Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is one of those go-to meals I turn to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and simple to whip up fast. The great thing about it is how beautifully the spicy sausage and sweet peppers complement each other, creating a balance of bold and fresh that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking dinner after a busy day or need a crowd-pleaser for casual get-togethers, this recipe won’t disappoint.

I remember the first time I tried this dish; it was an instant hit with my family, and since then, it’s become a regular in my kitchen rotation. You’ll find that the combination of Italian seasoning, garlic, and just a touch of red pepper flakes packs enough punch to keep things interesting, but it’s also customizable if you like it milder or spicier. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve on its own or over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

When you gather your ingredients for this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe, you’ll notice how straightforward they are, but each plays a vital role in bringing out vibrant flavors. Fresh bell peppers add crunch and color, while Andouille sausage lends its characteristic smoky kick.

• Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and proper sautéing.
• Andouille sausage: I recommend Andouille for its smoky, spicy notes, but feel free to swap for kielbasa, bratwurst, or Italian sausage.
• Red and yellow bell peppers: Bright, sweet, and packed with vitamins – thin strips cook quickly and look inviting.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A handy mix to infuse the vegetables with classic Mediterranean flavors.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives that punchy aroma and taste you want.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and bring everything together.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of extra heat, customize to your liking.
• Green onion and fresh parsley or basil: Garnishes that add freshness and a pop of color at the end.

Variations

I love that the Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is a total blank canvas—you can personalize it easily depending on what you have in the fridge or your mood. Here’s how I like to mix it up to keep things fresh and exciting.

• Add Other Veggies: When peppers aren’t my favorite, I swap in green beans, mushrooms, or even broccoli for extra texture and nutrients.
• Protein Swaps: If you want to lighten things up, turkey kielbasa works wonders, or try chicken sausage for a milder flavor profile.
• Spice Level: I’ll sometimes double the red pepper flakes for a fiery kick or leave them out completely for a kid-friendly version.
• Serve Differently: Besides the classic skillet serve, stuffing this mix inside toasted hoagie rolls makes a killer sandwich that my family adores.

How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage to Lock in Flavor

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Andouille sausage in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are nicely browned—about 5 to 6 minutes. Browning the sausage this way is key because it caramelizes the edges, developing rich, savory flavors that carry through the entire dish. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Peppers and Onions to Crisp Tender

Turn the heat up to medium-high and pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the yellow onions. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the veggies, then sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they become crisp-tender—still with a bit of bite but softened just enough. This stage brings out the sweetness in the peppers and onion, balancing the smoky sausage beautifully.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Stir in the minced garlic, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook everything together for about 1 minute more for the garlic to release its aroma without burning. Return the browned sausages to the skillet, tossing everything gently. Let it warm through for a minute, then check the seasoning once again and adjust if needed.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle on red pepper flakes if you want that extra heat punch, then scatter chopped green onions and fresh parsley or basil over the top. These fresh garnishes add brightness and a bit of color contrast that makes the dish feel even more inviting.

How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs—parsley or basil works beautifully for a fresh herbal note. Green onions add a subtle bite and vibrant green color too. If you want a bit of extra heat, I encourage you to add red pepper flakes as a garnish rather than mixing all in, so everyone can control their spice level.

Side Dishes

I love serving this skillet as-is for a low-carb meal or ladling it over steamed rice, pasta, or even creamy polenta for a comforting twist. Crusty bread on the side is great for mopping up any flavorful juices. For lighter options, roasted potatoes or a crisp green salad complement the bold flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve made sliders using this sausage and pepper mixture stuffed inside small hoagie rolls or baked into puff pastry bites as appetizers. It’s also a fun dip for tortilla chips when mixed with cream cheese or shredded mozzarella warmed under the broiler. Playing with presentation makes this humble skillet recipe feel like something extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the sausage and peppers separate from any sides like rice if I plan to reheat them later to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe freezes well too. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it holds up nicely for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry. This keeps the sausage juicy and the peppers vibrant without overcooking them. Microwaving works too, just cover to retain moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I don’t say this lightly, but this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe has become a beloved staple in my home kitchen. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together, knowing it’ll satisfy everyone at the table without fussing over complicated steps or ingredients. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true recipe that’s as comforting as it is delicious, give this one a go — I have a feeling it’ll become a favorite for you too.

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