Sausage and veggie skillet is an easy, hearty dish full of colorful vegetables and flavorful sausage all cooked together in one pan. You get a nice mix of textures with the juicy sausage, tender veggies, and a little crispness from the skillet. It’s a simple meal that feels homey and satisfying any night of the week.
I love making this skillet because it’s so flexible—you can use whatever veggies you have on hand, and it comes together quickly. One of my favorite tricks is to make a big batch and then enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. The flavors only get better after sitting overnight!
For serving, I usually like to scoop it onto a bed of rice or noodles, or just eat it straight from the pan with some crusty bread on the side. It’s a no-fuss, all-in-one meal that never fails to please everyone at the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: This dish shines with Italian or smoked sausage for bold flavors. If you want a lighter option, try chicken or turkey sausage. Vegetarian sausages can also work great here.
Zucchini & Yellow Squash: These veggies add mild sweetness and a nice texture. If you don’t have yellow squash, just add extra zucchini or toss in some eggplant or mushrooms for variety.
Bell Peppers: The red and yellow peppers bring color and a sweet crunch. You can swap in green bell peppers if you like a bit more sharpness.
Herbs & Seasonings: Thyme and rosemary give earthy depth. Fresh herbs taste brighter, but dried work fine too. Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor When Cooking Sausage and Veggies Together?
Cooking sausage first lets it brown and release its flavorful fat. This fat helps cook the veggies and adds taste.
- Start the sausage in medium heat, turning to get a nice brown crust without burning.
- Remove sausage and use the same skillet for the onion and garlic. They soak up that sausage flavor.
- Cook veggies until tender and slightly caramelized — this brings out their natural sweetness.
- Add the sausage back at the end to warm through and mix flavors without overcooking it.
Taking these steps makes the dish tasty and keeps sausage juicy with veggies perfectly cooked.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – gives enough space to brown sausage and cook veggies evenly without crowding.
- Sharp knife – helps you cut sausage and vegetables into even pieces for quick, uniform cooking.
- Cutting board – protects your counters and provides a safe spot to chop ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – perfect for stirring without scratching your skillet.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap sausage for chicken breast or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly meal.
- Add mushrooms or cherry tomatoes to boost earthiness and add juiciness.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle spicy kick.
- Top with shredded cheese like mozzarella or parmesan for a melty, rich finish.
How to Make Sausage and Veggie Skillet?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) sausage links (e.g., Italian or smoked sausage)
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium yellow squash, diced (optional)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or fresh)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or other herbs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This simple skillet meal takes about 25-30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the veggies and sausage, then about 15-20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the sausage links into thick rounds. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on both sides and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the diced zucchini, yellow squash (if using), and the red and yellow bell peppers. Stir occasionally and cook for 7-10 minutes until the veggies become tender and begin to caramelize.
4. Combine and Season:
Return the cooked sausage slices to the skillet with the veggies. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well and cook together for 2-3 more minutes to let the flavors blend.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley or herbs on top. Serve warm as a hearty main dish or paired with your favorite sides. Enjoy your colorful and tasty sausage and veggie skillet!
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the sausage completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and browning.
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant if you want to mix up the flavors or use what you have on hand.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the sausage and veggies separately ahead and then combine and reheat before serving. This saves time on busy days.
