Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

I absolutely love this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe because it’s one of those magical dishes that’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. When I first tried this in a pinch on a busy weeknight, I was blown away by how easily it came together, plus how great it looked on the plate. It’s perfect for those days when you want comfort food without the fuss.

You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully all year round, whether you’re craving a cozy meal in the fall or something fresh and vibrant in the summer. The mix of savory sausage and sweet, tender peppers is a classic combo that just can’t be beat. I think you’ll agree—this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe makes a fantastic staple in your dinner rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The great thing about this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet they come together in such a harmonious way. You’ll want to pick fresh, vibrant bell peppers and a flavorful sausage to really make it shine.

• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and healthy fats.
• Andouille sausage: I like this for its smoky, spicy kick, but feel free to use Italian sausage or even chorizo.
• Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet depth and gorgeous color to the dish.
• Yellow bell pepper: Its mild, crisp flavor balances the spice in the sausage perfectly.
• Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness when cooked just right.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings everything together beautifully.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic amps up the aroma and depth of flavor in a way you’ll love.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone who likes a little extra heat.
• Green onion: Fresh garnish that adds a mild oniony freshness just before serving.
• Fresh parsley or basil: Herbal garnishes that brighten the whole dish.

Variations

I love making this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe my own by tweaking it depending on what’s in season or what I’m craving. You can easily make it mild, spicy, or even add some veggies you love to spice up the texture.

• Switch the Sausage: When I want something leaner, I swap in turkey or chicken sausage—it still tastes amazing.
• Veggie Boost: Broccoli or mushrooms make a great addition if you want more veggies without overpowering the classic flavors.
• Spicy Kick: Adding extra red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika adds a smoky heat I really enjoy.
• Grilled Version: Cooking this on a grill with a cast iron pan gives it a smoky edge that’s perfect for summer cookouts.

How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage to Develop Flavor

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced andouille sausage rounds and cook them until they’re nicely browned on all sides—this usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. This browning step is key because it creates that rich, savory flavor that sets the tone for the whole dish. Once browned, take the sausage out and set it aside to keep that flavor locked in.

Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions Until Tender-Crisp

Next, crank the heat up to medium-high and add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Toss in your thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the onion strips. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the veggies and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re crisp-tender. You want them soft enough to be delicious but still with a little bite—that balance really makes this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe pop.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Once the peppers and onions look just right, stir in the minced garlic and season everything with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook this for another minute or so until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft, being careful not to let it burn. This step is where the dish comes alive with its deep, mouthwatering aroma that I personally can’t resist.

Step 4: Combine Sausage and Finish Cooking

Now, add the browned sausage back to the skillet. Let everything cook together for another minute or so, just to warm the sausage through and let the flavors mingle. Give it a final taste to adjust salt and pepper if needed. If you want a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes here, too. Then you’re ready to plate and garnish!

How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always garnish my Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe with a generous sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions and a handful of chopped parsley or basil. This adds brightness and a splash of color that makes the dish feel extra special on the table. Plus, if you like a little heat, sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top is my go-to finishing touch.

Side Dishes

My favorite way to serve this skillet meal is over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside buttery egg noodles to soak up all the savory juices. Sometimes, I like to pair it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness. You can also keep it low-carb by serving it with cauliflower rice or alongside roasted potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve found serving the sausage and peppers family-style right from a rustic cast iron skillet gets everyone talking and reaching for seconds. Another fun idea is to stuff the sausage and peppers into toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone cheese for a casual, crowd-pleasing sandwich. Trust me, your guests will love that twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover Sausage and Peppers Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and sometimes tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Just pop it in the fridge as soon as it cools to keep it fresh.

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead in bulk, it freezes great! After cooking, let the skillet cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispness of the peppers and the sausage’s texture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine—just be sure to cover and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe has truly become one of my kitchen staples for good reason—it’s quick, flavorful, and forgiving. I love recommending it to friends because it’s approachable enough for beginners but satisfying enough to impress. Give it a try and you’ll see how satisfying a simple skillet meal can be, especially on those busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of cleanup. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

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