When you need a meal that’s fast, filling, and bursting with bold flavor, look no further than this one skillet sausage and peppers recipe. It’s simple, it’s colorful, and it’s exactly what busy weeknights were made for. With just one pan and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a full meal that feels homey, hearty, and completely satisfying.
This recipe brings together juicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a touch of garlic for a savory, rustic dish that’s delicious on its own, piled onto rice, tossed with pasta, or scooped into a crusty roll. The best part? It’s made entirely in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just want something reliable and cozy, this one skillet sausage and peppers dish is a go-to that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This One Skillet Sausage and Peppers
It’s fast and easy
The whole meal is ready in around 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Only one pan to clean
Everything cooks in one skillet, saving you dishes and time.
Big flavor, few ingredients
The sausage adds spice and richness, while the peppers bring color and sweetness.
Super flexible
Serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or in a hoagie roll. You can even make it low carb by skipping the starch.
Beginner friendly
If you’re new to cooking, this is a great place to start. It’s nearly impossible to mess up.
Meal prep approved
It stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for lunches or dinner later in the week.
What You’ll Need
Sausage – Use your favorite: Italian, spicy, chicken, turkey, or plant-based
Bell peppers – A colorful mix of red, yellow, and green adds natural sweetness
Onion – Sliced thin for depth and balance
Garlic – For that extra layer of flavor
Olive oil – Helps everything cook evenly and adds richness
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano or Italian herbs
Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, balsamic glaze, shredded mozzarella, hoagie rolls
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
4 sausage links (pork, chicken, or plant-based), sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, shredded mozzarella, hoagie rolls
How to Make One Skillet Sausage and Peppers
Step 1: Cook the sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil. Place the sausage slices in the pan and cook until browned on all sides (about 5–7 minutes). Remove sausage and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir occasionally and cook for 8–10 minutes until the peppers are soft and the onions are caramelized at the edges.
Step 3: Add garlic and seasonings
Add the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Bring it all together
Return the sausage to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes to reheat and blend the flavors.
Step 5: Serve your way
Enjoy your one skillet sausage and peppers as-is, or serve over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or inside a warm toasted roll with melted cheese.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
This one skillet sausage and peppers recipe is super flexible. Try one of these simple twists to change things up:
Use different sausage
Try spicy Italian, chicken apple, turkey, or even vegan sausage. Each one adds a different personality to the dish.
Add tomatoes
Toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes or a few tablespoons of crushed tomatoes for extra sauce.
Make it cheesy
Top it with shredded mozzarella or provolone and place under the broiler for 2 minutes to melt.
Make it spicy
Add red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce while the veggies cook.
Go Mediterranean
Add olives, a sprinkle of feta cheese, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.
Serving Ideas
Serve it over:
Steamed white or brown rice
Cooked pasta (penne or spaghetti work great)
Mashed potatoes
Cauliflower rice for low carb
Serve it in:
Hoagie rolls for sausage and pepper sandwiches
Stuffed baked potatoes
A warm tortilla as a wrap or flatbread pizza
Serve it with:
A green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables or simple sautéed greens
Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
Meal Prep and Storage
This one skillet sausage and peppers recipe is meal prep friendly!
Storage tips:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth
You can also reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes
Not great for freezing if you use fresh peppers (they’ll get soft), but works if using frozen ones
Nutrition and Swaps
Use lean turkey or chicken sausage for lower fat
Swap butter for olive oil to reduce saturated fats
Add extra vegetables (zucchini, mushrooms, kale) to increase fiber and vitamins
Use cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash for a lighter base
Top with nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy free option
This one skillet sausage and peppers dish is naturally gluten free and easy to make dairy free or low carb with a few quick swaps.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peppers and onions?
Yes! They’re a great shortcut. Just sauté longer so extra moisture cooks off.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes. Brown it briefly in the pan just to crisp it and warm it through.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Use plant-based sausage and olive oil. Add extra vegetables or beans for protein.
Can I make it in advance?
Yes. It holds well in the fridge and actually tastes better the next day.
Can I make it creamy or saucy?
Sure. Add a splash of cream, tomato sauce, or even pesto for a twist.
Chef Aiden’s Tip
For the richest flavor in your one skillet sausage and peppers, slice your sausage thick and sear it well before cooking the vegetables. Let the onions caramelize and the peppers soften fully — that’s where the sweetness and depth come from. Finish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra chef-level finish.
