Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe because it’s one of those dinner-time heroes that comes together so quickly, yet tastes like you’ve been slaving away for hours. When I first tried this dish, I was blown away by how perfectly the smoky sausage mingled with the sweet, tender peppers and onions. It’s comforting, flavorful, and honestly, a crowd-pleaser every single time.

This recipe is also super versatile—you can whip it up on a busy weeknight or serve it when friends drop by unexpectedly. Plus, it’s all done in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to relax while your kitchen fills with delicious aromas. If you’re hunting for a hearty, simple meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste, this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is definitely worth trying!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe shines because the ingredients complement each other so well. The combination of sweet bell peppers, tender onions, and spicy sausage is just irresistible—plus, you don’t need fancy items to pull it off.

• Olive oil: Helps everything brown nicely without sticking and adds a little fruity richness.
• Andouille sausage: I love the smoky, spice-packed flavor of andouille; using thin rounds lets it crisp up perfectly in the skillet.
• Red and yellow bell peppers: Both add vibrant color and sweetness—the combo keeps things balanced.
• Yellow onion: Caramelizes just right alongside the peppers, building a flavorful base.
• Italian seasoning: Brings herbs like oregano and basil into the mix, giving some depth and aroma.
• Garlic: Four cloves might seem like a lot, but it infuses the whole dish with that warm, savory punch.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Classic seasonings that you’ll use to taste and really highlight all the flavors.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For those days you want a bit more heat, these add a subtle kick without overpowering.
• Green onion and fresh herbs: The finishing touch—brings a light, fresh note and makes the dish look beautiful.

Variations

One of the best parts about the Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily adjust ingredients to suit what you have on hand or your taste preferences. I often play around with different vegetables or swap out sausage types, and it’s always delicious.

• Protein swaps: I’ve tried turkey kielbasa when I wanted a lighter dish, and it worked great—less fat but still plenty of flavor.
• Extra veggies: Adding mushrooms or zucchini gives it a whole new dimension and extra nutrients, perfect for using seasonal produce.
• Spice level: If you like things spicy, chorizo sausage adds a smoky heat, or just sprinkle more red pepper flakes.
• Cooking method: I sometimes throw this on the grill with a griddle pan to get a subtle smoky char that’s unbeatable in summer.

How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage to Perfection

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your thinly sliced andouille sausage. You want to cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step is key for flavor because browning brings out the sausage’s smoky richness. Don’t rush it—keep an eye on the skillet so the sausage crisps just right without burning.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

Remove the browned sausage and set it aside for a moment. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Throw in your sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the onions. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over them and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for crisp-tender veggies—softened but still with a bit of bite and vibrant color.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Stir in the minced garlic and season everything generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let it cook for just one more minute so the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its lovely aroma. Garlic is a game changer here—it lifts the whole dish with its savory warmth.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the sausage to the skillet and cook for an additional minute or until everything is heated through. At this point, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes I add a pinch more salt or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little extra zing. Right before serving, sprinkle on sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley or basil to brighten up the dish.

How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this skillet with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil—it really lifts the dish visually and adds a fresh flavor pop. If I’m feeling adventurous, a dash of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat that my family loves.

Side Dishes

This skillet is fantastic on its own, but I also love serving it over steamed white rice, egg noodles, or even creamy polenta for a comforting meal. A simple side salad or garlic bread rounds it out perfectly when you want something extra.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the sausage and peppers over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes with a little drizzle of pan juices on top. Another fun idea is serving it stuffed inside soft hoagie rolls as a hearty sandwich—great for casual gatherings and game days.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually cool the skillet completely before storing to avoid sogginess. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish several times by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It reheats surprisingly well without losing texture, perfect for meal prepping busy weeks. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I either pop it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it covered for a minute or two, stirring halfway through. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the peppers nice and juicy instead of drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to meals—it’s fast, flavorful, and flexible enough to keep things interesting any night of the week. I love how it fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and brings everyone to the table hungry and happy. Give it a try next time you want a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss—I promise it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!

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