Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal
This Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something flavorful yet easy to prepare. Packed with vibrant bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet corn, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also keeps clean-up effortless with just one pan to wash. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this skillet meal stands out for its speed and deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can have a complete meal ready to enjoy.
- One-Pan Cooking: Less mess means easier cleanup, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Colorful Ingredients: The bright colors of the veggies make this dish visually appealing and appetizing.
- Versatile Meal Option: Customize with your favorite sausage type or add different veggies based on your preference.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is both wholesome and filling.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Sausage and Veggies Skillet, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows all ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware while ensuring even cooking.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.
Ingredients
For the Skillet
- 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 (sliced)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
How to Make Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Dice the red bell pepper and slice the zucchini into half-moons. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat Oil in Skillet
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Allow it to warm up for about a minute.
Step 3: Cook Sausage
Add the cooked sausage to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until heated through and slightly browned.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Stir in the diced bell pepper and sliced zucchini. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until they soften.
Step 5: Incorporate Corn and Seasoning
Add the corn kernels and chili powder. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Top with fresh cilantro before serving hot. Enjoy your colorful Sausage and Veggies Skillet!
How to Serve Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal
Serving your Sausage and Veggies Skillet can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delicious suggestions to complement this vibrant dish.
Add a Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad: Combine arugula, spinach, and kale with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing crunch.
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: Dice cucumbers and tomatoes, add red onion, and dress with olive oil and lemon juice.
Pair with Rice or Quinoa
- Steamed Rice: A simple side that absorbs the flavors of the skillet beautifully.
- Quinoa: Packed with protein, quinoa adds a nutty flavor that pairs well with the sausages.
Serve with Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve warm crusty bread to soak up any leftover juices from the skillet.
- Garlic Bread: For a flavorful twist, garlic bread complements the spices in your dish perfectly.
Top with Avocado
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices enhance texture and add healthy fats.
- Guacamole: A dollop of guacamole brings a zesty element that brightens up your meal.
How to Perfect Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal
To achieve the best results with your Sausage and Veggies Skillet, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies enhance flavor and texture, making your dish more appealing.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to modify chili powder or add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the skillet to sit for a few minutes helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal
Complementing your Sausage and Veggies Skillet with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until crispy provide a delightful contrast in flavor.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can refresh your palate while adding crunch to the meal.
- Cornbread Muffins: The sweetness of cornbread pairs nicely with savory sausage flavors.
- Grilled Asparagus: Charred asparagus spears bring an elegant touch while balancing out richer flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Sausage and Veggies Skillet, there are a few common mistakes to keep in mind to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Skipping ingredient prep – Not chopping your veggies ahead of time can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure everything is diced and ready before you start cooking.
- Using the wrong sausage – Different sausages have varying flavors and cooking times. Choose a pre-cooked sausage for quicker preparation, like cajun or smoked sausage.
- Overcooking the veggies – Cooking too long can make your bell peppers and zucchini mushy. Aim for tender-crisp vegetables for the best texture.
- Not seasoning properly – Forgetting to season with salt or spices can lead to bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Crowding the pan – Adding too many ingredients at once can cause steaming instead of sautéing. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that nice char.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sausage and Veggies Skillet?
A Sausage and Veggies Skillet is a quick, one-pan meal featuring sausages cooked with colorful vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
How long does it take to make this dish?
The Sausage and Veggies Skillet takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I customize the vegetables used?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any of your favorite vegetables like broccoli or carrots in the Sausage and Veggies Skillet for different flavors.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes! The Sausage and Veggies Skillet is packed with protein from the sausage and nutrients from fresh vegetables, making it a balanced meal option.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Veggies Skillet is not only easy to prepare but also versatile. You can customize it based on your favorite flavors or whatever veggies you have on hand. Give this delightful one-pan meal a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal? Try this Sausage and Veggies Skillet – a vibrant, one-pan dish that combines flavorful sausage with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet corn. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious, nutritious dinner that not only pleases the palate but also keeps cleanup simple. Perfect for busy families or meal prep enthusiasts, this recipe is versatile enough to allow customization based on your favorite ingredients. Enjoy it alone or pair it with your choice of sides for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels (from 3 ears)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz cooked sausage (cajun, andouille, or smoked)
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Wash and chop all vegetables: dice the red bell pepper and slice the zucchini.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for about a minute.
- Add cooked sausage to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in bell pepper and zucchini; cook for another 5 minutes until softened.
- Mix in corn kernels and chili powder; stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
