Easy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a one-skillet meal that comes together quickly and tastes like you’ve been cooking all afternoon. That’s exactly why I’m so fond of this Easy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe. It’s a fuss-free, flavor-packed dish that pairs tender caramelized peppers and onions with juicy sausage rounds, all in one pan.

I first tried this recipe on a hectic weeknight when I needed dinner on the table fast, and it became an instant family favorite. You’ll find that this recipe hits the perfect balance between simplicity and satisfying flavors, making it perfect for busy evenings or casual weekend dinners. Plus, it’s super adaptable—you can easily swap in your favorite sausages or add extra herbs to make it your own.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of fresh, colorful veggies paired with hearty sausage and simple seasonings—ingredients that come together beautifully and balance each other perfectly. Aim for fresh peppers and a good-quality sausage to get the most flavor.

• Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps caramelize the veggies nicely.
• Olive oil: Combined with butter to prevent burning and add a bright, smooth taste.
• Green bell pepper: Provides a crisp, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet red pepper.
• Red bell pepper: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the skillet.
• White onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes gently.
• Sausage links: Choose your favorite kind—spicy, sweet, or Italian—for juicy, meaty goodness.
• Garlic cloves (or jarred minced garlic): Essential for that hearty, homemade flavor boost.
• Italian seasoning or herbs de provence: Instant flavor enhancer with aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper: To brighten and season everything just right.
• Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of color.
• Steamed white rice (optional): Great for soaking up the flavorful juices if you want a more filling meal.

Variations

I love tweaking this Easy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe to suit whatever I have on hand or the vibe I’m aiming for. Once you get the basics down, feel free to experiment—this recipe really invites personalization!

• Spicy twist: I like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage for a little heat that makes the dish really sing.
• Vegetarian version: Swap sausage for hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage to keep things delicious but meat-free.
• Cheesy upgrade: I’ve sprinkled shredded mozzarella or provolone over the top at the end and popped it under the broiler for melty goodness.
• Seasonal peppers: During summer, I sometimes add sweet yellow or orange bell peppers for more color and sweetness.

How to Make Easy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Bell Peppers and Onions to Golden Perfection

Start by heating butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced green and red bell peppers along with the onions. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to caramelize—that usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll notice their natural sweetness intensify and colors deepen, which is exactly what you want. If they’re browning too fast or starting to burn, don’t hesitate to lower the heat a bit.

Step 2: Add the Sausage and Brown it Up

Once your veggies are beautifully tender, toss in the sausage rounds. I slice mine on the bias to get nice oval pieces that crisp up well. Stir everything together so the sausage mingles with the peppers and onions. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sausage skins turn golden brown—you’ll start smelling all those amazing flavors coming together.

Step 3: Season with Garlic, Herbs, Salt, and Pepper

Next, stir in the minced garlic and sprinkle the Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let it cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes so the garlic mellows and everything blends into a delicious harmony of flavors. This step is absolutely key to making sure your sausage and peppers taste homemade and extra special.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top. I love how that little burst of freshness brightens up the whole dish. Serve it straight from the skillet, ideally on top of some fluffy steamed rice to soak up all those wonderful pan juices. Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Easy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with fresh chopped parsley because it brightens the flavors and adds beautiful color. Sometimes I toss on a little grated Parmesan or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if I want a zesty twist. It’s those little touches that really make the dish pop on the table.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed white rice or creamy mashed potatoes—both soak up all the delicious juices. I’ve also served it alongside crusty bread to mop up the sauce, which my family always goes crazy for.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like serving the sausage and peppers atop toasted garlic bread or inside soft hoagie rolls for a hearty sandwich twist. You could also pile the mixture over creamy polenta for a cozy, comforting meal that feels a little fancy but stays super easy to make.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making leftovers just as delicious. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, so it’s perfect for quick lunch or dinner options later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, I recommend portioning into freezer-safe containers or bags and freezing within a couple of hours of cooking. I’ve had great success freezing this dish for up to 3 months. When you thaw it, the texture stays nice and the flavors hold up surprisingly well.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to warm evenly without drying out the sausage. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the mixture if it’s thickened in the fridge. You can also microwave it covered for convenience, but I find stovetop reheating preserves texture best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so reliably good and so easy to make. It’s that kind of recipe you can count on when you want comfort food without the hassle. I hope you give it a try soon and find yourself enjoying those tender peppers, savory sausage, and warm, garlicky goodness just like I do—maybe even making it a new family favorite!

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