Description
Sausage and Bell Peppers Skillet
Ingredients:
4-5 Italian sausages
2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp paprika
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
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2. Add sausages and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant
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4. Add sliced bell peppers and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until soft
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5. Return the sausages to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the bell peppers and onion into uniform strips to ensure even cooking. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
2. Brown the Sausages: In your large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Transfer them to a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add the sliced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Cook the Peppers: Add the sliced bell peppers, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine everything with the onions and garlic. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Combine and Finish: Slice the cooked sausages into bite-sized pieces. Return them to the skillet, stirring to mix with the peppers and onions. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty skillet is incredibly versatile. For a classic approach, serve it over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside mashed potatoes. It also makes a fantastic sandwich filling when piled into a toasted hoagie roll. For a lighter meal, serve it with a simple side salad or over a portion of cooked quinoa or rice to soak up the flavorful juices.
How-to Summary
Quickly prepare a delicious Sausage and Bell Peppers Skillet by browning Italian sausages, then sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in the same pan. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper, then combine everything back together and garnish with fresh parsley for a complete, one-pan meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely. While Italian sausage is traditional, you can use chicken, turkey, or even spicy Andouille sausage for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic, or use hot Italian sausage. A dash of cayenne pepper also works well.
Is it possible to make this ahead of time? Yes. You can cook the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
My peppers are getting soggy. What did I do wrong? Sogginess usually comes from overcrowding the pan or cooking over too low a heat. Ensure your skillet is large enough and the heat is at a proper medium to encourage slight caramelization instead of steaming.
Can I add other vegetables? Definitely. Sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes are excellent additions. Add harder vegetables like mushrooms with the onions, and softer ones like zucchini in the last few minutes of cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Cooking too many sausages at once steams them instead of browning them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Underseasoning the Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions need ample seasoning. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper.
- Burning the Garlic: Add minced garlic after the onions have softened, as it cooks very quickly and can turn bitter if burned.
- Cutting the Sausages Too Early: Always brown the sausages whole first. Slicing them raw causes the juices and flavor to leak out into the pan.
Conclusion
This Sausage and Bell Peppers Skillet is the epitome of a simple, satisfying, and flavorful one-pan meal. With minimal prep and easy-to-follow steps, it delivers a restaurant-quality dish perfect for busy weeknights. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this versatile recipe. Feel free to experiment with different sausages and vegetables to make it your own. Enjoy this hearty, colorful meal straight from the skillet!