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Featuring savory smoked sausage slices, colorful veggies, and a rich medley of herbs and spices, this smoked sausage and peppers skillet is the ultimate quick dinner everyone will love!
As a family, we are hard core fans of kielbasa-type recipes! We love my Andouille sausage with sweet potatoes recipe. Another fave is my mom’s sausage and rice, as well as the ultimate classic red beans and rice.
Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Some time ago, I made myself a promise to come up with at least a few recipes that are literally as easy as fast food. Because, let’s face it—sometimes life is busy, overwhelming, or just plain chaotic. You forget to take the meat out of the fridge, you had to run an errand or do some other task that took the whole afternoon when you thought it would take half an hour, or maybe you’re just not feeling super energetic.
At those times when your messy bun is more like a bird’s nest, the dog is chewing up the sofa, and the kids are decorating the rug with bubble gum… well, it’s hard to head off to the kitchen to make meatloaf for an hour. I feel you, busy people of the world. I feel you.
And so, I present the easiest recipe ever: sausage peppers and onions! Quick, delicious, and perfect for those hectic days, this keto-friendly, low-carb skillet meal is so simple you can practically make it in your sleep, and it’s guaranteed to please everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I grew up on this sausage and pepper recipe, and it has always been a favorite in my family. Bell peppers are a big part of this delicious meal, and you can use any color you like—I like using a trio of colors for an extra-festive presentation.
- Olive Oil: For sauteing the food, have ready two tablespoons of olive oil, divided.
- Sausage: You’ll need about 12 to 14 ounces of kielbasa-style pork sausage cut into thin rounds (between ⅛-inch and ¼-inch thick). Sliced sausage links, ground hot Italian sausage, or sweet Italian sausage can be used for a different flavor profile.
- Bell Peppers: Julienne your bell peppers into thin strips.
- Onions: I use a small yellow onion and slice it into thin strips. White onion is okay to use, as well as red onions.
- Italian Seasoning: This versatile seasoning blend adds so much flavor! About a teaspoon is perfect for seasoning the skillet. You can also use a mix of dried oregano, dried rosemary, and dried basil.
- Garlic: Mince up four cloves of fresh garlic.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Spice things up even more with a good shake of red pepper flakes. I like to use about ½ a teaspoon, but you can use less or omit it if you wish.
- Garnishes: Slice up one green onion and chop a little fresh basil for garnish.
How To Make Sausage Peppers and Onions
Cooking sausage has never been so delicious and easy! This classic Italian sausage and peppers recipe is packed with flavor and ready in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Brown the Sausages. Heat a tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet, set over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages and cook them until they’re nicely browned, stirring and turning occasionally. This should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet, and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables. Now we increase the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the julienned peppers and onions, sprinkling them with the Italian seasoning. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until crisp tender and a little charred. Then add the garlic, salt, and pepper; continue to cook for 1 more minute.
- Finish the Dish. Return the cooked sausage back to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, or just until heated through. Taste the dish for salt and pepper and adjust if needed. Garnish with pepper flakes, green onions, and basil, if using.
- Enjoy! Serve your sausage and pepper skillet as-is, or arrange it over rice or noodles.
Recipe Tips
This super easy sausage peppers and onions recipe is so simple that it’s impossible to mess up! But I still have a few helpful ideas to share, just to make it the best it can be!
- Try Grilling: As delicious as this dish is in a cast-iron skillet (or any type of skillet that you prefer), it’s also great on the grill. A topper, griddle, or slotted skillet works great to get that smoky taste while keeping the food from falling through the grates.
- Add Veggies: Not a fan of peppers? No problem! This dish is fantastic with green beans, broccoli, squash, mushrooms, or any other veggie that you like.
- Sausage Options: This recipe would be tasty with almost any kind of link sausage. Standard kielbasa or bratwurst is a good choice, but Italian sausage would also be great. I like to use Andouille or chorizo because they add a spicy flavor.
