
Hey, Welcome to the Portillo’s Sweet Peppers Recipe. Portillo’s Sweet Peppers is a juicy, flavorful side dish made with tender bell peppers slow-cooked in olive oil and seasonings.
If you’ve ever had these sweet peppers on an Italian beef sandwich from Portillo’s, you already know how they elevate every bite with their delicious tang and softness.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this mouthwatering recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Category: Condiment / Side Dish
History and Origin
Portillo’s, a beloved Chicago-based restaurant chain, is known for its Italian beef sandwiches topped with sweet or hot peppers. By the way, you can also try the KFC Bowl Recipe.
Their signature sweet peppers gained popularity as a savory-sweet complement that balances out the richness of the meat. The recipe reflects Chicago’s diverse food culture and love for hearty, layered flavors.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Portillo’s Sweet Peppers Recipe:
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Green bell peppers | 2 large, sliced |
Red bell peppers | 2 large, sliced |
Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 cloves |
White vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | ½ teaspoon |
Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Oregano (dried) | ½ teaspoon |
Basil (dried) | ¼ teaspoon |
Water | ¼ cup |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Homemade Portillo’s Sweet Peppers Recipe:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
How to Make Portillo’s Sweet Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
Wash and slice the green and red bell peppers into thin strips. Set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet, warm up olive oil over medium heat. Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for one minute until it becomes aromatic. Stir everything together and reduce the heat to low.
Step 3: Cook the Peppers
Add the sliced peppers to the pan. Stir well so the oil and garlic coat the peppers evenly.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Add vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and water. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the skillet and let the peppers cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and sweet.
Recipe Card

Portillo’s Sweet Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and slice the green and red bell peppers into thin strips. Set them aside.
- In a large skillet, warm up olive oil over medium heat. Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for one minute until it becomes aromatic.Stir everything together and reduce the heat to low.
- Add the sliced peppers to the pan. Stir well so the oil and garlic coat the peppers evenly.
- Add vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and water. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the skillet and let the peppers cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and sweet.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Portillo’s Sweet Peppers Recipe Easy:
Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
---|---|
Calories | 110 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 9 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 5 g |
Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet peppers over Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs, sausages, or grilled chicken.

They also taste amazing on top of pizza, inside wraps, or tossed with pasta for extra flavor and texture.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover sweet peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, just place them in a skillet on low heat until they are heated through. They can also be stored in freezer-safe bags and kept in the freezer for as long as 2 months.
Conclusion
Recreating Portillo’s Sweet Peppers Recipe Italian at home is simple and so rewarding. They’re vibrant, tender, and full of flavor just like the ones from the restaurant. Incorporate them into your preferred dishes and experience the change.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of peppers does Portillo’s use?
They use sweet bell peppers—typically green and red—sliced and cooked until soft and flavorful.
Are Portillo’s sweet peppers spicy?
No, Portillo’s sweet peppers are not spicy. They are seasoned and slightly tangy but remain sweet and mild.
Can I use other colored peppers?
Yes, yellow or orange bell peppers can also be used for extra color and a slightly sweeter taste.
How long do sweet peppers last in the fridge?
They stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the sweet peppers?
Absolutely! Let them cool, then freeze them in zip-top bags or airtight containers for up to 2 months.
You will also like the KFC Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe.
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