Name: sausage and veggies skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 medium bell pepper (any color, chopped); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

You know those nights, right? The ones where you stare into the fridge, the clock is ticking, and the thought of making a complicated meal feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops? Yeah, I live for those nights, because that’s exactly when this sausage and veggies skillet swoops in to save the day! It’s like my culinary superhero. Honestly, it’s so ridiculously easy and satisfying, it makes my famous (in my own head, at least) creamy chicken pasta bake feel like a five-course Michelin meal. But this skillet… oh, this one’s different. It’s the kind of dish that smells amazing from the moment you start cooking, fills your home with warmth, and leaves you feeling truly nourished without all the fuss. My kids, who are notoriously picky, actually gobble this up without a single complaint. It’s my little secret weapon for getting them to eat a rainbow of veggies!

What is a sausage and veg skillet?

So, what exactly is this magic in a pan? At its heart, a sausage and Veggies Skillet is exactly what it sounds like: a one-pan wonder where savory sausage meets a colorful medley of your favorite vegetables, all cooked together until they’re perfectly tender and bursting with flavor. Think of it as a super-flexible, super-satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort and maximum taste. It’s not fussy, it’s not fancy, but it’s packed with goodness. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability. The “sausage” part can be any kind you love – spicy Italian, mild breakfast sausage, even chicken or turkey sausage if you’re feeling adventurous. And the “veggies”? Well, that’s where you get to play! It’s essentially a glorious, delicious scramble of whatever looks good in your crisper drawer. It’s comfort food meets healthy eating, all rolled into one simple, amazing skillet meal.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the reasons why this sausage and veggies skillet has earned a permanent spot inflavor is just out of this world. You get that deep, savory richness from the browned sausage, which then infuses all the vegetables with its deliciousness. Plus, depending on the sausage you choose, you can get a little kick or a lot! The way the vegetables caramelize and soften slightly, but still have a tiny bit of bite? Perfection. Then there’s the simplicity. I mean, we’re talking one pan, minimal chopping, and you can practically make it with your eyes closed. It’s the ultimate lifesaver for those evenings when you’re exhausted but still want something wholesome and delicious. And let’s talk Cost-efficiency: What is the best way to measure cost-efficiency?! Sausage is usually pretty budget-friendly, and you can load it up with affordable, seasonal vegetables. It’s a meal that feeds a family without breaking the bank. The versatility is another huge win. You can eat it straight from the pan, serve it over rice or quinoa, toss it with some pasta, or even top it with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast-for-dinner situation. It’s truly a chameleon dish. What I love most about this is how it makes me feel like a culinary genius, even on nights when my brain feels like mush. It’s proof that delicious, healthy, and satisfying meals don’t need to be complicated. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to high-five yourself.

How to Make Sausage and Veggies Skillet

Quick Overview

This whole dish comes together in a flash, usually under 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll brown your sausage, then toss in your chopped veggies to soften and soak up all those wonderful flavors. A sprinkle of seasoning, maybe a splash of broth or wine if you’re feeling fancy, and that’s pretty much it! It’s designed to be fast, easy, and incredibly forgiving. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze because it’s all happening in one glorious skillet.

Ingredients

For the Sausage & Veggies:
1 pound good quality sausage (I love using Italian sausage, either mild or hot, but any pork, chicken, or turkey sausage works wonderfully! If using links, just snip the casings.)
1 tablespoon olive oil (you might not need it if your sausage is very fatty, but it helps get things started)
1 medium onion, chopped (yellow or red, whatever you have on hand)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy!)
1 bell pepper (any color!), chopped
1 medium zucchini or yellow squash, chopped (or both if you’re feeling it!)
1 cup broccoli florets or chopped Green beans (or a mix – peas, corn, even chopped carrots work great too!)
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins/Garnish:
Pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat
Splash of white wine or chicken broth for deglazing
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Grab a large, sturdy skillet – cast iron is my absolute favorite for this because it holds heat so well. Place it over medium-high heat. If you’re using sausage that doesn’t release a lot of fat, add about a tablespoon of Olive oil to the pan. Let the pan get nice and hot before you add anything; this is key for getting a good sear on the sausage.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

If you’re using links, snip the casings and crumble the sausage into the hot skillet. If you’re using pre-crumbled sausage, just add it in. Break up any large clumps with your spoon. Let the sausage cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once it’s browned, use a slotted spoon to scoop the sausage out and set it aside on a plate, leaving any rendered fat in the skillet. Don’t clean the skillet!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

Lower the heat slightly to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage drippings. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to soften and become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 4: Add Heartier Veggies

Toss in your chopped bell pepper and zucchini (or squash). Stir everything around to coat them in the flavorful drippings. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then, until these vegetables start to soften a bit. If the pan looks a little dry, you can add another tiny drizzle of olive oil.

Step 5: Add Softer Veggies and Seasonings

Now, add in your broccoli florets (or green beans, peas, corn, etc.). Stir everything together. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the vegetables and sausage. If you like a little heat, now’s the time to add those red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, the sausage is already seasoned, so taste as you go!

Step 6: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together to combine. If you want to deglaze the pan and add a little extra moisture and flavor, now is the time to add a splash of white wine or chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let everything cook together for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to reach your desired tenderness. I like mine with a little bit of a bite, not mushy.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Give everything a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch more Italian seasoning if you think it needs it. You want all those flavors to sing!

