Serves 14
75 min
Sausage and Peppers Cajun over Penne
Recipe GLPR1b0cfc029cf9dd
A hearty Cajun-spiced one-pot dish featuring hot Italian sausage and ground beef simmered with green bell peppers, onions, and a flavorful blend of tomato sauces, diced tomatoes, and roasted hot peppers. The robust sauce develops deep flavor as it simmers low and slow, creating a comforting meal when served over tender penne pasta. Adjust the sausage cooking method to your preference—grill alongside while the sauce cooks, or bake separately for convenience.
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Ingredients
1 lb hot Italian sausage
1 lb ground beef
2 green bell peppers, chopped
2 white onions, chopped
12 oz tomato basil sauce
14 oz crushed tomatoes
14 oz diced tomatoes
1 tbsp roasted hot peppers, chopped
1 tsp diced pickled jalapenos
1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp salt
1 box penne pasta
Directions
Prepare your sausage for cooking: decide whether you'll grill the sausages alongside the simmering sauce or bake them separately in a 350°F oven until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. If baking, you can start them when the sauce begins to simmer.
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns, until no pink remains and it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Drain excess fat from the pot.
Add the chopped green bell peppers and white onions to the browned beef. Stir to combine and cook for about 2 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Pour in the tomato basil sauce, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, roasted hot peppers, diced jalapenos, Cajun seasoning, and salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Increase heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the sauce simmers, cook your sausages using your chosen method (grilling or baking). If grilling, cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until fully cooked through (internal temperature 160°F). If baking, place in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes until the same temperature is reached.
After 45 minutes of simmering, check the tenderness of the bell peppers—they should be soft. Slice or chop the cooked sausages and stir them into the pot. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to blend flavors.
While the sausages finish cooking in the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. (You can use half or the whole box depending on desired ratio.)
Divide the cooked penne among serving bowls or plates, and ladle the sausage and pepper sauce generously over the top. Serve hot and enjoy.
