Picture this: juicy smoked sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tender onions all sizzling together in a single pan, coming together in under 30 minutes. Sound like the perfect solution for a busy night? That’s exactly what this Smoked Sausage and Peppers Skillet is all about. It’s a classic, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal my mama would whip up after a long day—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor without any fuss. You don’t need any fancy skills, just one trusty skillet and a few staple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly fast. From stovetop to table in about 25 minutes, making it a true lifesaver for those hectic evenings. Second, it’s a complete, balanced meal all by itself, but it’s also versatile enough to serve over pasta, rice, or tucked into a hoagie roll. And the flavor? So, so good. The smoked sausage brings a deep, savory smokiness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the caramelized peppers and onions. It’s a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will ask for again and again. Honestly, it’s one of my absolute favorite easy healthy dinner solutions.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and building a flavorful base.
- 1 (14 oz) package smoked turkey sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds: Provides the main protein with a delicious, smoky flavor.
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced: Adds a sweet, savory depth as it caramelizes.
- 2 large bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), sliced: Brings color, sweetness, and a boost of vitamins.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential aromatic punch.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A simple blend of herbs that ties everything together.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Creates a light sauce and helps deglaze the pan for more flavor.
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity and sweetness to balance the dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To enhance all the other flavors.
Step-By-Step Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, until nicely browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and started to develop some beautiful caramelized edges.
- Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for just 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, using your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where all the magic flavor lives!
- Return the browned sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Top Dinner Ideas for Easy Meals
If this recipe hits the spot, you’re probably always on the hunt for more easy meals. I get it! Life is busy, and having a roster of reliable dinner ideas is a game-changer. For other quick dinner ideas, think about dishes that are heavy on flavor but light on cleanup. Think one-pan wonders like this skillet, sheet pan fajitas, or a simple pasta dinner recipe like a creamy one-pot pasta. The goal is to get a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table without spending your entire evening in the kitchen. These are the kinds of cheap dinners for a family that keep everyone happy and your sanity intact.
Creative Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this dish your own! Cooking is all about creativity. For a spicier kick, use a spicy chicken sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. If you’re looking for more healthy dinner recipes, bulk it up by adding a can of drained white beans or chickpeas in the last few minutes of cooking. You could also swap the bell peppers for zucchini or mushrooms if that’s what you have on hand. And for a pasta dinner recipes twist, toss the entire finished skillet with cooked penne or rotini and a splash of extra broth. So versatile.
Oven Temperatures
While this recipe is designed for the stovetop, you can easily finish it in the oven if you’re making a larger batch or want to melt cheese on top. Simply prepare the recipe through step 4 in an oven-safe skillet. Then, top the mixture with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Storage Tips
Leftovers are a beautiful thing! Let the skillet mixture cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a tiny splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the peppers can become a bit mushy upon thawing.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This dish is a superstar all on its own, but it plays well with others, too! For a classic pairing, serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles. To keep things light, it’s fantastic with a simple side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. If you’re feeding a crowd with big appetites, spoon the mixture into toasted hoagie rolls for incredible sandwiches. And don’t forget a piece of crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of the delicious juices in the bottom of the skillet.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! Any pre-cooked smoked sausage will work wonderfully. Kielbasa, chicken apple sausage, or even a plant-based smoked sausage are all great options for easy weeknight dinners.
- Is this smoked sausage and peppers skillet healthy? It can be! By choosing a lean smoked turkey sausage and loading up on the veggies, you’ve got a well-rounded meal. It’s a protein-packed, veggie-forward option that fits right into a rotation of healthy dinner ideas.
- What other vegetables can I add? This is a great base recipe. Feel free to add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach in the last minute of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
- How can I make this dish ahead of time? You can slice the sausage, onions, and peppers up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in containers in the fridge. When dinner time rolls around, just throw it all in the skillet for an even quicker meal.