One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet

Imagine the sizzling sound and mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen as the One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet comes together in a harmonious blend of flavors. This hearty, colorful dish combines smoky sausage with crisp, fresh vegetables for a meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. The One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly balanced meal where each ingredient shines while complementing the others, all in one convenient skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet has become a staple in countless households for good reason. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable—everything cooks in a single pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as the ingredients mingle together. The textural contrast is what makes this dish truly special: the sausage develops a delightful caramelized exterior while remaining juicy inside, while the vegetables retain their individual textures—crisp bell peppers, tender zucchini, and sweet corn kernels that pop with each bite.

The versatility of this dish means it works equally well as a standalone meal or paired with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. The vibrant colors create a feast for the eyes before you even take your first bite, making this sausage veggie skillet perfect for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Ingredients List for the One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The combination of savory sausage with fresh, colorful vegetables creates a perfect balance that’s enhanced by just the right amount of seasoning.

• 2 cups corn kernels (3 ears completely cooked)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz sausage (cooked, such as cajun sausage, andouille sausage, or smoked sausage)
• 1 large red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 large zucchini (large, sliced)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)

Pro Tips

To elevate your One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet from good to exceptional, follow these critical cooking techniques:

First, don’t rush the sausage browning process. Allowing the sausage to develop a deep caramelization on each side creates a flavor foundation that permeates the entire dish. This Maillard reaction creates complex flavors that can’t be achieved any other way.

Second, consider the cutting technique for your vegetables. For even cooking, aim for uniformity—dice the bell peppers into pieces approximately the same size as the corn kernels, and slice the zucchini into consistent coins about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures everything cooks at the same rate and prevents some vegetables from becoming mushy while others remain raw.

Lastly, preserve the pan fond (those browned bits that stick to the bottom of your skillet) when cooking the sausage. These caramelized bits are flavor gold—when you add the vegetables, they’ll absorb these concentrated flavors and elevate the entire sausage veggie medley.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet on medium heat.

Step 2: Slice cooked sausage into coins and add to the skillet.

Step 3: Cook on medium heat in a cast-iron skillet for 5 minutes on one side, then flip over and cook for about 3 minutes on the other side. Remove from skillet to a large plate.

Step 4: You will have oil from the sausage. Leave some oil in the skillet for the veggies. Remove extra oil to a small, heat-proof bowl, and reserve.

Step 5: Add diced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Add sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften but still maintain some crispness.

Step 7: Add corn kernels and sprinkle chili powder over the vegetables, stirring to distribute evenly.

Step 8: Return the sausage to the skillet, gently folding it into the vegetable mixture.

Step 9: Cook everything together for 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavors have combined.

Step 10: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.

Variations

The One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet is incredibly adaptable to different dietary preferences and flavor profiles. For a spicier version, try using hot Italian sausage or chorizo, and increase the chili powder to 1 teaspoon, or add a diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper for extra heat.

For a Mediterranean-inspired sausage vegetable skillet, swap the chili powder for Italian seasoning, use sweet Italian sausage, and add cherry tomatoes and black olives during the last few minutes of cooking. Finish with fresh basil instead of cilantro and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.

To make this dish vegetarian, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or portobello mushrooms cut into thick slices. The mushrooms will provide that satisfying meaty texture while absorbing all the delicious flavors from the skillet.

Storage and Serving

The One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use a skillet over medium heat rather than a microwave to maintain the vegetables’ texture. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to rejuvenate it.

This versatile dish shines in multiple serving scenarios. For a complete meal, serve it over fluffy rice or quinoa, which will soak up the flavorful juices. For a lower-carb option, spoon the sausage and veggie mixture over cauliflower rice or alongside a simple green salad.

For a brunch variation, reheat leftovers and top with a fried egg—the runny yolk creates a delicious sauce that ties everything together. Alternatively, stuff the mixture into warm tortillas for quick and satisfying tacos, topped with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of already cooked corn?
Yes! If using fresh uncooked corn, cut the kernels from the cob and add them to the skillet a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests. They’ll need about 5-7 minutes total to cook through.

What’s the best sausage to use for this One Pan Sausage and Veggies Skillet?
Andouille or smoked sausage work particularly well because they’re pre-cooked and full of flavor. However, any cooked sausage variety you enjoy will work—from cajun to Italian or even chicken sausage for a lighter option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. The flavors actually improve as they meld together. Just reheat gently in a skillet before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most sausages are gluten-free, but always check the packaging to be sure. With that verified, yes, the rest of the ingredients in the sausage veggie skillet are naturally gluten-free.

What other vegetables work well in this one-pan meal?
This recipe is very flexible! Try adding yellow squash, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even broccoli florets. Just adjust cooking times as needed—harder vegetables should go in earlier, while quick-cooking ones can be added toward the end.

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