Delicious Sausage and Veggie Skillet with Bell Peppers, Zucchini, and Corn

Hey there, food lovers! Are you ready for a summer dinner that’s as vibrant and flavorful as the season itself? Then look no further than this Sausage and Veggie Skillet! This recipe is my absolute go-to for those warm evenings when you want something delicious, satisfying, and, most importantly, quick to prepare. Imagine this: you’re sitting on your patio, the sun is setting, and you’re enjoying a hearty, colorful skillet packed with juicy sausage, tender zucchini, sweet bell peppers, and perfectly charred corn. Sounds dreamy, right?

What makes this skillet so special? Well, for starters, the taste is incredible! The savory sausage complements the sweetness of the corn and peppers beautifully, while the zucchini adds a lovely freshness. The textures are equally delightful – a perfect blend of tender veggies and slightly crispy sausage. It’s a symphony of summer flavors in one pan! And the best part? This entire meal comes together in under 30 minutes. You’ll spend more time enjoying it than cooking it, which is a major win in my book.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, friendly to various dietary needs (with a few simple adjustments), and easily adaptable to whatever fresh veggies you have on hand. It’s the perfect weeknight meal for busy families, a casual get-together with friends, or even a satisfying solo dinner. This skillet evokes a feeling of relaxed summer evenings, carefree fun, and delicious, wholesome food. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or can easily pick up at the grocery store. Let’s dive into the ingredient list:

• Sausage (1 lb): Choose your favorite kind – sweet, hot, or even mild. I personally love using sweet sausage for a balanced flavor profile.
• Bell Peppers (2): One red and one yellow bell pepper will add a beautiful color contrast and a delightful sweetness.
• Zucchini (2 medium): Look for firm zucchini with smooth, unblemished skin for the best texture.
• Corn (2 ears or 1 cup frozen): Fresh corn on the cob adds a juicy sweetness, but frozen corn works perfectly too, saving you some prep time!
• Onion (1 medium): A yellow onion provides a great base of flavor for this skillet.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Fresh garlic is a must for adding depth and savory notes.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Seasoning is key! Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This adds an extra layer of Italian flair. You could also experiment with other herbs like oregano or basil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This Sausage and Veggie Skillet is incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Let’s walk through it step-by-step:

1. Prep the veggies: Start by chopping the onion, bell peppers, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh corn, remove the kernels from the cob. Mince the garlic. Tip: Prep all your veggies before you start cooking to streamline the process.
2. Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the sausage in batches to ensure even browning.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Tip: Don’t burn the garlic! It should be fragrant, not bitter.
4. Cook the veggies: Add the bell peppers and zucchini to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly tender-crisp. Stir in the corn and Italian seasoning. Tip: Don’t overcook the vegetables; you want them to retain some texture.
5. Combine and simmer: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Tip: A good stir every now and then will ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
6. Serve: Serve the Sausage and Veggie Skillet hot. Garnish with fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) if desired. Tip: Serve with a crusty bread for dipping into the delicious pan juices!

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to help you achieve skillet perfection:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: This will prevent the sausage and vegetables from browning properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use fresh ingredients whenever possible: Fresh herbs and vegetables will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning according to your preference.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables: You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Start checking for doneness around the 5-minute mark.
• Let the flavors meld: Allow the skillet to simmer for a few minutes after combining all the ingredients to allow the flavors to develop.

Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Spicy Sausage Skillet: Use hot sausage for a kick of heat.
• Vegetarian Skillet: Replace the sausage with firm tofu, crumbled tempeh, or hearty vegetarian sausage.
• Add other veggies: Feel free to add other summer vegetables like onions, mushrooms, or eggplant.
• Different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
• Gluten-free option: Ensure your sausage is gluten-free. Most sausages are, but always double-check the label.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or gently heat in a skillet over medium heat. Freezing is also an option; allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above. While the texture may slightly change after freezing and reheating, the flavour should remain quite delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this recipe:

• Q: Can I use different types of sausage? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other types of sausage, such as chorizo, andouille, or even chicken sausage. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Q: Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen? A: While fresh or frozen corn is preferable, you can use canned corn if needed. Just make sure to drain it well before adding it to the skillet.
• Q: How long does the skillet keep in the refrigerator? A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and sausage ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before cooking.
• Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free sausage and check all other ingredients for gluten-containing additives.

The Final Word

This Sausage and Veggie Skillet is a summer dinner winner! It’s quick, easy, incredibly flavorful, and bursting with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The combination of savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tender zucchini creates a delightful taste experience. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or a simple, satisfying meal for one. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your photos on social media using #SausageVeggieSkillet. Happy cooking!

Sharing is caring!