If you’re craving something speedy, comforting, and downright delicious, I’ve got you covered with this fan-freaking-tastic Sausage Peppers and Onions Skillet Recipe. It’s basically my go-to for busy weeknights when I want a hearty meal without fuss. You’ll find that juicy Italian sausage combined with sweet, colorful bell peppers and caramelized onions makes a winning combo that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Make: Perfect for weeknights when you want a fast, filling meal without a lot of prep.
- Bold, Satisfying Flavors: The combination of Italian sausage with sweet peppers and savory onions creates a mouthwatering taste everyone raves about.
- Versatile Meal: You can enjoy it as a skillet dinner or stuff it in hoagie rolls for a fun sandwich twist.
- Minimal Cleanup: One-pan cooking means less mess and more time enjoying your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients play off each other perfectly, giving you that lovely balance of savory, sweet, and herby flavors. Plus, shopping is super straightforward—just make sure your sausages are good quality and your peppers are nice and colorful for visual appeal.
- Italian sausage links: Opt for fresh, quality sausage—mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
- Bell peppers: I like using a mix of colors (red, yellow, green) for vibrant flavor and presentation.
- Onion: A large sweet or yellow onion works best to balance the savory sausage.
- Garlic: Freshly minced adds so much depth—don’t skip it!
- Olive oil: For sautéing and enhancing flavors.
- Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that bring everything together.
- Salt and pepper: To taste; essential for seasoning.
- Hoagie rolls: Perfect for serving if you want to make sandwiches.
Variations
I love how flexible this Sausage Peppers and Onions Skillet Recipe is. It’s a great base for your own spin—feel free to swap in your favorite herbs or try different sausages to keep things exciting!
- Spicy Version: Adding some red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage gives it a nice kick—my family goes crazy for this heat!
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded provolone or mozzarella over the top just before serving to add melty goodness.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Skip the hoagie rolls and serve over rice, quinoa, or gluten-free bread without missing a beat.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausages and add mushrooms for an umami boost.
How to Make Sausage Peppers and Onions Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausages
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, add the Italian sausages. Cook them evenly, turning so they get browned on all sides—about 5 minutes. This browning adds so much flavor, so don’t rush it. When they’re nicely golden, remove them from the skillet. At this point, you can slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole—both work great depending on how you want to serve.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
In the same skillet, pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their wonderful aromas. This step is key because it brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies—trust me, the smell will have you hooked right away.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Herbs
Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Stir everything together and cook for another minute until you can really smell the garlic and herbs infuse the mixture. This quick step amps up the flavor base in a big way.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Slide the sausages back into the skillet and mix everything together. Let the entire dish cook for about 10 more minutes, stirring now and then, until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender and flavorful. This simmer lets those flavors mingle beautifully—you’ll be amazed how simple ingredients turn into a soulful meal.
Step 5: Toast the Hoagie Rolls (Optional)
If you want your hoagie rolls to have that perfect crispy edge and warm inside, toast them lightly in the oven or a separate skillet while the sausage and veggies finish cooking. Once toasted, open the rolls and load them up with your sausage, peppers, and onions. Adding a layer of your favorite sauce—like marinara or garlic aioli—makes it extra special.
Pro Tips for Making Sausage Peppers and Onions Skillet Recipe
- Brown the Sausages Well: Don’t rush this step—you want that golden crust for depth of flavor.
- Use a Mix of Bell Peppers: Different colors bring sweetness and make your dish look fantastic on the plate.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches if needed helps everything brown instead of steam.
- Toast Your Rolls: This little extra step brings texture and prevents sogginess from the juicy filling.
How to Serve Sausage Peppers and Onions Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top—it brightens the whole dish and adds a fresh pop of color. For a touch of indulgence, grated Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze works wonders here too.
Side Dishes
When serving this skillet recipe, I often pair it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to keep things light. You can also serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside roasted garlic bread if you want to up the comfort factor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual dinner, I like to serve the sausage, peppers, and onions as a build-your-own sandwich bar—everyone grabs their own hoagie and toppings. It’s a hit every time! Another fun twist is serving it over polenta or inside warm pita pockets for a unique presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as they sit overnight, making next-day lunches even better. Just make sure to cool the skillet contents before sealing to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
This skillet recipe freezes beautifully! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if things feel dry. This helps maintain that just-cooked texture and keeps the peppers and onions tender and juicy. Microwave works fine too for a quick fix!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of sausage for this Sausage Peppers and Onions Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is classic, you can swap in bratwurst, chorizo, or even chicken sausage depending on your taste. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if your sausage is pre-cooked.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
The skillet itself is naturally gluten-free if you skip the hoagie rolls or substitute them with gluten-free bread. Make sure your sausage doesn’t contain any fillers with gluten for a completely safe meal.
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How can I make this dish spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes along with the herbs. You can also add some diced jalapeños to the peppers and onions for an extra spicy kick.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! Cook the sausage and vegetables fully, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently when ready to serve and toast your hoagie rolls right before assembling for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Sausage Peppers and Onions Skillet Recipe comes together with simple ingredients that pack a punch of comforting, satisfying flavor. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s easy, adaptable, and always hits the spot. If you try it, I hope you find it as easy and delicious as I do—it’s like a warm hug on a messy weeknight. Grab your skillet and give it a go; I promise you won’t regret it!
Print
Sausage Peppers and Onions Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Sausage Peppers and Onions is a vibrant and hearty skillet meal featuring juicy Italian sausages cooked with sweet bell peppers, savory onions, and aromatic herbs. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, served in hoagie rolls for a satisfying sandwich or alongside your favorite grains.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage links
- 3 medium bell peppers, sliced (assorted colors)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve
- 4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise
Instructions
- Brown the sausages: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the Italian sausages and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausages from the skillet and slice them into bite-sized pieces or leave whole based on preference.
- Sauté the peppers and onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add garlic and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute until the mixture is fragrant.
- Combine sausages and vegetables: Return the sausages to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Continue cooking for 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausages are fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Toast hoagie rolls: If desired, lightly toast the hoagie rolls in the oven or on a separate skillet until crisp.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Open the toasted hoagie rolls and add a base of your preferred sauce if using. Fill each roll generously with the sausage, peppers, and onions mixture. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- This one-pan skillet meal is a fast and flavorful option for a wholesome dinner.
- Feel free to use different colored bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.
- Leftovers can be reheated quickly in a skillet or microwave.
- For a crispier sandwich, toast the hoagie rolls before filling.
- Pair with a side salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 616 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1045 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 86 mg