This sausage and peppers freezer meal recipe came about the same way some of our others have. We invented it using what we had left at the end of our freezer meal assembly day. We put together some extra vegetables that were already cut up, like onions and peppers, with other things we already had on hand.
Because I made a mistake, I bought too much sausage, so we came up with three different recipes using the sausage and the rest of the ingredients we still had. That’s how some of the best freezer meal recipes are made! That’s also how our Italian Wedding Soup and Italian Sausage Pasta Sauce were created.
You can serve this recipe over rice or wrap it in a flour or corn tortilla and eat it that way.
Sausage and peppers is a delicious, classic Italian-American combo that’s simple to make and full of flavor. It often shows up on menus at pizzerias and Italian restaurants, where it’s served piled high on crusty bread or wrapped in a soft roll.
This dish of sautéed bell peppers, onions, garlic, and sausage is also a fantastic make-ahead meal. The great news is that you can absolutely freeze cooked sausage and peppers for busy weeknights or quick lunches. With a little planning, you can enjoy this tasty meal even when you don’t have time to cook.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing sausage and peppers, including:
- Benefits of freezing sausage and peppers
- How to freeze sausage and peppers properly
- Thawing and reheating frozen sausage and peppers
- Tips for best results freezing this meal
- Creative ways to use leftover frozen sausage and peppers
Freezing sausage and peppers allows you to:
- Save time by making a batch to enjoy throughout the week
- Always have a quick and hearty meal on hand
- Reduce food waste by preserving leftovers
- Take advantage of sales on sausage and peppers
- Prepare in advance for busy nights or meals on the run
Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Sausage and Peppers
Follow these simple steps for freezing sausage and peppers like a pro
1. Choose the Right Sausage
The best sausages for freezing are fully cooked or precooked varieties, like Italian sausage, kielbasa, bratwurst, or chorizo. Raw sausage doesn’t freeze as well.
Fully cooked sausage can go straight from the package into your skillet. Precooked sausage just needs to be browned before assembling the dish.
2. Cook the Sausage and Peppers
Sauté the sausage and vegetables until the peppers are fork-tender. For precooked sausage, brown it first before adding the peppers and onions. Cook until heated through.
3. Let Cool Completely
Allow the sausage and peppers to cool down to room temperature, This prevents excess moisture from condensing inside the freezer bag or container
4. Portion Into Freezer Bags or Containers
Divide the sausage and pepper mixture into single servings or family-sized portions. Freezer bags work great, as you can lay them flat to save space. Make sure to label bags with contents and date.
5. Remove Air and Seal
Before sealing bags, press out any excess air. Air causes freezer burn. For rigid containers, leave about 1⁄2 inch of headspace.
6. Freeze Promptly
Put bags or containers in the freezer right away, ideally within 2 hours of cooking. Quick freezing preserves quality.
7. Use Within 3 Months
For best flavor and texture, use frozen sausage and peppers within 3 months. They will still be safe to eat for up to 6 months, but quality declines over time.
And that’s it – just a few simple steps to enjoy deliciously seasoned sausage paired with tender peppers for months to come!
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Sausage and Peppers
Thawing and reheating frozen sausage and peppers is super easy:
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Refrigerator Thawing: Place frozen sausage and peppers in the refrigerator. Allow 12-24 hours to thaw completely.
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Microwave Thawing: Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until thawed.
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Stovetop Reheating: Cook thawed sausage and peppers in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, about 5 minutes.
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Oven Reheating: Bake thawed sausage and peppers at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot.
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Slow Cooker Reheating: Add frozen sausage and peppers to a slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 4-6 hours until heated through.
The reheating method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether you want to reheat a single serving or the whole batch. Stovetop and oven heating work well for reheating larger amounts.
Tips for Freezing Sausage and Peppers
Follow these tips for the very best results when freezing sausage and peppers:
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Choose bell peppers in bright, vivid colors for better flavor and texture.
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Cut peppers and onions into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
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Undercook the vegetables slightly before freezing as they will soften more when reheated.
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Make sure sausage is fully browned before assembling the dish to freeze.
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Allow cooked sausage and peppers to cool completely before freezing to prevent excess moisture.
