Sausage and Peppers Skillet is a delicious and colorful one-pan meal that comes together quickly and easily. The star ingredients are juicy, flavorful sausage slices paired with sweet, tender bell peppers. Cooking them all in one skillet makes the peppers nice and soft while the sausage gets a little crispy on the edges, creating a great mix of textures.
I love making this dish when I want something tasty but don’t want to spend too much time cooking. It’s so simple to toss everything into the skillet and let it cook while I get other things ready. Plus, the aromas of the sausage and peppers cooking fill the kitchen and make everyone hungry even before dinner is served.
My favorite way to enjoy this skillet meal is by serving it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice. It’s also great wrapped in a warm hoagie roll for an easy sandwich. This dish reminds me of casual family dinners that are full of flavor and easy to share, making it a real crowd-pleaser any time of the year.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the heart of the dish, offering rich flavor and juiciness. For a lighter option, try chicken or turkey sausage. Vegetarian sausages also work well if you go meat-free.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers provide sweetness and color contrast. You can use yellow or orange peppers too—they’re milder and add extra brightness.
Onion & Garlic: These build a savory base. Yellow or white onions work best for a slightly sweet taste. Garlic brings a nice punch, so don’t skip it.
Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and a bit of tang. If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, tomato paste thinned with a little water is a good substitute.
Herbs (Oregano & Basil): These bring classic Italian notes. Dried herbs are fine, but fresh ones will lift the dish even more.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Sausage and Peppers Without Overcooking?
Cooking sausage and peppers together can be tricky because sausage needs thorough cooking, and peppers can get mushy if overdone. Here’s my tip:
- Slice and cook the sausage first on medium heat until browned and cooked through. This gives sausage a nice crust and locks in juices.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet before adding peppers and onions. This lets the veggies cook slowly until tender but still firm, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the garlic near the end to avoid burning and keep it fragrant.
- Return the sausage to the skillet at the end and let everything simmer briefly together. This blends flavors without making the peppers mushy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large cast iron skillet – it cooks sausage evenly and gives peppers a nice caramelized flavor.
- Sharp chef’s knife – makes slicing sausage, peppers, and onions quick and easy.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring without scratching your skillet.
- Cutting board – helps keep your prep clean and organized.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a little heat that wakes up the dish.
- Add sliced mushrooms when cooking peppers for extra earthiness and texture.
- Mix in chopped fresh basil or parsley at the end for a bright, fresh taste.
- Stir in cooked pasta or rice before serving to make it a full meal.
How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage links (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow or white onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy meal ready in around 30 minutes total. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Slice the sausage links into ½-inch thick rounds. Add the slices to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Then remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized, about 7-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell its aroma.
3. Combine and Simmer:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce), dried oregano, and basil. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken a bit. Return the cooked sausage slices to the skillet. Stir gently to mix everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors and warm the sausage through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This dish is delicious served right from the skillet with crusty bread, over rice, or tucked into a sandwich roll.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the sausage completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking frozen sausage directly may result in uneven cooking.
Can I Substitute Bell Peppers With Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! If you don’t have bell peppers, try using zucchini, mushrooms, or even eggplant. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so they become tender but not mushy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prep the vegetables and slice the sausage ahead, then cook everything fresh. Alternatively, cook the full dish and refrigerate; just reheat before serving to keep flavors bright.
