Easy Sausage and Veggies Skillet : 30-Minute One-Pan Dinner Recipe

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Looking for quick dinner ideas that don’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition? This Sausage and Veggies Skillet is your answer to busy weeknights when you need something delicious on the table fast. With smoky sausage, colorful bell peppers, tender zucchini, and sweet corn kernels, this one-pan wonder delivers incredible taste with minimal effort and cleanup.

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Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Veggies Skillet

This recipe checks all the boxes for the perfect weeknight meal. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand, and requires only one pan for easy cleanup. The combination of savory sausage with fresh vegetables creates a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. You can use any type of cooked sausage – from spicy Cajun andouille to mild smoked sausage – depending on your family’s preferences. The vegetables caramelize beautifully in the sausage drippings, adding depth and richness to every bite.

This is one of those reliable dinner ideas for family gatherings that appeals to both kids and adults. The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, while the flavors are complex enough to keep things interesting without being overwhelming for younger palates.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Corn kernels	2 cups (3 ears)	Fresh, completely cooked
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	For initial cooking
Cooked sausage	12 oz	Cajun, andouille, or smoked
Red bell pepper	1 large	Diced
Zucchini	1 large	Sliced
Chili powder	½ teaspoon	Adjust to taste
Fresh cilantro	To taste	Chopped, for garnish

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions

Sausage Selection: The type of sausage you choose will significantly impact the overall flavor profile. Cajun sausage brings heat and complexity, andouille adds smokiness, while regular smoked sausage keeps things mild and family-friendly. All work beautifully in this recipe.

Vegetable Variations: While this recipe calls for bell pepper, zucchini, and corn, you can easily adapt it based on what’s in season or what you have available. Yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, or green beans would all be excellent additions or substitutions.

Fresh vs. Frozen Corn: Fresh corn offers the best texture and sweetness, but frozen corn works in a pinch. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry before adding to prevent excess moisture in your skillet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Sausage

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. A quality cast-iron skillet distributes heat evenly and helps achieve that perfect caramelization.
2. Slice your cooked sausage into coins using a sharp chef’s knife and add to the hot skillet.
3. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes without moving the sausage pieces. This allows them to develop a golden-brown crust on the first side.
4. Flip each piece over and cook for an additional 3 minutes on the other side until nicely browned.
5. Remove the cooked sausage to a large mixing bowl or plate.
6. Assess the oil remaining in your skillet. You want some fat for cooking the vegetables, but not an excessive amount. Pour any extra oil into a small, heat-proof bowl and set aside for later use.

Preparing the Vegetables

7. Add the diced red bell pepper to your now-empty skillet. Use your cutting board to prep all vegetables before you start cooking for a smoother process.
8. Cook the bell pepper for about 4 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the pepper starts sticking, add a little of the reserved sausage oil. The natural sugars in the pepper will caramelize, creating wonderful flavor.
9. Transfer the cooked bell pepper to the plate with the sausage.
10. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes. Zucchini cooks quickly, so watch it carefully to avoid mushiness.
11. While the zucchini cooks, slice the corn kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. Hold the corn vertically on your cutting board and carefully slice downward.

Final Assembly

12. Return all the cooked components – sausage, bell pepper, and zucchini – to the skillet along with the fresh corn kernels.
13. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of all ingredients.
14. Add any reserved sausage oil back to the skillet for extra richness and flavor.
15. Sprinkle the chili powder over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.
16. Reheat everything together on low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
17. Remove from heat and top generously with freshly chopped cilantro.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Don’t Skip the Searing: Taking time to properly brown the sausage creates texture and depth. Resist the urge to move it around too much – let it sit undisturbed for those crucial minutes.

Cook Vegetables Separately: While it might seem faster to throw everything in at once, cooking each vegetable separately ensures each one reaches the perfect texture without overcooking.

Seasoning Considerations: Since most sausages are heavily seasoned and salty, taste before adding any salt to the dish. The chili powder adds warmth without overwhelming heat.

Equipment Matters: A quality cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet makes a real difference in achieving even cooking and beautiful caramelization.

Serving Suggestions

This Sausage and Veggies Skillet is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal, but it also pairs beautifully with various sides:

• Serve over fluffy white rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal
• Pair with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices
• Add a simple green salad for extra vegetables
• Top with shredded cheese for added richness
• Serve with tortillas for easy tacos or wraps

Storage and Meal Prep

This recipe is excellent for meal prep and makes great leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and intensify overnight, making day-two portions even more delicious.

To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use raw sausage instead of cooked?
Yes! If using raw sausage, cook it thoroughly in the skillet first (internal temperature should reach 160°F), then proceed with the recipe as written. You may need a few extra minutes for cooking.

What’s the best way to cut corn off the cob?
Place the corn vertically on a stable cutting board, hold the top firmly, and use a sharp chef’s knife to slice downward in a sawing motion.

Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the chili powder, add red pepper flakes, use a spicy sausage variety, or top with sliced jalapeños.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most sausages are gluten-free, but always check the label to be certain. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! This recipe is very forgiving. Try adding mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, snap peas, or asparagus. Just adjust cooking times based on the vegetable.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

As one of the best cheap dinners for a family, this skillet meal delivers maximum flavor with minimal investment. The ingredients are affordable and widely available, and you likely already have most of them in your kitchen. It’s one of those reliable easy weeknight dinners that you’ll return to again and again.

The one-pan approach means less time washing dishes and more time with your family. Kids love the colorful presentation and familiar flavors, making it a true kid-friendly dinner winner. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get more vegetables into their diet without resistance.

For those lazy dinner nights when you’re short on energy but still want something homemade and nutritious, this recipe delivers. The active cooking time is minimal, and the steps are straightforward enough that even beginner cooks can achieve success.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Veggies Skillet represents everything we love about simple, satisfying home cooking. It’s proof that healthy dinner ideas don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With quality ingredients, proper technique, and a good skillet, you can create restaurant-quality meals in your own kitchen any night of the week.

Whether you’re planning dinner dishes for a busy weeknight or looking for reliable supper ideas that please the whole family, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. It’s flexible, forgiving, and absolutely delicious – exactly what every home cook needs.

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Equipment List

If you found this recipe helpful, feel free to check out the kitchen equipment below. Click on any image to view and purchase the product through our Amazon affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us keep Deliciousavors.com running and bringing you great recipes!

• Frying Pans – Essential for achieving perfect caramelization
• Chef’s Knives – For precise slicing and dicing
• Cutting Board – Stable surface for prep work
• Mixing Bowls – For organizing ingredients
• Kitchen Utensils – Spatulas and spoons for cooking
• Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – For accurate measurements