Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers: A Flavor-Packed, One-Pot Wonder in Under 30 Minutes

If you’re on the hunt for a satisfying, hearty, and insanely easy dinner that the whole family will love, look no further than this Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers recipe. Packed with juicy Italian sausages, sweet bell peppers, tender onions, and rich marinara, this one-pot meal brings the flavors of an Italian street fair right into your kitchen—with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

This dish is a dream come true for busy weeknights, meal preppers, and anyone who wants bold, comforting flavors without standing over a stove. With the Instant Pot doing all the heavy lifting, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in under 30 minutes. And yes, it tastes like you spent hours on it.

Who This Recipe Is Perfect For

This Instant Pot sausage and peppers recipe is ideal for:

• Busy parents who need a quick dinner fix

• Meal preppers looking for a reheatable lunch or dinner

• Low-carb eaters wanting a filling, keto-friendly option

• Sausage lovers who crave a juicy, flavor-loaded meal

• Anyone with an Instant Pot looking to put it to delicious use

Whether you serve it over pasta, stuff it into hoagie rolls, or enjoy it straight from the bowl, this recipe adapts to your needs and taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this simple, comforting dish:

• 5 Italian sausages (mild, sweet, or spicy—your choice)

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 2 cups sliced onions

• ½ tsp garlic salt

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup chunky marinara sauce

• Olive oil (for searing)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers, you’ll need:

• 6-quart Instant Pot (or larger)

• Cutting board and knife

• Measuring spoons

• Tongs

• Spatula

• Baking sheet (optional, for broiling with cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Preheat and Sear

• Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté (High) and let it preheat fully.

• Add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

• Use tongs to add the sausages and sear each side for 2–3 minutes. You’re not cooking them through—just building flavor with that beautiful brown crust.

• Hit Cancel to stop sauté mode once done.

🫑 Step 2: Layer the Veggies & Seasoning

• Scatter the sliced onions and peppers directly over the sausages.

• Sprinkle the garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper evenly over the top.

🍅 Step 3: Add the Sauce

• Pour the chunky marinara sauce over the vegetables.

• Use a spatula to gently spread it so all the veggies are lightly coated.

🔒 Step 4: Pressure Cook

• Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing.

• Pressure cook on High for 6 minutes.

• Once done, allow a Natural Release for 5 minutes, then perform a Quick Release to finish.

🧀 Optional Step: Broil with Cheese

• Want to make this even more indulgent?

• Transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella or provolone, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This dish is ultra-versatile. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

🥖 On a Roll

Serve in hoagie buns for classic sausage and pepper sandwiches. Add cheese and toast the buns for extra flair.

🍝 Over Pasta

Toss with rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti. The saucy peppers and onions become an instant pasta topper.

🥬 Low-Carb Options

Serve over cauliflower rice, zoodles, or a bed of sautéed greens for a keto-friendly twist.

🧀 With Polenta or Grits

Creamy polenta pairs beautifully with the rich sauce and hearty sausage.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

🌶️ Spice It Up

Use hot Italian sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.

🍄 Add Mushrooms

Toss in some sliced mushrooms before pressure cooking for an earthy twist.

🧄 Amp Up the Garlic

Use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic salt for a more robust flavor.

🍷 Wine Substitute

No marinara? Use crushed tomatoes with a splash of red wine and Italian herbs.

🧅 Different Onions

Swap yellow onions for sweet or red onions to change up the sweetness level.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat in 60-second intervals until warmed through.

• Stovetop: Simmer in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or marinara.

• Oven: Reheat in a baking dish covered with foil at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen sausages?

Yes, but you’ll need to thaw them first for proper searing and to avoid uneven cooking.

Do I have to sear the sausages first?

Technically, no. But searing adds depth of flavor and improves texture. It’s worth the extra 5 minutes.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger Instant Pot or make sure you’re not exceeding the max fill line. Cooking time remains the same.

Can I use sausage links from chicken or turkey instead?

Yes, chicken or turkey sausage works great as a leaner alternative. Be sure to use fully raw sausage, not pre-cooked.

Is it okay to use jarred marinara?

Definitely. Choose a good-quality, chunky marinara for best results, or try fire-roasted tomato sauce for extra depth.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers recipe is a weeknight lifesaver. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible—perfect for feeding a family, impressing guests, or stashing away for easy leftovers. The rich marinara sauce melds beautifully with the juicy sausage and soft, sweet peppers and onions, creating a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and Italian flair.

Whether you eat it as-is or zhuzh it up with cheese and broiling, you’ll want to keep this recipe in heavy rotation.