One Pan Sausage Peppers And Onions
Highlighted under: Fast Plate Favorites
I love making One Pan Sausage Peppers And Onions because it’s a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of comfort food. The combination of juicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Plus, it all cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. In just 30 minutes, I can serve a delicious dinner that the whole family enjoys. It's become a weeknight staple for us, proving that quick meals can also be packed with flavor!
When I first tried making One Pan Sausage Peppers And Onions, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could come together to create such a satisfying meal. I used sweet Italian sausages, colorful bell peppers, and onions to add a burst of flavor, and cooked everything together to let the flavors meld beautifully. I found that leaving the sausages uncooked until I added them to the pan allowed them to brown nicely, giving the dish that coveted caramelized flavor.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, but it also makes a fantastic meal for gatherings. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad, and you've got a hearty feast. I especially love using a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for visual appeal and added sweetness that balances the savory sausage!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The vibrant colors of the peppers make the dish visually appealing.
- Flavorful sausages add a savory punch to every bite.
- All cooked in one pan, making clean-up a cinch!
The Importance of Cooking Times
Cooking times play a critical role in achieving the perfect texture for the sausage and vegetables in this dish. When browning the sausage, take your time: about 8-10 minutes allows for a golden, crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Make sure to turn them occasionally to avoid burning. Resting the sausages after browning also allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring they remain moist when sliced.
For the vegetables, sautéing them for about 5-7 minutes is key to unlocking their natural sweetness. You want them to soften, becoming slightly translucent without losing all their crunch. If you notice they begin to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low to let them cook gently, which will prevent burning and enhance their flavor.
Flavor Enhancements and Variations
Italian seasoning adds depth and balance to the dish, but you can customize it by adding fresh garlic or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick. If you're looking for substitutions, chicken sausage works wonderfully if you're trying to reduce fat. For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based sausage and ensure it's fully cooked as instructed on the packaging.
Another lovely variation is to include additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms—just add them alongside the bell peppers. They will absorb the delicious flavors of the sausage and seasoning, providing a heartier meal. Experimenting with the types and amounts of peppers can also change the flavor profile; using spicy peppers can give this dish an exciting twist!
Ingredients
For the dish
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Steps
Prepare the ingredients
Slice the bell peppers and onions. Set aside.
Brown the sausage
In a large pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and sausages. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned all over. Remove the sausages from the pan and let them rest.
Sauté the vegetables
In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
Combine and finish cooking
Slice the browned sausages and return them to the pan with the peppers and onions. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your choice of bread or over rice.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic or even some crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetables while sautéing. Also, feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time to save on cooking time during busy weeknights. Slice the peppers and onions, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The sausages can also be cooked in advance and reheated when you're ready to add everything together; just be sure to follow proper storage guidelines to maintain their flavor and safety.
If you have leftovers, this dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in a pan over medium heat to warm through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish in an airtight container; it will keep for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
One Pan Sausage Peppers And Onions can be served in a variety of delicious ways. For a classic presentation, serve it alongside crusty Italian bread to soak up the flavorful juices. Alternatively, you can serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or cooked quinoa, which will enhance the dish's heartiness while providing a neutral base that balances the bold flavors.
For a lighter option, consider serving the dish in lettuce wraps for a fun, low-carb twist! Just spoon the sausage and vegetables into large lettuce leaves and enjoy. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top can elevate the presentation and add a different dimension of flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, you can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage if you prefer.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or even pasta for a heartier meal.
One Pan Sausage Peppers And Onions
I love making One Pan Sausage Peppers And Onions because it’s a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of comfort food. The combination of juicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and caramelized onions fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Plus, it all cooks together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. In just 30 minutes, I can serve a delicious dinner that the whole family enjoys. It's become a weeknight staple for us, proving that quick meals can also be packed with flavor!
Created by: Sabrina Holt
Recipe Type: Fast Plate Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the dish
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Slice the bell peppers and onions. Set aside.
In a large pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and sausages. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned all over. Remove the sausages from the pan and let them rest.
In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
Slice the browned sausages and return them to the pan with the peppers and onions. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your choice of bread or over rice.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic or even some crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetables while sautéing. Also, feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g