Sausage and Veggies Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe

Sausage and Veggies Skillet: Craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This one-pan wonder is about to become your new weeknight go-to. Imagine savory sausage mingling with perfectly tender-crisp vegetables, all seasoned to perfection. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

While the exact origins of combining sausage and vegetables in a skillet are difficult to pinpoint, the concept itself is rooted in resourceful cooking practices across many cultures. For centuries, people have combined readily available meats and vegetables to create nourishing and flavorful meals. This particular combination is a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients.

What’s not to love about a Sausage and Veggies Skillet? It’s quick, convenient, and customizable to your liking. The combination of protein-packed sausage and vitamin-rich vegetables makes it a balanced and healthy option. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Plus, the savory flavors and satisfying textures make it a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Get ready to experience the joy of a delicious and effortless meal!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!), removed from casings
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 1 large orange bell pepper, seeded and sliced
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: Crusty bread or cooked rice, for serving

Preparing the Vegetables:

Before we even think about touching the sausage, let’s get our veggies prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother and ensure everything cooks evenly.

1. Wash and Dry: Start by thoroughly washing all of your vegetables. Make sure to get any dirt or debris off the bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, and mushrooms. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This helps them brown nicely in the skillet instead of steaming.
2. Bell Pepper Prep: Cut the bell peppers in half, remove the seeds and membranes, and then slice them into strips about 1/4 inch thick. I like to use a mix of colors for visual appeal and a slightly different flavor profile, but feel free to use just one color if that’s what you have on hand.
3. Onion Prep: Peel the red onion and cut it in half through the root end. Then, slice each half into thin half-moons. Slicing it this way helps it cook evenly and prevents it from being too overpowering.
4. Garlic Prep: Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. You can use a garlic press or just chop them with a knife. Mincing the garlic ensures that its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
5. Zucchini and Yellow Squash Prep: Trim the ends off the zucchini and yellow squash and slice them into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. If the zucchini or squash are particularly large, you can cut the rounds in half to make them easier to eat.
6. Mushroom Prep: Wipe the cremini mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel. If they’re particularly dirty, you can give them a quick rinse, but be sure to dry them thoroughly. Slice the mushrooms about 1/4 inch thick.

Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables:

Now for the fun part! We’re going to cook the sausage and vegetables in a large skillet until they’re tender and slightly browned. The key here is to not overcrowd the skillet, which can cause the vegetables to steam instead of brown.

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook the sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to crumble it well so it cooks evenly.
2. Remove Sausage and Set Aside: Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside in a bowl. Leave the rendered sausage fat in the skillet – this will add tons of flavor to the vegetables!
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced red onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add the Bell Peppers: Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they’re slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Add the Zucchini, Yellow Squash, and Mushrooms: Add the sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until they’re tender and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Again, stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Season the Vegetables: Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the vegetables. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to combine and cook for another minute, allowing the herbs to release their flavor.
7. Combine Sausage and Vegetables: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving and Enjoying:

The Sausage and Veggies Skillet is delicious served on its own, but it’s also great with a side of crusty bread or cooked rice. Here are a few serving suggestions:

1. Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the skillet for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve with Bread: Serve the Sausage and Veggies Skillet with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful juices.
3. Serve with Rice: Serve the Sausage and Veggies Skillet over cooked rice for a heartier meal.
4. Make it a Bowl: Combine the Sausage and Veggies Skillet with cooked quinoa or couscous for a healthy and satisfying bowl.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese over the skillet before serving for a cheesy twist.

Tips and Variations:

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Use Different Vegetables: Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add Potatoes: Add diced potatoes to the skillet along with the onions and garlic for a heartier meal.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier dish.
• Use Different Sausage: Try using chicken sausage, chorizo, or even vegan sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Sauce: Stir in a can of diced tomatoes or a jar of marinara sauce for a saucier dish.
• Make it a Frittata: Pour beaten eggs over the sausage and vegetables and bake in the oven until set for a delicious frittata.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Storage Instructions:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
• Fat: 25-35g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Sausage and Veggies Skillet is truly a weeknight wonder, and I genuinely believe it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself turning to again and again. Why? Because it’s ridiculously easy, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out, knowing you’re nourishing yourself with wholesome ingredients without spending hours in the kitchen.

Think about it: juicy sausage, perfectly tender-crisp vegetables, all mingling together in a symphony of savory goodness. It’s a complete meal in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash – a definite win in my book! But beyond the convenience, it’s the taste that really seals the deal. The combination of the savory sausage with the sweetness of the peppers and onions, and the earthy notes of the zucchini and mushrooms, is simply irresistible. And the best part? You can customize it to your heart’s content!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this Sausage and Veggies Skillet is delicious on its own, there are so many ways to elevate it even further. For a heartier meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice. The grains soak up all the delicious pan juices, creating a truly satisfying and comforting dish. You could also toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick and easy pasta dinner. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a touch of richness and nutty flavor.

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a can of diced tomatoes and a splash of tomato sauce for a more saucy skillet. A pinch of red pepper flakes will kick up the heat, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors. You can also experiment with different types of sausage. Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage would all work beautifully in this recipe. And don’t be afraid to swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand. Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or even sweet potatoes would all be delicious additions.

Another great variation is to turn this skillet into a breakfast hash. Simply add some diced potatoes and top with a fried egg for a protein-packed and flavorful start to your day. You could even wrap it in a tortilla for a quick and easy breakfast burrito.

I’ve even used the leftovers to make a fantastic frittata! Just whisk together some eggs, pour them over the skillet mixture, and bake until set. It’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies and sausage, and it makes for a delicious and easy brunch.

Ultimately, the possibilities are endless! This Sausage and Veggies Skillet is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, satisfying, and versatile meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. And most importantly, it’s a delicious way to nourish yourself and your loved ones.

Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite variations? Share your photos and comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create!

Happy cooking!