add sausages in a single layer on the bottom.
    • Brown for about 3 minutes each before turning. Turn each twice so it browns on 3 sides minimum for a total of 9 minutes for each link. 
      Remove sausages to a plate and set them aside.  
    • Add the onions and let them cook in the hot oil for about 2 minutes, stir to ensure they do not stick or burn.  Once brown add the garlic and stir.  Add water and deglaze the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the bits.
    • Turn the pot off by selecting CANCEL.  This will stop the saute step.  To the onions and garlic, add the bell pepper slices.  On top of that line the sausage in a single layer over the vegetables. 
    • Next, add the full can of diced tomatoes including the liquid.  For the last step, add the basil, salt, and pepper.  Add the optional red pepper flakes.
    • Once everything is in the Instant Pot, lock the lid in place and be sure the vent valve is closed and sealed.  Select MANUAL and press the up/down buttons to set it for 3 minutes. 
    • Once it is done cooking let the electric pressure cooker naturally release for 5 minutes. Once the 5 minutes is reached on the digital readout, CAREFULLY open the valve on the Instant Pot to release the remaining pressure. CAUTION – STEAM WILL BE HOT!
    • Serve immediately using a slotted spoon if spooning onto rolls for sandwiches. Enjoy as a sandwich or with pasta, polenta, and more.
    • Instant Pot sausage and peppers can be stored in an air-tighter container in either the refrigerator for up to 5 days or 30 days in the freezer. 

    Notes

    STORING & REHEATING:
    • Cooked sausage and peppers can be stored in an air-tighter container in either the refrigerator for up to 5 days or 30 days in the freezer.
    • Chop up leftovers and heat on medium in a pan, add scrambled eggs & cook up an amazing breakfast skillet. 
    • Reheat in the microwave for 1 minute.
    VARIATIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS:
    • Instead of pork Italian sausage, use chicken or turkey.
    • Instead of bell peppers, substitute with mild Italian varieties like Jimmy Nardellos, Italian frying peppers (peperone friariello), or lombardo.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 454kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 17gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 923mgPotassium: 508mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 231IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword dairy-free, easy, gluten-free, grain-free, instant pot, Italian, keto, lunch, nut-free, paleo, pressure cooking, quick, sandwich, spicy
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Italian Main Dish Recipes

    Here are some similar recipes for Italian meat dinners that are not just pasta:

    • INSTANT POT ITALIAN SHORT RIBS
    • ITALIAN CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
    • GROUND BEEF KETO LASAGNA WITH CREPINI
    • PENNE ALLA VODKA WITH CHICKEN
    « Candy-Coated Pumpkin Pretzels
    Instant Pot Cubed Sweet Potatoes »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Alexa says

      July 19, 2021 at 4:50 pm

      This looks so good!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        July 21, 2021 at 1:05 pm

        Thank you.

        Reply
    2. Marianne says

      July 21, 2021 at 6:28 am

      Looks a lot like something my grandmother used to make... minus the Instant Pot of course! Looks great!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        July 21, 2021 at 1:05 pm

        I hope you give it a try in the Instant Pot and bring back some memories of grandma's cooking with a new twist.

        Reply
    3. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says

      July 21, 2021 at 8:39 am

      What a great sandwich!! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party. Hope the rest of your week is amazing!

      Reply
    4. Sabrina DeWalt says

      July 21, 2021 at 1:13 pm

      I am not a fan of peppers, but I bet I could work around that.

      Reply
    5. Elizabeth says

      July 22, 2021 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so delicious and something my family would really enjoy! I'm going to have to try it out really soon!

      Reply
    6. Cindy Moore says

      July 25, 2021 at 4:03 pm

      Yum I'll try this with vegan "sausages"!

      Reply
    7. Miz Helen says

      July 27, 2021 at 4:55 pm

      5 stars
      Sausage and peppers a great flavor combination for the Instant Pot! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and come back soon!
      Miz Helen

      Reply
    8. Rika says

      September 27, 2021 at 12:21 pm

      5 stars
      I love the simplicity of this dish. It's so quick to make and flavorful! Thanks for sharing a great recipe.

      Reply
    9. Heather Perine says

      September 27, 2021 at 12:32 pm

      5 stars
      This was easy and delicious! Everyone loved it..and we're enjoying seconds for lunch 🙂 Thank you!

      Reply
    10. Mindee Taylor says

      September 27, 2021 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      Holy Moly these were amazing! Served them as game day food. Huge hit!

      Reply
    11. Healing Tomato says

      September 27, 2021 at 1:16 pm

      5 stars
      We love instant pot peppers because it cooks them perfectly. Your recipe looks really easy to make and perfect dinner for those really busy weeknights.

      Reply
    12. Seema Sriram says

      September 27, 2021 at 1:33 pm

      5 stars
      The simplicity of this meal is lovely. I may make a ton of the peppers though as I love them.

      Reply
    13. Traci says

      September 27, 2021 at 5:22 pm

      5 stars
      This Italian sausage is super yum and always a favorite dinner! We love it for last minute meals. Thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
    14. Sharon says

      September 30, 2024 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      It had excellent flavor but just a little too soft. I did 3 minutes with 5 minute sit time. Would you recommend a shorter sit time, or maybe putting the peppers on top of the sausage instead of beneath it? I did use mini peppers but cut them into half inch slices.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        October 01, 2024 at 9:53 am

        If you like a more firm pepper, you can make them into bigger chunks & put them on top. Let me know if that helps.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Angela the short order cook on a step stool reaching into the top kitchen cupboard.

    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

    More about me →

    This site has links to products/services that may make us a commission. #ad

    Popular

    • Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix cut in squares on a counter with white chocolate chips.
      Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix
    • Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries featured close up with dipping sauces on the bottom
      Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
    • 4- Ingredient Key Lime Pie in graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream.
      Easy 4- Ingredient Key Lime Pie
    • Naked Chicken Wings on a plate.
      Naked Chicken Wings
    • How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven featured
      How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven
    • Fried Spaghetti with Eggs featured closeup overhead of bowl filled and topped with parmesan and parsley
      Fried Spaghetti with Eggs
    • Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream Overhead two bowls of ice cream and black napkin.
      Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream
    • A set of black pots and pans.
      Best Pots & Pans for Gas Stove
    Try Audible Plus
    Join Amazon Prime - Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime - Start Free Trial Now
    Create an Amazon Wedding Registry
    Shop Amazon - Create an Amazon Baby Registry

    The Short Order Cook LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

    Top Categories

    • Main Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Italian
    • Holidays
    • Southern
    • Recipe Roundups

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Disclosure Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Meet Angela
    • Meet the Family

    Copyright © 2019- 2025 The Short Order Cook LLC, All Rights Reserved. All recipes, original photos, and articles on this site are the property of The Short Order Cook LLC. You are welcome to share an original photo ONLY with an accompanying do-follow link to this site. Publishing any item as if it were your own is prohibited & illegal. The Short Order Cook tests every recipe & never uses AI to create recipes or images.

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read Privacy Policy
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT