Nothing beats the comforting, vibrant flavors of a classic Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. This dish bursts with smoky and spicy andouille sausage mingling beautifully with sweet bell peppers and savory onions. It’s a quick, colorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of tender vegetables, garlicky aroma, and that slight crisp on the sausage makes every bite irresistibly delicious. If you’ve been searching for a recipe that’s both simple to whip up and packed with satisfying flavor, this skillet masterpiece is exactly what you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is a breeze thanks to its straightforward but essential ingredients. Each component is chosen not just for flavor but for the way it adds texture, color, and aroma to the dish, making every bite exciting.
- Andouille sausage (12 to 14 ounces): The star ingredient, providing a smoky, spicy punch and a bit of crispness when browned.
- Red bell pepper (1, thin strips): Adds sweetness and bright red color that livens up the skillet.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, thin strips): Contributes a mellow sweetness and sunny yellow hue for visual appeal.
- Yellow onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Builds savory depth and a subtle sweetness as it softens.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with an irresistible aromatic base that ties everything together.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs to elevate the overall flavor profile with hints of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds just the right amount of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Used for cooking the sausage and veggies, bringing richness and helping everything brown beautifully.
- Green onion (1, sliced for garnish): Fresh and vibrant, it brightens the finished dish with a mild onion flavor.
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil (for garnish): Adds a pop of green freshness and herbal brightness.
How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’re aiming for the oil to shimmer gently but not smoke, which ensures the sausage will cook nicely without burning. This step sets the stage for building layers of flavor as you brown the sausage.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Add the sliced andouille sausage rounds to the skillet. Let them cook, turning occasionally, until they turn golden brown on all sides—about 5 to 6 minutes. This browning is key to developing that slightly crispy texture and rich, smoky taste that makes this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe so irresistible. Once cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced yellow onion. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly over the veggies. Sauté these vibrant vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes, just until they become crisp-tender and retain their bright, fresh colors. This timing ensures you keep that wonderful texture contrast between the tender sausage and slightly crunchy peppers and onions.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. The goal here is to coax out the garlic’s enticing aroma and subtle flavor without letting it scorch, which would add bitterness. This quick addition takes the dish’s savory foundation up a notch.
Step 5: Combine Sausage and Finish Cooking
Return the browned sausage to the skillet, mixing everything together well. Cook for an extra minute to warm the sausage through and let those flavors mingle beautifully. This step unites all the elements of the Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe into a perfect, cohesive dish.
Step 6: Adjust Seasonings and Garnish
Give the dish a taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a little extra heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now. Finally, garnish with the sliced green onions and fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes to lift the dish.
How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is like putting the cherry on top. The sliced green onion adds a mild, fresh crunch, and the chopped parsley or basil introduces a burst of herbaceous brightness. These fresh touches balance the richness and add just the right visual appeal to the finished skillet.
Side Dishes
This recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it straight from the skillet with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices or on a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal. You can also pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or even pasta, making it perfect for whatever you have on hand.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stuffing the sausage and peppers into hoagie rolls for hearty sandwiches or topping a pizza crust with the mix for a rustic, loaded pie. Another creative idea is to toss it into warm tortillas with a sprinkle of cheese for flavorful tacos. With this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe, the plating options are endless and always tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this skillet dish keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making reheated portions even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the dish’s bright flavors and textures.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps maintain the moisture and flavor intensity that makes this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While andouille brings a smoky, spicy profile, you can swap it for Italian sausage, kielbasa, or even chicken sausage depending on your taste preferences. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Are other peppers okay to use?
Yes! Feel free to mix in green bell peppers, poblano, or even sweet mini peppers. Each variety brings its own unique sweetness and color, making the dish your own.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe has mild heat from the andouille sausage, but adding red pepper flakes amps up the spice level. You can omit the flakes for a gentler flavor or increase them for a fiery kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can create a delicious vegetarian version by substituting the sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms like portobello or cremini. The peppers and garlic will still shine!
What’s the best skillet to use?
A heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron works wonderfully for this recipe as it helps brown the sausage evenly and hold heat well. Non-stick skillets also work if you prefer easier cleanup.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this vibrant, flavorful Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe! It’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly homemade but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Perfect for sharing with family or savoring as a hearty solo meal, its simplicity and amazing taste make it a quick go-to comfort food. Give it a whirl and watch it become one of your favorite skillet dinners!
Print
Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage and Peppers Skillet recipe is a flavorful and colorful one-pan meal featuring spicy andouille sausage cooked to a perfect crisp alongside sautéed bell peppers, onions, and garlic. It’s quick to make, packed with savory and slightly spicy notes, and garnished with fresh herbs and green onions for an extra burst of freshness. Ideal for a hearty weeknight dinner served on its own or with rice or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 12 to 14 ounces andouille sausage, cut into thin rounds (between ⅛-inch and ¼-inch thickness)
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Oils and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, preparing the pan for cooking sausage.
- Cook the sausage: Add the sliced andouille sausage to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. This develops flavor and a slight crispness. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced yellow onion. Season with the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
- Combine sausage and finish cooking: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 1 minute to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Adjust seasonings and garnish: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if using, garnish with sliced green onions and freshly chopped parsley or basil.
- Serve: Serve the sausage and peppers hot straight from the skillet, perfect as a main dish or served alongside crusty bread or rice.
Notes
- For less spicy version, use mild sausage or omit red pepper flakes.
- Try adding other bell pepper colors for more color variation like green or orange.
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or pasta for a more filling meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Ensure not to burn the garlic when adding to maintain its sweet aroma and flavor.
