Sausage Italian
Sausage Italian is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring Italian sausage simmered with tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, and spices. Its rich, savory taste makes it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, served over spaghetti for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large frying pan.
- Once cooked, cut the sausage into 1-inch pieces.
- Place crushed tomatoes, mushrooms, chopped green peppers, chopped onions, Romano cheese, garlic powder, basil, sugar, and cooking wine into a crock-pot.
- Add the cooked sausage to the crock-pot.
- Cook on high for 1 hour.
- Then cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
- Serve the sausage mixture over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced zucchini or carrots to the crock-pot. If you’re out of Romano cheese, Parmesan works as a great substitute. Adjust the garlic powder and basil according to your taste preference. You can also use Italian chicken sausage for a lighter version. To enhance the flavor, sauté the onions and peppers before adding them to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sausage mixture over a bed of freshly cooked spaghetti for a classic Italian meal. A side salad or Italian Pasta Salad With Salami adds a refreshing contrast. Pair with garlic bread to soak up the sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of extra Romano cheese for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to retain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Italian contains roughly 314 calories, with 18g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (193% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 483mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, turkey, or even a spicy sausage for a kick. Adjust the cooking time if using a different type to ensure it’s cooked through. Any variation will still provide a delicious base for this dish.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or eggplant to enhance the flavor and texture. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Baked Beans or a side of roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine also complements the flavors nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).