Sausage and veggie skillet
Sausage and veggie skillet is a simple, hearty dish that brings together flavorful sausage with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables. The sausage adds a nice savory kick, while the…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Sausage and veggie skillet is a simple, hearty dish that brings together flavorful sausage with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables. The sausage adds a nice savory kick, while the veggies soften just enough to keep every bite satisfying and fresh. It’s the kind of meal that feels both homey and healthy without requiring a lot of fuss.
I love making this skillet when I want something quick but still packed with flavor. One of my favorite tricks is to use whatever vegetables I have on hand—bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or even spinach all work great. It’s fun to mix and match depending on the season or what’s in the fridge, which means the dish can feel a little different every time I make it.
When I serve it up, I usually like to pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side of rice to soak up all those tasty juices. This skillet is great for an easy weeknight meal that fills everyone up and leaves little clean-up behind. Plus, it’s always a hit with the whole family because it’s both flavorful and straightforward.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: This adds smoky flavor and heartiness. You can swap with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Baby Potatoes: These give a nice crispy texture when cooked. If you don’t have baby potatoes, regular potatoes cut into small cubes work fine.
Zucchini & Yellow Squash: Both add fresh, mild flavors and a bit of crunch. You can use just one type or substitute with summer squash or even eggplant for variation.
Bell Peppers: Yellow and red peppers bring color and sweetness. You can use any color bell pepper or add some chopped tomatoes for extra juiciness.
Spinach: Adds a fresh green touch at the end. You can substitute with kale or Swiss chard, but cook those a bit longer since they’re tougher.
How Can I Cook the Potatoes Perfectly in a Skillet?
Potatoes can be tricky because they need to be soft inside and crispy outside. Follow these simple steps:
- Heat oil on medium heat before adding potatoes to prevent sticking.
- Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Cook without stirring too often in the first few minutes to form a golden crust.
- Stir occasionally after that to cook all sides evenly.
- Test tenderness with a fork to avoid undercooked potatoes.
Patience here really pays off with nice golden potatoes that add great texture to your dish.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even cooking and easy browning of sausage and veggies.
- Sharp chef’s knife – Makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Cutting board – Protects your counters and gives you a clean space to prep.
- Spoon or spatula – For stirring and tossing the ingredients without scratching the pan.
- Measuring spoons – To get the seasoning just right without guessing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that still adds great flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy touch and extra nutrients.
- Include a handful of cherry tomatoes near the end for a burst of sweetness and color.
- Swap spinach for kale if you want a heartier green that holds up well during cooking.
Sausage and Veggie Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons
- 1 yellow squash, cut into half-moons
- 1 cup baby potatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
- 1 small yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend roughly 5 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 25 minutes cooking. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy days.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage rounds and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place the baby potatoes in the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the potatoes start to soften and develop a golden-brown color.
3. Add Peppers and Onions:
Add the onion wedges along with the diced yellow and red bell peppers to the skillet. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften nicely.
4. Add Zucchini and Yellow Squash:
Stir in the zucchini and yellow squash pieces. Cook them for about 5 more minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a slight crispness.
5. Season and Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat, plus salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything well and cook for 1 more minute until you can smell the fragrant garlic and herbs.
6. Combine Sausage and Spinach:
Return the cooked sausage slices to the skillet and toss all ingredients together. Add the fresh spinach leaves and cook for an extra 2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted but still bright green.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top for a lovely fresh touch. Serve your colorful sausage and veggie skillet warm, and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Sausage or Vegetables?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw frozen sausage completely before cooking to ensure even browning. For frozen vegetables, add them a bit earlier and cook slightly longer until tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant to keep it flavorful and filling.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prep all the veggies and slice the sausage in advance to save time. Cook the dish fresh or assemble and refrigerate it, then reheat thoroughly before serving.