Sausage cacciatore is a hearty Italian dish that combines sweet Italian sausage with a flavorful tomato sauce and plenty of fresh herbs and vegetables. 

Pair it with a Brussel Sprout Apple Salad, Grapefruit Avocado Salad, or a Harvest Salad. 

sausage cacciatore in a red saute pan. this recipe
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Why We Love This Dish

  • It’s packed with flavor: Italian sausage cacciatore is a dish that is bursting with flavor just like this Cajun Pasta with Sausage. The sweet and spicy flavors of the sausage are balanced out by the acidity of the tomatoes and the earthiness of the mushrooms, making this dish a true taste sensation. Pair it with our garlic mashed potatoes recipe.
  • So easy to make: One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to make. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Also, try this Penne Primavera for busy nights. 
  • Many different ways to make it: This is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. You can use different types of protein or vegetables to make it even more nutritious and flavorful. Craving something lighter? Try this Roasted Red Pepper Salmon. 

Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

ingredients for sausage cacciatore.
  • Mild Italian sausage: The star of the dish, this sausage provides a delicious savory flavor and a hearty texture.
  • Bell peppers: Red bell peppers add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish, as well as a pop of color.
  • Onion: Chopped onions provide a slightly sweet and pungent flavor to the dish.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic adds a deliciously pungent and savory flavor to the dish.
  • Canned crushed tomatoes: Tomatoes are a key component of cacciatore sauce, and canned crushed tomatoes provide a convenient and flavorful option.
  • White wine: A splash of wine adds a deliciously complex flavor to the dish.
  • Dried oregano: Oregano is a key herb in cacciatore sauce, providing a slightly bitter and earthy flavor.
  • Mushrooms: Mushrooms add a deliciously savory and nutty flavor to the dish.
  • Parsley: A bright note at the end adds flavor and a beautiful presentation. 

Variations and Substitutions

There are many different ways to make this sausage and veggie dish, and you can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:

Protein: You can use any type of sausage you like. Try using spicy Italian sausage for a little extra kick, or use chicken sausage for a lighter option. You can also use chicken to make easy chicken cacciatore. 

Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions are the classic vegetables used in cacciatore, but you can add other vegetables to the mix as well. Try adding diced zucchini or chopped eggplant for some extra texture and flavor. You can also use canned or frozen vegetables if you don’t have fresh ones on hand.

Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes are the base of the cacciatore sauce, but you can use different types of tomatoes to change the flavor. Try using canned diced tomatoes for a chunkier sauce, or use fresh cherry tomatoes for a sweeter taste. You can also add tomato paste or tomato sauce to thicken the sauce if you prefer.

How To Cook Sausage Cacciatore

This is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. *Check out the recipe card below for detailed instructions

cooked Italian sausage in a saute pan.

Step 1: Cook the sausage until it’s browned. Remove to a plate.

sliced mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers in a saute pan.

Step 2: Add the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms and cook until the vegetables begin to soften. 

cooked vegetables with garlic in a pan.

Step 3: Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.

cooked vegetables in a saute pan.

Step 4: Pour in the wine and let reduce by half.

tomato sauce with cooked sausage in a pan.

Step 5: Stir in the tomatoes, oregano, sugar, and water, and bring to a simmer. Add sausage and cook until sauce is thickened.

cooked sausage cacciatore sauce with fresh parsley.

Step 6: Stir in the parsley and serve hot. 

Expert Recipe Tips

  • Use high-quality tomatoes: The key to a delicious sausage cacciatore is using the best quality crushed tomatoes. Look for Italian style tomatoes, such as San Marzano. They are known for their flavor and quality.
  • Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley will add a burst of flavor to your dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs instead, but be sure to use less as they are more potent than fresh herbs.
  • Simmer the sauce: Once you’ve added the sausage to the sauce, let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you have the time, you can let it simmer for even longer to develop an even richer flavor.
  • Slice the mushrooms yourself: Buy whole mushrooms from the store or farmer’s market and slice them yourself. They are much fresher this way and you can control the thickness of the slices. 

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Let your leftovers cool to room temperature then place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. 

Freeze: To freeze, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to three months.

Thaw: To thaw it from frozen, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting.

Reheat: When reheating, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it’s safe to eat. You can reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If using the microwave, stir the cacciatore every minute to ensure even heating.

Recipe FAQs

What does cacciatore mean?

Cacciatore is an Italian word that means “hunter” in English. In the context of food, it typically refers to a dish that is prepared in the style of a hunter’s stew, which traditionally includes game meat, tomatoes, onions, and herbs.

What’s the best way to serve sausage cacciatore?

Sausage cacciatore is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. We prefer to serve it over egg noodles or red skin mashed potatoes or pair it with crusty sourdough garlic bread. It also goes well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Should I remove the sausage casings before cooking cacciatore?

We prefer to remove the casings from sausage links as they can be tough and chewy. Use a sharp knife to slice through the casing and peel it off the sausage. 

sausage cacciatore over cooked egg noodles.

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If you try Sausage Cacciatore, please leave a star rating and let me know how you like the recipe in the comments below.

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sausage cacciatore over cooked egg noodles.

Sausage Cacciatore

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 45 min
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6-8 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
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Description

Sausage cacciatore is a hearty Italian dish that combines sweet Italian sausage with a flavorful tomato sauce and plenty of fresh herbs and vegetables. 

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 lb. bulk mild Italian sausage
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
  • 8 oz. white or cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1 (28 oz) can good-quality crushed tomatoes, such as San Marzano
  • 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley or basil
  • Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large heavy-bottom saute pan or skillet. Add sausage and cook until crumbled and browned, about 5 minutes. Remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon.
  2. To the same pan, add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, while stirring occasionally, about 5-8 minutes. If veggies begin to stick to the pan, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to loosen up. Stir in garlic and cook just until fragrant.
  3. Add wine and let reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add tomatoes, oregano, sugar, and water. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Stir in sausage. Simmer on low, partially covered, for 15-20 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened, and vegetables fully tender. Stir in parsley and serve over cooked egg noodles.

Notes

  • Sausage: If using sausage links, make sure to remove them from casing first. Feel free to use spicy sausage too.
  • Mushrooms: Buy whole mushrooms and slice them yourself. They are much fresher this way and you can control the thickness of the slices. 
  • Wine: Wine adds a hint of sweetness and acidity to the dish. I do not recommend an alternative.
  • Pan size: I recommend a large saute pan or deep skillet for this recipe, at least 13 inches in diameter or larger.
  • Leftovers: Store refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup sauce
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 5.6 g
  • Sodium: 86 mg
  • Fat: 12.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42.5 g
  • Protein: 7.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg