Sausage and Veggies Skillet Recipe

Sizzling Sausage and Veggies Skillet Recipe for Dinner Magic

Whipping up a hearty sausage and veggies skillet promises delightful comfort on busy weeknights.

Savory flavors mingle effortlessly in this one-pan wonder.

Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and onions create a vibrant canvas for juicy sausage slices.

Each ingredient brings its unique personality to the party.

Quick cooking techniques ensure minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Spices like paprika and garlic powder add an unexpected twist to this classic dish.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when hunger strikes and time is short.

What Makes Sausage and Veggies Skillet So Simple Yet Satisfying

  • Using a single skillet means less washing up, making this recipe a dream for anyone who dreads post-dinner kitchen chaos.
  • Easily customize by swapping sausage types or experimenting with different vegetables to match your taste preferences or what's in your fridge.

Ingredients That Make This Skillet a Winner

Protein Base:
  • Sausage: Hearty meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the dish. Choose a smoked or mild variety based on preference. Good for adding depth to the skillet meal.
Vegetable Medley:
  • Bell Peppers, Zucchini, Squash, Red Onion, Broccoli: Colorful mix of fresh vegetables that provide nutrition and texture. Select firm, bright-colored vegetables for best results. Each vegetable brings unique flavor and crunch to the skillet.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Olive Oil: Essential for cooking and adding smooth, light flavor to the dish. Use extra virgin for best taste.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile. Fresh garlic provides more intense taste.
  • Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet spice and beautiful color to the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that introduces complex, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for balancing and enhancing the overall taste of the skillet meal.

Cooking a Balanced Sausage and Veggie Meal

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect cooking surface.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Slide sliced sausage into the hot pan, letting it transform into a golden-brown delight. Cook until edges are crispy and color deepens. Transfer sausage to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Veggie Carnival

Add a touch more oil if the pan looks dry. Toss in a colorful mix of vegetables:
  • Bell peppers
  • Zucchini
  • Squash
  • Red onion
  • Broccoli

Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they become tender yet maintain a delightful crunch.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in fragrant seasonings:
  • Minced garlic
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning

Stir thoroughly, allowing the aromas to mingle and intensify.

Step 5: Reunite and Reheat

Return the seared sausage back to the skillet. Gently mix everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Warm through completely.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Enhance with salt and pepper to your preference. Plate immediately while steaming hot, ready to tantalize taste buds.

Pro Tips for Even Cooking and Flavor

  • Customize Sausage Selection: Choose different sausage varieties like chicken, turkey, or spicy Italian to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Prep Veggies Uniformly: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or rosemary to elevate the dish's aromatic profile and taste complexity.
  • Control Vegetable Crispness: Adjust cooking time for vegetables to achieve desired tenderness – shorter time for crisp texture, longer for softer result.
  • Quick Meal Prep Hack: Chop vegetables in advance and store in refrigerator to reduce cooking time and make weeknight dinner preparation faster and easier.

How to Store Skillet Meals for Later

  • Transfer leftover sausage and veggies skillet to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm the skillet contents over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking.
  • Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
  • Let the dish cool completely, then freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months, ensuring you label with the date for easy tracking.

Great Add-Ons for This One-Pan Wonder

  • Choose a bold Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the hearty sausage and cuts through the rich flavors of the skillet dish.
  • Select a rustic sourdough or whole grain bread to soak up the delicious pan juices and add a satisfying textural contrast.
  • Whip up a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the skillet's warm, savory components and provide a crisp, refreshing element.
  • Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale that stands up to the spiced sausage and enhances the vegetables' caramelized notes.

Ideas to Switch Up the Sausage or Veg

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or vegetarian sausage links for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap out zucchini and squash for cauliflower and Brussels sprouts to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining veggie variety.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or swap paprika for smoked paprika to increase heat level, and include jalapeños for extra spiciness.
  • Mediterranean Inspired: Incorporate kalamata olives, swap Italian seasoning for oregano and thyme, and finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Common Questions About This Skillet Dish

  • What vegetables work best in this skillet recipe?

Bell peppers, zucchini, squash, red onion, and broccoli are perfect choices. These veggies provide a colorful mix of textures and flavors that complement the sausage wonderfully.

  • Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! You can swap the sausage with chicken, turkey, or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. Each type will bring a unique flavor profile to the dish.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious one-pan meal packed with protein from sausage and loaded with fresh vegetables. The cooking method using minimal oil and lots of vegetables makes it a balanced, wholesome option.

  • How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or use a spicy sausage variety. These simple additions will kick up the heat and add an extra layer of flavor to the skillet.

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Sausage and Veggies Skillet Recipe

Sausage and Veggies Skillet Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Sausage and Veggies Skillet delivers a robust one-pan meal brimming with Italian-inspired flavors and wholesome ingredients. Savory sausage mingles with colorful bell peppers and tender zucchini, creating a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) smoked sausage (or turkey sausage), sliced into rounds

Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious iron skillet over medium-high flame, drizzling olive oil across the surface.
  2. Arrange sausage slices into the heated pan, allowing each piece to caramelize and develop a deep golden crust, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer browned sausage to a clean plate.
  3. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce bell peppers, zucchini, squash, crimson onion, and broccoli florets, creating a vibrant vegetable medley. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and maintain their crisp texture.
  4. Sprinkle minced garlic, smoky paprika, and aromatic Italian seasoning over the vegetables, gently folding to distribute the fragrant spices evenly throughout the skillet.
  5. Reintegrate the caramelized sausage slices into the vegetable mixture, tossing gently to combine and allowing the flavors to meld together during a brief warming period.
  6. Assess the dish’s seasoning, enhancing with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to personal preference. Serve immediately while the skillet remains piping hot, showcasing the colorful and flavorful ensemble.

Notes

  • Customize the sausage type based on dietary preferences, like chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for lower fat or vegetarian options.
  • Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
  • Adjust cooking time for vegetables depending on desired tenderness, keeping them slightly crisp for better nutritional retention and vibrant color.
  • Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end for an extra burst of freshness and aromatic flavor to elevate the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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