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Portion into single servings for easy reheating. Freeze flat in bags to save space.
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Wrap freezer containers in foil for extra insulation and to prevent freezer burn.
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Label bags or containers with contents and date so you use within recommended time.
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Squeeze out all air before sealing bags. Air causes freezer burn over time.
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Use frozen sausage and peppers within 3 months for best quality and taste.
Follow these tips and you’ll have delicious, flavorful sausage and peppers ready to reheat anytime.
Creative Ways to Use Frozen Sausage and Peppers
Once you have cooked sausage and peppers in the freezer, you can transform this classic combo into all kinds of fun, flavorful dishes:
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Pile onto crusty Italian bread for sausage and pepper subs.
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Stuff into soft sandwich rolls for easy sausage pepper sandwiches.
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Scramble with eggs for a hearty sausage and pepper breakfast skillet.
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Toss with pasta and marinara sauce for sausage pepper pasta.
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Layer into lasagna instead of meat sauce or ricotta cheese.
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Top pizza crust with sauce, cheese and sausage peppers for a tasty homemade pizza.
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Fill omelets, quiches or frittatas for a savory breakfast or brunch.
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Wrap in tortillas with rice and beans for sausage pepper burritos or tacos.
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Stir into cooked rice or pasta salad for an easy room temperature meal.
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Add to soups, stews or chilis for flavor and protein.
The possibilities are endless! Keep cooked sausage and peppers on hand in the freezer and you’ll always have the makings for a quick, delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Sausage and Peppers
Here are answers to some common questions about successfully freezing and storing sausage and peppers:
How long does cooked sausage and peppers last in the freezer?
Properly stored, cooked sausage and peppers will maintain best quality for 2-3 months in the freezer, but will remain safe to eat for up to 6 months.
Can you freeze raw sausage and peppers together?
It’s best to fully cook the sausage before combining with the peppers to freeze. Raw sausage doesn’t freeze as well.
Is it better to freeze sausage and peppers in bags or containers?
Either works well. Bags take up less space as you can press out the air and flatten. Containers are more durable long term.
Can you freeze sausage and peppers without cooking?
We don’t recommend freezing raw sausage and peppers. Always cook the sausage fully and soften the peppers before freezing for best results.
Can I season the sausage and peppers after thawing and reheating?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust seasonings to taste after you reheat frozen sausage and peppers.
What’s the best way to reheat a single serving of frozen sausage and peppers?
Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Or sauté in a small skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Enjoy the Flavors All Week Long
With this complete guide, you can easily freeze sausage and peppers to enjoy throughout the week. Simply cook a batch on your meal prep day, portion into freezer bags or containers, and freeze. Thaw and reheat single servings fast for effortless meals on busy nights.
Freezing cooked sausage and peppers means always having a hearty and satisfying meal ready in minutes. Follow these tips for freezing and reheating success. Enjoy delicious flavors, save prep time, and reduce food waste by making this classic freezer-friendly. Mangia!
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Sausage and Peppers Freezer Meal Recipe:
- 1 lb. of Italian sausage (see directions for preparing it below).
- 1/2 a yellow pepper, sliced
- 1/2 a red pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped or sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-2 tsp. cajun seasoning
- 14 oz. can diced tomatoes
You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on your family’s preference. Remove the sausage from the casing and slice. I prefer to actually squeeze out sausage meatballs and flatten them a bit with my fingers to slicing. It is a messier method, but it is easier to remove the casing this way.
Fry the sausage slices in a frying pan over medium-high heat until lightly browned on both sides. You can also lay the raw sausage “meatballs” out in a single layer on a cookie sheet and bake them in the oven.
Blot the cooked sausage slices on a paper towel to remove some of the grease.
To assemble this meal, place the cooked sausage pieces in a large resealable freezer bag. Add the sliced peppers, onion, minced garlic, cajun seasoning, and the can of diced tomatoes.
Remove the excess air from the bag, seal and freeze.
On the day of cooking, thaw the sausage and peppers freezer meal. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until heated through. Serve over rice or in a wrap.
This recipe is gluten free and keto friendly if served on cauliflower rice. You can even make cauliflower rice ahead and freeze.