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

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sausage and veggies skillet is everything you could want in a quick and flavorful meal. The combination of smoked sausage and fresh veggies creates a savory and satisfying dish, while the chili powder adds a mild kick to each bite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: it’s easy to make, requires minimal prep, and only uses one pan. Whether you're feeding a family on a busy weeknight or preparing meals in advance, this dish is both convenient and versatile.

Ingredients

• 2 cup 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

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• Fresh cilantro chopped

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet on medium heat. Slice the cooked sausage into coins and add it to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and place it on a large plate.

   You will have oil from the sausage left in the skillet. Leave some oil in the pan for the veggies and transfer the rest to a small, heat-proof bowl.

2. Prepare veggies: In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper and cook for about 4 minutes on medium heat. You may need to add some of the reserved oil to prevent the veggies from sticking. Once cooked, remove the bell pepper from the skillet and add it to the plate with the sausage.

   Add the sliced zucchini to the same skillet and cook for about 3 minutes. Again, use some of the reserved oil if needed to prevent sticking.

   Slice the corn kernels off the cob and set them aside.

3. Assemble: In the same skillet, combine the cooked sausage, bell pepper, zucchini, and corn. Stir everything well, then add the reserved oil from the sausage. Sprinkle with chili powder and reheat on low for a few minutes.

4. Finish: Remove the skillet from the heat and top the mixture with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 people

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add more vegetables: You can swap or add other vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, or cherry tomatoes for a different flavor profile.

• Spice it up: If you like more heat, add some cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the skillet along with the bell pepper.

• Vegan version: Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or another protein source, like tofu or tempeh.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This skillet meal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, frozen corn can be used in place of fresh corn. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the skillet.

2. What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Any cooked sausage works well, but smoked sausage, andouille sausage, or Cajun sausage are particularly flavorful options.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes, or spinach to customize the dish to your taste.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. You can cook it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this sausage and veggies skillet is naturally gluten-free as long as the sausage you use doesn’t contain gluten.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño pepper along with the bell peppers.

7. Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other oils such as avocado oil or vegetable oil, depending on your preference.

8. How do I make this dish low-carb?

You can make this dish lower in carbs by reducing the amount of corn or swapping it for a lower-carb vegetable like cauliflower.

9. Can I use raw sausage instead of cooked sausage?

This recipe calls for pre-cooked sausage for convenience, but you can cook raw sausage first by browning it in the skillet and slicing it before following the rest of the recipe.

10. Can I use a non-stick skillet instead of a cast-iron skillet?

Yes, you can use any skillet you have on hand. A cast-iron skillet provides great heat retention, but a non-stick skillet will work just as well.

Conclusion

This Sausage and Veggies Skillet is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that will satisfy your taste buds in just 30 minutes. Packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful sausage, it’s a versatile dish you can make for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, this one-pan recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.