Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight favorite that comes together quickly and bursts with flavor, I’ve got just the thing: my Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. I absolutely love this dish because it’s simple, satisfying, and you can easily tweak it to suit what you have on hand. Trust me, once you make it, your family will go crazy for it too. Keep reading—I’ll share all the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way to make sure your skillet turns out just right every time.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe are simple and fresh, which keeps the flavors bright and the cooking process straightforward. I always recommend getting good quality sausages since they’re the star of the dish and picking colorful bell peppers adds that lovely sweetness and crunch.

• Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps brown the sausage and soften the veggies without overpowering their flavors.
• Andouille sausage: I love this spicy, smoky sausage, but feel free to use kielbasa, bratwurst, or even chorizo for a twist.
• Red and yellow bell peppers: They add sweetness and vibrant colors that make the dish look as good as it tastes.
• Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to balance the peppers.
• Italian seasoning: This herb mix brings a lovely Mediterranean touch without needing extra fresh herbs.
• Garlic: Freshly minced gives the best flavor—nothing beats that aroma in the kitchen.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like an extra kick, a pinch really livens things up.
• Green onion and fresh parsley or basil: These fresh herbs add a pop of color and brightness when sprinkled on top before serving.

Variations

I’m a big fan of mixing things up based on what’s fresh or what mood I’m in when I make this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. It’s easy to customize, and you can make it your own with a few simple swaps.

• Change the sausage: I’ve tried turkey kielbasa for a lighter option and was pleasantly surprised—it’s still packed with flavor but a bit leaner.
• Switch up the veggies: Not a fan of bell peppers? No worries. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or even green beans for a fresh twist.
• Make it spicy or mild: Adjust the red pepper flakes or choose a milder sausage if you’re feeding kids or prefer less heat.
• Add a sauce: Sometimes I stir in a splash of marinara or a touch of balsamic vinegar for extra tanginess.

How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage to Perfection

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sausage slices—it’s important they’re cut thin, around an eighth to a quarter inch thick, so they crisp up nicely. Cook them until golden brown on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; do this in batches if needed. Once browned, set the sausages aside. I discovered this trick after struggling with soggy sausage pieces when I piled too much in the pan at once.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions for Sweetness

Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and stir frequently so the veggies cook evenly. It usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re crisp-tender. This is my favorite part because those tender peppers add such a vibrant, fresh flavor and a bit of crunch.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Finish Cooking

Stir in your minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook everything together for another minute, just enough to release those wonderful garlicky aromas. Then, add the browned sausage back into the skillet and cook for an additional minute, just to warm it through and meld all the flavors together. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Before you dig in, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes if you like extra heat, plus sliced green onions and fresh chopped parsley or basil. I love how these garnishes add freshness and a beautiful pop of color to the dish. Serve it straight from the skillet and watch how everyone digs in eagerly!

How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my sausage and peppers with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for just the right amount of heat, plus green onions and freshly chopped parsley or basil. The herbs brighten up the dish visually and add a fresh, slightly herbal note that balances the rich sausage perfectly.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong serving this skillet dish over buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even tossed with pasta for a heartier meal. On busy nights, I even scoop it into crusty rolls or hoagie buns for a quick, delicious sandwich that disappears fast.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual get-togethers, I love serving the sausage and peppers in mini bell pepper boats or even stuffed into baked sweet potatoes for a fun, colorful presentation. It’s always a hit when I bring these to potlucks or family dinners—it feels special but is so easy to pull off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are great the next day! I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The peppers might soften a bit more overnight but still taste delicious. Just make sure to cool the skillet fully before refrigerating to keep it fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times and found it works well when tightly wrapped or stored in freezer-safe containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the texture of the veggies and sausage.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Microwaving works too but can make the peppers a little mushy if overheated.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights because it’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. I love how it comes together with just a few ingredients but delivers big on taste. The next time you want something comforting but fuss-free, give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did. And don’t forget to garnish it with fresh herbs; that little flourish makes it feel extra special every time.

Print