Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal

If you’re searching for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner that saves time and dishes, look no further than this Sausage and Veggies Skillet. In just 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful, colorful, and satisfying meal that’s cooked in one pan and devoured in minutes.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or just someone who hates cleanup, this dish checks all the right boxes: flavorful, nutritious, easy to customize, and loaded with wholesome ingredients.

In fact, one-pan meals are more than just convenient—they’re an efficient cooking strategy. Learn more about why one-pan meals are efficient from the experts at Bon Appétit.

When it comes to cooking sausage, knowing the right technique can make a major difference in texture and taste. If you’ve ever struggled with dry or undercooked sausage, check out this guide on how to cook sausage properly from The Kitchn to ensure juicy, browned perfection every time.

🔥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal cleanup – one pan = one wash
• Fast cooking time – ready in 30 minutes or less
• Highly customizable – use any sausage or veggies you like
• Meal prep-friendly – stores well for lunches or dinners
• Balanced nutrition – protein, fiber, and color on your plate

🛒 Ingredients Overview

You’ll need just a few simple, whole ingredients:

• 12 oz smoked sausage (e.g., chicken, pork, or turkey)
• 2 cups bell peppers (use multiple colors)
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Looking to understand what makes bell peppers such a healthy addition? Here’s a helpful breakdown of the nutritional benefits of bell peppers.

🧠 Nutritional Benefits

This one-pan meal is not only fast—it’s packed with nutrition:

• High in protein from the sausage
• Rich in fiber and antioxidants from veggies
• Naturally low-carb (especially if skipping potatoes)
• Easy to make gluten-free or keto

For an even lighter version, opt for chicken or turkey sausage and skip any added starch.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this dish in just 30 minutes:

1. Prep the veggies
   • Wash and slice bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.
2. Slice the sausage
   • Cut into bite-sized coins or half-moons.
3. Heat the skillet
   • Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the sausage
   • Cook until browned on both sides (~5-6 minutes).
5. Add veggies & garlic
   • Toss in all veggies and minced garlic. Stir well.
6. Season and sauté
   • Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook until veggies are tender but crisp (~10 minutes).
7. Serve hot
   • Top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.

🔄 Cooking Variations

Feel free to mix it up based on what you have:

• Swap zucchini for broccoli or cauliflower
• Use chorizo, bratwurst, or vegan sausage
• Add sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms
• Stir in a little cream or cheese for richness
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or paprika

⏱️ Time-Saving Tips

Want to move even faster?

• Buy pre-sliced sausage and pre-cut vegetables
• Make large batches and portion for meal prep
• Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution

❄️ Storage & Meal Prep

This skillet meal is perfect for leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat on stovetop or in microwave
• Freezes well if using firm veggies and sealed tightly

🍽️ What to Serve With It

While it’s a full meal on its own, here are some simple pairings:

• Steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
• Warm garlic bread or a crusty roll
• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Mashed potatoes or roasted root veggies for comfort

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the skillet—leads to steaming, not searing
• Not browning the sausage—flavor comes from the sear
• Using soggy veggies—too much moisture = mush

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

Q: What kind of sausage works best?

Smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille) works great. You can also use chicken or vegan sausage.

Q: Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely. Toss ingredients on a sheet pan and roast at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

Q: How do I make it vegetarian or vegan?

Use plant-based sausage and double up on vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant.

Q: Can I use frozen veggies?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess water.

Q: What if I don’t have a large skillet?

You can split the recipe into two pans or cook in batches.

⭐ User Reviews & Pro Tips

Here’s what others are saying:

• “This is my go-to weeknight dinner!”
• “I added sweet potatoes and it was incredible.”
• “Even my picky eater loved this!”
• “Try red pepper flakes for a little kick!”

📝 Printable Recipe Card

Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal

Ingredients:

• 12 oz smoked sausage
• 2 cups bell peppers
• 1 zucchini
• 1 red onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Seasonings

Steps:

1. Slice and prep ingredients
2. Sauté sausage
3. Add and cook veggies
4. Season and stir
5. Serve and enjoy!

✅ Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Veggies Skillet is the answer to the question: “What can I cook in under 30 minutes without making a mess?”

From the sizzling sausage to the colorful vegetables, every bite is satisfying and simple. Make it once and you’ll be hooked—your weeknight dinner rotation just got better.