Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner—the Sausage and Veggie Skillet! This dish is a glorious medley of flavors that always hits the spot after a long day. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with vibrant veggies that make it not just delicious, but also a feast for the eyes! I love how quickly it comes together; in just about 30 minutes, you can whip up a warm, comforting meal that the whole family will adore. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can use whatever sausage you have on hand and throw in any veggies that are about to go bad in your fridge. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb sausage, sliced (feel free to choose your favorite type!)
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped (any color you love will do)
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced (you can also use yellow squash for a twist)
- 1 cup onions, chopped (sweet or yellow onions work best)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing and flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp—seasoning is key!)
How to Prepare Sausage and Veggie Skillet
Creating this delightful Sausage and Veggie Skillet is a breeze, and I’m here to walk you through it step by step! Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by grabbing your trusty skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. This is the perfect temperature to get things sizzling without burning anything. You want that oil nice and hot, so it’ll help to sear the sausage beautifully!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Now, toss in your sliced sausage and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. This is where the magic happens! Browning the sausage not only adds a gorgeous color but also develops a rich flavor that’ll really elevate your dish. Make sure to turn the slices occasionally so they get evenly browned on all sides. Yum!
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Once your sausage is beautifully browned, it’s time to add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Oh, the smell is heavenly! The garlic adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Next up, stir in the chopped bell peppers and zucchini. Cook these colorful veggies until they’re tender, which should take about 5-6 minutes. You’ll want them to retain a little crunch for that perfect bite! Keep stirring occasionally to ensure everything gets cooked evenly.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, it’s time to season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and there you have it! Serve your Sausage and Veggie Skillet hot straight from the pan. It’s a dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also looks gorgeous on the table. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ about Sausage and Veggie Skillet
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use any sausage you love, whether it’s spicy Italian, chicken sausage, or even plant-based options for a vegetarian twist. Each type will bring its own unique flavor to the skillet!
What if I don’t have some of the vegetables?
No worries at all! This recipe is super flexible. If you don’t have bell peppers or zucchini, feel free to swap them with whatever veggies you have lurking in your fridge—like mushrooms, asparagus, or broccoli. It’s all about using what you love!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just let the skillet cool down, then transfer the dish to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick meal!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Chop your veggies and slice the sausage, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. It makes weeknight dinners even easier!
Does this dish freeze well?
Yes! You can freeze the Sausage and Veggie Skillet in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. It’ll still taste delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Hearty and filling, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with vibrant, fresh vegetables for a healthy boost.
- Versatile; use your favorite sausage and any leftover veggies.
- One-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze.
- Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day!
- Comforting flavors that the whole family will adore.
Tips for Success
Now, before you dive into cooking, I’ve got some pro tips to help you nail this Sausage and Veggie Skillet every time!
- Keep it colorful: Use a mix of bell peppers—red, yellow, and green—not only does it look beautiful, but each color also brings a different flavor profile!
- Don’t rush the browning: Give the sausage enough time to brown nicely; this caramelization adds an incredible depth of flavor. Patience is key here!
- Adjust cooking times: If you like your veggies a bit crunchier, reduce the cooking time for the bell peppers and zucchini by a minute or two. You want that perfect bite!
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or a dash of red pepper flakes can take your dish to the next level!
- Make it a meal: Serve your skillet over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices. It transforms the dish into a heartier meal!
- Leftover love: This skillet is great for using up leftover veggies or even grains. Toss in some cooked quinoa or brown rice right at the end for an extra punch of nutrition!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a fantastic Sausage and Veggie Skillet that’ll impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick rundown of the estimated nutritional information for one serving of the Sausage and Veggie Skillet. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This dish is not only hearty but also provides a good balance of protein and veggies, making it a satisfying choice for any meal! Enjoy your delicious creation guilt-free!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious Sausage and Veggie Skillet, and you’ve got some leftovers (if that’s even possible!). Here’s how to store and reheat it so it tastes just as amazing the next day!
First off, let your skillet cool down a bit. Once it’s at room temperature, transfer your leftovers to an airtight container. This is key for keeping all those wonderful flavors intact! You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes beautifully! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it should last for about a month.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, if it’s frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, you can pop it in the microwave for a quick fix—just a couple of minutes should do it, depending on your microwave. If you prefer, you can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat. Just add a splash of olive oil or a little water to help prevent sticking, and stir until it’s heated through. This method brings back that lovely sautéed texture and flavor!
And voilà! You’ve got a fantastic meal ready to go again. Trust me, it’ll be just as satisfying the second time around. Enjoy!
Print
Sausage and Veggie Skillet: 30-Minute Comfort Food Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring sausage and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sausage slices and cook until browned.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.
- Stir in bell peppers and zucchini, cook until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, stir well.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to use any sausage of your choice.
- Add additional vegetables as desired.
- Great served with rice or bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Sausage and Veggie Skillet