Name: Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, sliced; 3 medium bell peppers (any colors), sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt & pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 69 reviews

I absolutely love how this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe turns out every single time. There’s something so satisfying about those crispy, smoky sausage slices mingling with sweet, slightly charred bell peppers and onions — it’s like a flavor party in your mouth! Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or need a quick crowd-pleaser, this skillet meal hits the spot without much fuss.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how few ingredients it needed, yet how rich and comforting the final dish was. You’ll find that it’s super versatile, too — perfect with pasta, rice, or even tucked inside a bun for a hearty sandwich. Once you make this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe, it’s sure to become one of your go-to easy dinners.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples so you can whip it up anytime without a special trip to the store.
Speedy and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Big Flavor: The sausage adds smoky depth, while peppers and onions bring sweetness and color.
Versatile Serving Options: Pairs well with pasta, rice, potatoes, or even served as a sandwich filling.

Sausage and Peppers Skillet, sausage and peppers dish, easy sausage skillet recipe, quick sausage and peppers dinner, flavorful skillet meal The dish is served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, there are three main layers: at the bottom are wide, flat yellow pasta ribbons with a smooth texture, partly curled and layered. On top of the pasta, there are slices of reddish-brown sausage arranged throughout, with a shiny, cooked surface. Mixed among the sausage and pasta are cooked, soft onion slices that are translucent with a light golden color, and slices of orange and red bell peppers adding bright color contrast. Scattered green herb bits are sprinkled over the dish, adding a touch of freshness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all play nicely together — the smoky sausage, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions create a perfect harmony. When shopping, pick sausages you enjoy eating on their own because their flavor really shines here.

Smoked Sausage: I usually grab kielbasa or a Ukrainian smoked coil; fully cooked sausage is easiest to work with.
Olive Oil: Helps sear everything beautifully; you can swap with another neutral oil if you prefer.
Onion: A medium yellow or white onion brings sweetness and depth.
Bell Peppers: I use a mix of red, yellow, and green for color and a balance of sweetness and earthiness.
Garlic: Adds a quick punch of aroma toward the end.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning — don’t skimp!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe to suit different moods or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with spice levels or swap out veggies to keep things interesting.

Meat Swap: I’ve used andouille sausage for a spicier kick, which my family went crazy for.
Vegetable Upgrade: Adding mushrooms or cherry tomatoes adds extra texture and moisture.
Make it Low-Carb: Serve it over cauliflower rice or simply enjoy as-is for a hearty keto-friendly meal.
Spicy Boost: Toss in some red chili flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the peppers for some heat.

How to Make Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage to Perfection

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, place the sliced sausage in the pan in a single layer without crowding. This is the moment I discovered that patience pays off — let them sizzle undisturbed so they get beautifully browned and a little crispy on the edges, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t rush or stir too often! When done, transfer the sausages to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Peppers

Into the same skillet, add the sliced onions. If it seems dry, splash in a bit more olive oil. Cook onions for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then toss in your sliced bell peppers. Keep the heat a bit high to encourage that yummy, slightly charred flavor. Stir them occasionally, cooking until they’re tender-crisp and packed with color — usually about 5-7 minutes. I love that little char; it adds such great depth.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Finish It Off

When your veggies look nearly done, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until fragrant — too long and garlic can turn bitter. Then add the browned sausage back into the pan and mix everything well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I always give it a final taste here, adjusting the seasoning until it’s just right.

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Pro Tips for Making Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Choose Fully Cooked Sausage: It saves time and guarantees crispy, caramelized edges without undercooked centers.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving sausage pieces space allows browning rather than steaming.
High Heat for Peppers: Helps achieve that gorgeous char and keeps peppers from getting mushy.
Add Garlic Last: Garlic burns quickly, so adding it toward the end keeps its flavor bright and pleasant.

How to Serve Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Sometimes I add a little grated Parmesan or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze — it’s an unexpected twist that elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

My personal favorites to serve with this skillet are creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. It’s also fantastic over steamed rice or simply stuffed inside a hoagie roll for a satisfying sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve set up a “build-your-own” station with crusty rolls, sautéed peppers, and extra cheese. It’s fun for family gatherings or casual dinners and really lets everyone tailor their plate exactly how they want it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay surprisingly fresh for up to 3 days. Just make sure the dish cools completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times — just portion it out and freeze in freezer-safe containers. When thawed and reheated, the flavors remain just as vibrant, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the peppers juicy. Microwaving works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through reheating for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use raw sausage instead of smoked sausage?

You can, but keep in mind raw sausage will require longer cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked through. You might need to brown and cook it separately first, then follow with peppers and onions. Also, depending on the type, you might want to drain excess fat before continuing.
What types of bell peppers work best?

I recommend a mix of colors — red, yellow, and green — for both flavor balance and a vibrant look. Red and yellow peppers are sweeter, while green gives a slightly earthier taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, when made as-is this Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the sausage ingredients if you’re avoiding gluten completely, as some brands add fillers.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

While this recipe centers around sausage, you can swap it out with plant-based sausage alternatives and still use the same technique. Roasting or sautéing hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini along with the peppers can add satisfying texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it feels both nostalgic and fresh every time. It’s simple but hearty, bright and comforting all at once. I hope you’ll try it soon and see just how easy it is to brighten up your dinner routine with just a few ingredients and some love in the pan!