There is nothing quite as comforting and flavorful as a Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe that comes together quickly and satisfies every craving. Imagine juicy, smoky sausage mingling with vibrant, tender bell peppers and sweet onions, all cooked in one pan for that perfect balance of caramelization and freshness. This dish is a colorful, hearty weeknight winner that brings bold tastes and simple ingredients into a harmonious, irresistible meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting friends, this skillet is sure to shine as your new go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet each one plays a star role in flavor and texture. From the smoky sausage to the crisp-tender peppers and onions, every element adds a delicious layer to this dish.
- Smoked sausage (1 pound, sliced): Choose your favorite smoked sausage for that rich, savory backbone to the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps caramelize the sausage and veggies perfectly.
- Medium onion (1, sliced): Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Bell peppers (3 medium, sliced): Use your preferred colors to make the dish visually vibrant and add a hint of natural sweetness with a bit of crunch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A punch of aromatic freshness that rounds out the flavors.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to brighten and balance every bite.
How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced smoked sausage and sear each piece until golden brown with a crispy edge, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step locks in the sausage’s smoky flavors and creates that irresistible texture contrast. Once perfectly browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Peppers
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. If the pan looks too dry, add a splash more olive oil to prevent sticking. Next, toss in the bell peppers and cook until they become tender-crisp. For extra depth, let the peppers develop a little bit of char—this adds a smoky sweetness that complements the sausage beautifully.
Step 3: Add Garlic
When the peppers and onions are almost done, stir in the minced garlic. Cook everything together for about a minute just until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt. This layer of aroma gives the dish a fresh burst of flavor that ties everything together.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Return the browned sausage to the skillet and give it all a good stir so the sausage, peppers, onions, and garlic mingle evenly. Season the whole skillet with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give the mixture one last toss, then take a moment to savor the inviting aroma before plating up!
How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil brightens this dish with a touch of color and fresh herbaceous notes. You can also add a handful of grated Parmesan for a savory, cheesy finish that melts slightly over the warm ingredients.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices, or with creamy polenta for a comforting, velvety contrast. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to bring balance and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Try rolling the sausage and peppers mixture in soft hoagie rolls for a handheld sandwich that’s perfect for casual meals or gatherings. Another idea is to spoon it over cooked pasta or rice, turning it into a hearty and crave-worthy one-pan dinner variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sausage and peppers maintain their flavor and texture, making for an easy next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the flavors intact.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skillet leftovers on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of olive oil or a tiny bit of water can help keep the peppers and sausage from drying out. Alternatively, the microwave works well for a quick heat-up.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked sausage?
Absolutely! Fresh sausage works fine but you might want to add a bit of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to get that signature smoky flavor that’s key to this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe.
What if I don’t have bell peppers of different colors?
No worries at all. Using just one color, like all green or all red peppers, will still taste fantastic. The variety adds visual appeal, but the flavor remains delicious and vibrant.
Is this recipe spicy?
By default, this dish is mild and perfect for most palates. If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a nice kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Substitute the smoked sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative. Just adjust cooking times based on the product and keep the rest of the steps the same for that savory veggie-packed meal.
How long does it take to cook the sausage and peppers?
The entire cooking process takes about 15 minutes after prep. The sausage needs around 8-10 minutes to get crispy, and the peppers and onions cook quickly in about 5-7 minutes for that perfect tender-crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is a timeless dish that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable. I hope you fall in love with it just like I have, and that it becomes a staple in your mealtime rotation. Give it a try and enjoy every tasty bite!
Print
Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful Sausage and Peppers Skillet featuring smoky sausage browned to perfection, sautéed onions, and vibrant bell peppers with a hint of garlic, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 medium bell peppers (any colors), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Oils & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Add the olive oil to a skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Sear the sliced sausage in the hot oil, cooking until browned and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté onions and peppers: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes, adding a little more olive oil if the pan seems dry. Then add the sliced bell peppers and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender-crisp and slightly charred to enhance flavor.
- Add garlic: When the vegetables are nearly done cooking, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine and season: Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine all ingredients and heat through. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences before serving.
Notes
- You can use any color combination of bell peppers for a vibrant presentation and different flavor nuances.
- For extra heat, consider adding red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
- This dish pairs well with cooked rice, pasta, or crusty bread to make a complete meal.
- Use a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet for best searing results.