- Swap the Protein: For a change of pace, try chicken, turkey, or beef sausage instead of regular pork sausage—or use cubes of steak, chicken breast, or ham.
Serving Suggestions
I can eat a plate of sausage and peppers for dinner, but some sides add a nice touch, like red wine. You could go with garlic parmesan breadsticks or a simple green goddess salad, which would be amazing! If you’re in the mood for something a little more detailed, try my all-time favorite garlic broccolini, which goes with everything.
Sweet honey roasted butternut squash is also a treat, and its fall flavors blend perfectly with this smoky, spicy, herbed skillet dinner. How about a nice crumbly piece of cornbread to round out this sausage and pepper recipe? I say YES! This skillet cornbread is sure to please.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- To store leftovers, place them in shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To reheat, cook in a covered skillet over low heat until heated through.
More Skillet Dinners
- Skillet Burritos
- Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
- Juicy Skillet Steak Bites with Potatoes
- Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
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Sausage and Peppers Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 12 to 14 ounces andouille sausage, cut into thin rounds, between ⅛-inch and ¼-inch thickness
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 small yellow onion, cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 green onion, sliced, for garnish
- fresh chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat.
- Add sliced sausages to the heated oil and cook until browned on all sides; about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Remove sausages from skillet and set them aside.
- Increase heat to medium-high; return skillet to the heat and add remaining olive oil.
- To the skillet add the peppers and onions; season with Italian seasoning and continue to cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until crisp tender.
- Stir in garlic, and season with salt and pepper; continue to cook for 1 more minute.
- Add sausages back to the skillet; cook for 1 minute, or just until heated through.
- Taste for salt and pepper; adjust accordingly.
- Garnish with pepper flakes, green onions, and parsley or basil.
- Serve.
Notes
- On the Grill: This meal is just as good when cooked on a grill. A topper, griddle, or slotted skillet can be utilized to infuse that smoky flavor and prevent the food from slipping into the grill gaps.
- Introduce Other Veggies: If peppers aren’t your favorite, the sausages can be paired with a variety of vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, squash, mushrooms, or any of your preferred veggies.
- Change Up the Protein: To add a little variety, consider alternatives to the usual pork sausage. You could explore using chicken, turkey, or beef sausages or even try chunks of steak, chicken breast, or ham.
- Sausages: You can use almost any kind of link sausage. Standard kielbasa or bratwurst is a good choice, but Italian sausage would also be great. I like to use Andouille and sometimes chorizo because they bring a spicy flavor of their own.
- Use Turkey Kielbasa for a lighter option.
- You can serve this meal as-is or serve the sausage, peppers, and onions over rice or noodles.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Very delicious!!!
Thank YOU! I am very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
I had some kale chips that I wanted to use so I put that in at the end in place of the parley. We enjoy eating colorful food. The dish was YUMMY!
Using kale chips for a colorful and crunchy finish sounds like a fantastic idea! I’m glad the dish turned out yummy for you. It’s always great to hear about successful and creative twists! 🙂
Love this! I use smoked turkey sausage and even add sun dried tomatoes.
Adding smoked turkey sausage and sun-dried tomatoes to your dish sounds delicious! I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Very tasty plus quick and easy!
I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Super fast and simple..Huge hit with the family…keeper
Thank YOU! I am very glad you and your family enjoyed it! 🙂
Delicious quick meal different from usual. I did serve over small bed of egg noodles. Will make this recipe again! Enjoyed with a glass of red wine!!
Delicious! I might leave the Italian seasoning out next time or reduce the amount.
I made this recipe and added baby red potatoes but left the rest of the recipe the same. My husband would definitely eat this again. Good recipe!
This was so good! I don’t really eat that much sausage but I had a package of jalapeño cheese sausage smoked sausage in the freezer. Of course I have to have bread with my meal so I put some of it on a hotdog bun with mustard. Delicious!
Excellent recipe. My go to for family brunch. I add potatoes and red pepper sauce to make it a complete dish with a little bit of heat.
Thank you so much! I’m very glad you and your family enjoyed it! 🙂