Warm a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the diced peppers, chopped onions, sliced garlic, and optional mushrooms. Sauté until they soften and turn a light golden color, then place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

In the same skillet, crumble the sausage and cook until it’s browned and completely cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess grease.

Add a bit more olive oil if necessary and place the sliced potatoes into the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. For quicker cooking, consider microwaving the sliced potatoes for about 5 minutes first. Stir occasionally until potatoes are tender and golden-brown.

Combine the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables with the potatoes in the skillet, stirring everything thoroughly to meld the flavors.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture, cover the skillet, and allow it to sit until the cheese is melted and deliciously gooey.

Serve these Italian home fries alongside your favorite eggs or as a flavorful side dish. For a fun twist, scramble some eggs in the skillet just before adding the cheese, and feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for added spice!