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

If you want a dish that is bursting with flavor, packed with vibrant colors, and perfectly suited for a busy weeknight, you absolutely have to try this Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal. It’s a harmonious mix of spicy sausage, sweet corn, tender zucchini, and crisp bell peppers all coming together in one glorious cast-iron skillet dish. This recipe is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a wholesome, satisfying meal that anyone will love—and you get all the magic in just 30 minutes with only one pan to clean!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this skillet are straightforward but essential to achieving that ideal balance of textures and bold flavors. Each one plays a role, from the smoky sausage adding depth, to the fresh veggies lending sweetness and crunch, to the chili powder that gives a gentle kick.

• 2 cups corn kernels: Freshly cut from three ears of corn for natural sweetness and a pop of color.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness while helping everything cook evenly without sticking.
• 12 oz cooked sausage: Choose Cajun, andouille, or smoked sausage for smoky, spicy goodness that’s ready to go.
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced: Brings vibrant color and a mildly sweet flavor that complements the sausage perfectly.
• 1 large zucchini, sliced: Adds tender, slightly earthy notes and a nice contrast in texture.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder: Gives the dish just the right hint of warmth and complexity.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped: A fresh, bright garnish that brings a touch of herbaceous freshness to the final dish.

How to Make Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Start by heating your olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Slice your cooked sausage into coins and add them to the skillet. Let them brown nicely on one side for about 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. This step is crucial—it not only reheats the sausage but also releases some flavorful oil that you’ll use later to cook the veggies. Once ready, transfer the sausage to a large plate, but don’t clean out the skillet just yet.

Step 2: Sauté the Bell Pepper

Using the same skillet, add your diced red bell pepper. If the pan looks dry, add a little of the reserved sausage oil to keep things from sticking. Let the bell pepper cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes until softened but still vibrant. Then, scoop it over to the plate with the sausage. This layering of ingredients builds great texture and flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Zucchini

Next, toss the sliced zucchini into the skillet. Often, adding a little reserved sausage oil here helps prevent sticking and enhances the flavor. Cook the zucchini for about 3 minutes on medium heat until tender yet firm enough to stand out against the other components.

Step 4: Cut the Corn and Combine Everything

While the zucchini cooks, slice your corn kernels off the cob with a sharp knife. Once the zucchini is done, it’s time to bring all the ingredients back into the skillet. Add the sausage, bell pepper, zucchini, and fresh corn kernels together. Pour in any reserved sausage oil you saved earlier to load the dish with rich flavor. Sprinkle chili powder over everything, stir gently, and warm the mixture on low heat for a few minutes. This brings all the elements together into a cohesive, flavorful meal.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Cilantro

Remove the skillet from heat and top your creation with a generous handful of chopped fresh cilantro. This final touch adds a fresh, herbaceous note to balance the smoky sausage and spicy chili powder. Remember, you might not need extra salt—trust your taste buds since the sausage usually provides enough seasoning.

How to Serve Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal

Garnishes

To elevate this simple skillet meal, consider a few finishing touches. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top can brighten those rich, smoky flavors beautifully. If you love a little heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a creamy contrast that works wonders with the spices and textures.

Side Dishes

This skillet is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up those tasty juices. For an extra boost, a side of quinoa or rice pillows the dish with carbs and makes it perfect for leftovers the next day.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the sausage and veggies skillet stuffed into warm tortillas for quick tacos, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a comforting dinner option. You could also use it as a vibrant topping for homemade flatbread or pizza. This recipe’s versatility is one of its best features—feel free to get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for a delicious next-day meal that’s just as satisfying.

Freezing

This one-pan meal freezes exceptionally well. Simply cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, and it will be ready to reheat with minimal effort.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the veggies from getting soggy and to bring all those flavors back to life. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use raw sausage for this recipe?

This recipe is designed with cooked sausage in mind to keep the cooking time quick and simple. If you use raw sausage, you’ll need to fully cook it first before adding the veggies, which will extend the overall time and change the process.

What are some good sausage substitutes?

If you want to skip pork or spicier sausage varieties, consider using chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Vegetarian sausages could work too, but they may alter the cooking times and flavors slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this skillet a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten. Just be sure to check your sausage brand to confirm it’s free from gluten-containing fillers.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! This skillet is very adaptable. Try adding mushrooms, onions, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and variety. Just keep in mind the cooking times for each vegetable to keep everything perfectly cooked.

How spicy is the dish?

The chili powder provides a mild warmth, but the overall heat level depends on the type of sausage you choose. Pick a mild sausage for a gentler flavor, or a spicy one for a bold kick. You can always adjust seasoning at the end to suit your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute, One-Pan Meal has quickly become one of my weeknight favorites because it’s flavorful, colorful, and just downright satisfying. Its simplicity doesn’t mean it’s boring—the mix of savory sausage with fresh, crisp veggies is truly something special. Give it a try next time you want a fuss-free meal with maximum taste and minimal cleanup. Trust me, you’ll want to make this your go-to skillet dish.

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