Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 200g)
  • 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced (about 400g)
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot), removed from casings (450g)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional garnish)
  • 4 hoagie rolls (approx. 6-8 inches each)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened (30g)

Instructions:

  1. Slice the onion and bell peppers. Mince the garlic.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble and brown the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. While the sausage simmers, preheat oven broiler. Spread softened butter on the inside of each hoagie roll. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly toasted and golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning!
  7. Spoon the sausage and pepper mixture into the toasted hoagie rolls. Garnish with fresh chopped basil (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!