Step 8: Serve Hot

Spoon the delicious sausage and veggies skillet onto plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy immediately!

What to Serve It With

Honestly, this sausage and veggies skillet is a meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round it out or serve it for a special occasion, I’ve got you covered! For Breakfast, I love serving it alongside some fluffy scrambled eggs or a perfectly poached egg with a runny yolk. A side of whole-wheat toast for dipping into that eggy, savory goodness is divine. For a leisurely Brunch, it’s fantastic served in the center of the table with a generous scattering of fresh herbs, perhaps with some crusty bread or even some light, fluffy biscuits. A mimosa or a good cup of coffee is the perfect accompaniment. As a satisfying Dessert (yes, really!), it’s surprisingly good! Hear me out: after dinner, I’ll sometimes have a small portion of this skillet, and it feels so much lighter and more wholesome than a heavy dessert, especially if I’ve used leaner sausage and lots of veggies. It’s also wonderful as a simple, comforting snack. For Cozy Snacks, I’ll just have a small bowl of it warm, perhaps with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream swirled in for a creamy counterpoint. My family also loves having this over a bed of fluffy brown rice or quinoa for a more substantial, complete meal that keeps us full for hours.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Sausage and Veggies Skillet

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this simple sausage and veggies skillet from good to absolutely phenomenal. First, Don’t Crowd the Pan when browning the sausage. If you’re making a big batch, it’s better to brown it in two smaller batches rather than all at once. This ensures you get lovely crispy bits instead of steaming the sausage. Speaking of sausage, Choose Wisely! The quality of your sausage makes a big difference. I find that good quality Italian sausage, with its blend of herbs and spices, lends itself beautifully to this dish. But honestly, experiment! A spicy chorizo can give it a whole new personality. When it comes to the veggies, Prep Them Uniformly. Try to chop your vegetables into roughly the same-sized pieces so they cook evenly. This is especially important for the harder vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli. If you have very tender veggies like peas or corn, add them towards the end so they don’t turn mushy. Deglazing is Your Friend! That little splash of wine or broth you add after sautéing the onions and garlic? Don’t skip it. It scrapes up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, adding an incredible depth of flavor that makes the whole dish sing. For seasoning, Taste As You Go! Sausage can be salty, so it’s crucial to taste the dish before you add too much extra salt. Start with a little and add more if needed. Finally, for a little something extra, Consider a Finishing Touch. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten everything up beautifully, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add a delightful salty, nutty note. Trust me, these little tweaks elevate this simple skillet to something truly special!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This sausage and veggies skillet is a fantastic make-ahead meal, which is why it’s such a lifesaver. If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing them is a breeze. For Room Temperature storage, it’s best to let the skillet cool down completely before covering it tightly. It should be fine at room temperature for no more than two hours. For Refrigerator Storage, transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for about 3-4 days. I often make a double batch on Sunday and have it for lunches throughout the week. When it comes to Freezer Instructions, this dish freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. The Glaze Timing Advice is simple: I generally recommend adding any fresh herbs or a final drizzle of sauce *after* reheating, as some herbs can wilt and some sauces might separate if frozen and reheated multiple times. The sausage and veggies themselves hold up beautifully to freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose a gluten-free sausage. Most standard sausages are, but it’s always good to check the label just in case. The rest of the ingredients – the vegetables, olive oil, herbs, and seasonings – are all gluten-free. So, no need for any special substitutions there!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Nope, not at all! The skin on zucchini and yellow squash is perfectly edible and packed with nutrients. Leaving it on also helps the veggies hold their shape a bit better during cooking. If you have a personal preference for peeled zucchini, you can certainly do that, but I find it’s an unnecessary step that just adds more time and cleanup.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

This is a fun thought! While it’s not a direct swap for muffins (which typically have a batter base), you could definitely adapt the concept. You might consider a savory muffin recipe and incorporate the cooked sausage and finely diced veggies into the batter. Or, you could make mini frittatas with the sausage and veggie mix. However, for the true spirit of this dish, the skillet version is hard to beat for its ease!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

The sweetness in this dish comes primarily from the natural sugars in the vegetables, especially the onions and bell peppers as they caramelize. If you prefer a sweeter profile, you could add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup towards the end of cooking, or include sweeter vegetables like corn or sweet potatoes (diced small and cooked longer). Conversely, if you want less sweetness, focus on using less onion or sautéing it for a shorter time.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

Ah, I think you might be thinking of a different recipe! This sausage and veggies skillet doesn’t typically have a glaze. It’s more of a savory, cooked-down mixture of sausage and vegetables. If you’re looking for something to top it with, I highly recommend a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for brightness. A little grated Parmesan cheese is also a delicious addition!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my absolute favorite sausage and veggies skillet! It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious and satisfying. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly versatile, and best of all, it’s ridiculously easy to make. I just love how it comes together in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste. It’s the perfect answer to the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma on even the busiest weeknights. If you’re looking for more simple, flavorful meals that are big on taste and small on effort, you might also enjoy my One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies or my Speedy Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus. Give this sausage and veggies skillet a try, and I promise, it’ll become a staple in your home too. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so please leave a comment below and let me know your favorite sausage and veggie combinations! Happy cooking!