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    Home » Air Fryer, Instant Pot, & Crock-Pot

    Published: Apr 1, 2022 · Modified: Mar 6, 2023 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 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 great flavor combination. The juicy Italian sausage and aromatic sauce is a 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights.

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers PN1

    With just a few ingredients and a few easy steps, dinner is ready.  This keto-friendly Instant Pot sausage, peppers, and onions recipe works with more than just Italian hot or sweet sausage but is just as good with brats (bratwurst), chicken sausage, linguica, or your favorite link sausage. 

    They are great for sandwiches or as is for the best low-carb or gluten-free meal. Serve this on a toasted roll, bun, or ciabatta. It is also wonderful with other delicious Italian recipes like cheesy baked Pasta al Forno or fun little Caprese Sliders.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients for Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers
    • How to Cook Sausage and Peppers in the Instant Pot
    • How Long to Set the Instant Pot
    • Storing Leftovers
    • PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!
    • Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers

    Ingredients for Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers

    For this electric pressure cooker method of cooking Italian sausage and peppers, you will need some classic ingredients.  Start with your favorite sweet, hot, or a bit of both, Italian sausage links.  You will want 1-2 per person based on how you will be serving these and how big of appetites you are feeding. 

    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. They come in sweet or spicy, with the addition of red pepper flakes.

    The other fresh ingredients needed are 2 sweet bell peppers, any color, ½ an onion, and garlic. Plus additional spices & canned tomatoes to make the sauce this will cook in.

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers ingredients
    • Olive Oil
    • Mild or Hot Italian Sausage Links
    • Onion
    • Bell Peppers
    • Canned Diced Tomatoes
    • Garlic
    • Dried Basil
    • Salt & Pepper to taste

    See the recipe card for amounts and full instructions.

    How to Cook Sausage and Peppers in the Instant Pot

    There are only a few quick steps for making sausage and peppers in any electric pressure cooker. I have a 6-Quart Instant Pot Duo & love it. Here are the steps for this recipe:

    • Prep the vegetables
    • Brown the Italian sausage
    • Add remaining ingredients
    • Pressure-cooking sausage & peppers
    • Natural release

    Prep the Vegetables

    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.

    Brown the Italian Sausage

    Place the insert into the Instant Pot and select SAUTE.  This will heat the insert to very hot heat, perfect for browning the sausage links. Add the olive oil and after about a minute it should be very hot and time to add the sausage links into the hot oil in a single layer. 

    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.

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers browned at the bottom of the insert

    Add Remaining Ingredients

    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. You will want to make sure you do not skip this step to ensure that you do not get a burn warning.

    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.

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers with sausages layered on top of the peppers and onions

    Pressure Cooking Sausage & Peppers

    Next, add the full can of diced tomatoes including the liquid.  For the last step, add the basil, salt, and pepper.  Add the red pepper flakes at this time if you choose this optional ingredient for additional heat and spice for the sausage and peppers.

    How Long to 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.

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers tomatoes and herbs on top

    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.

    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.

    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.   

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers ready in the insert

    Storing Leftovers

    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.

    What to Serve with Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers

    Italian sausage and peppers are great as-is for a complete meal.  Serve with any recipe shared below. However, many people enjoy them in a roll or bun as a sandwich, hoagie, grinder, or whatever you prefer to call them.  Add mozzarella to melt on them and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese for the ultimate sandwich.

    Rigatoni al Forno (Baked Pasta)
    Rigatoni al Forno is a baked pasta casserole everyone will love. This easy recipe has hearty rigatoni, a rich tomato sauce, layers of gooey cheese, and more for a great Italian dinner. This is a comforting recipe great for holidays, potlucks, & make-ahead meals.
    Check out this recipe
    Pasta al Forno (baked pasta) plated with fresh parsley on top
    Rice and Fava Bean Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
    The best spring salad of rice and fresh fava beans. It is tossed with lemon vinaigrette & topped with scallions and lemon zest for a bright pop of flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    Rice and Fava Beans Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
    Vegan Italian Chopped Salad
    The best vegan Italian chopped salad is packed with garbanzo beans for protein and a bunch of fresh vegetables. It has juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and delicious Italian classic ingredients like olives, artichoke hearts, & spicy pepperoncini. Vegan Italian dressing recipe included for a great combination for lunch, dinner, side, or appetizer. It is gluten-free, healthy, & tasty for everyone to enjoy.
    Italian Chopped Salad
    Overhead image of plated salad ready to eat with fork.

    For more fantastic side dish recipe ideas, check out WHAT TO SERVE WITH SAUSAGE & PEPPERS

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers overhead closeup of bowl

    Other Great Instant Pot Recipes:

    • INSTANT POT SHORT RIBS WITH GRAVY - Comforting short ribs braised until tender in the Instant Pot and then smothered in rich red wine gravy. An easy weeknight dinner with lots of protein, low-carb, and so delicious.
    • INSTANT POT CREAMY CHICKEN SPAGHETTI - Chicken spaghetti in the Instant Pot is a quick and easy recipe. This one-pot chicken and pasta recipe is comforting and delicious.
    • HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT BUFFALO CHICKEN WINGS - Fall-off-the-bone buffalo chicken wings will please any crowd. The cooking liquid secret adds so much flavor.

    PIN FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

    Instant Pot Italian Sausage & Peppers PIN
    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 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot or other Electric Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 TB olive oil
    • 4-6 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 C 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

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the peppers and onions as directed and shown in the image above for a sample.  Also, dice/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

    THE NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION IS FOR 5 SERVINGS - but 4-6 sausages can be made with the same amount of onions, peppers, etc.  Sausage size and type will alter the information. 
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Servings: 5
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 212
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 12.8g 16%
    Saturated Fat 3.5g 18%
    Cholesterol 25mg 8%
    Sodium 618mg 27%
    Total Carbohydrate 10.2g 4%
    Dietary Fiber 1.6g 6%
    Total Sugars 4.9g  
    Protein 14.9g  
    Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
    Calcium 44mg 3%
    Iron 2mg 10%
    Potassium 280mg 6%
    *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
    Keyword dairy-free, easy, gluten-free, grain-free, instant pot, Italian, keto, lunch, nut-free, paleo, pressure cooking, quick, sandwich, spicy

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    Comments

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      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

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