Beef Sausage Pepper Skillet

I threw this together on a Tuesday night when I had zero energy but still wanted something that felt like real food. The colors alone—those bright peppers against the rich browned sausage—made my entire kitchen feel warmer. Now it is my go-to when friends text that they are coming over and I have thirty minutes to make something impressive.

Last winter my neighbor knocked on my door holding a bag of peppers from her garden and said make something with these. I browned some sausage, threw in the peppers, and we stood around my kitchen island eating it straight from the pan while she told me about her trip to Italy.

Ingredients

• 4 beef sausages: I slice them about an inch thick so they get nicely browned on all sides and hold their texture
• 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, and green): Using all three colors makes the dish beautiful and each brings a slightly different sweetness
• 1 medium red onion: Red onion caramelizes beautifully and adds a mild sharpness that balances the rich sausage
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced fresh garlic is nonnegotiable here—add it when the vegetables are already softened so it does not burn
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil since it becomes part of the sauce
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs: Oregano and basil together work perfectly, or your favorite Italian blend
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: This is the secret ingredient that makes it taste like it cooked for hours
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Freshly cracked makes a noticeable difference
• 1/2 tsp salt: Adjust this at the end since sausages vary in saltiness
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but I always add it for that gentle background warmth

Instructions

Get your sausage going:

Heat that olive oil in your biggest skillet over medium-high heat and add the sliced sausage. Let it brown deeply on all sides, about 5 or 6 minutes, then scoop it out onto a plate.

Caramelize the vegetables:

Toss in the onion and all those beautiful peppers. Let them cook undisturbed for a minute at a time so they get those gorgeous browned spots, about 5 to 7 minutes total.

Wake up the spices:

Stir in the garlic, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. The aroma will hit you immediately—cook for just one minute until everything smells incredible.

Bring it all together:

Add the browned sausage back into the skillet and toss everything together. Let it cook for another 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors marry and the sausage finishes cooking through.

Taste and adjust:

Take a tiny bite and decide if it needs more salt or heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you have it, then serve it while it is still steaming hot.

Pin it

This recipe became legendary in my friend group after I made it for a game night and two people asked for the recipe before they even finished their first serving. There is something about the simplicity that makes people feel taken care of.

What To Serve With It

I usually grab a crusty loaf of bread from the bakery because those juices at the bottom of the pan are begging to be soaked up. Rice works wonderfully too, especially if you want to stretch this to feed more people.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I throw in a handful of cherry tomatoes right after the spices—they burst and create this lovely little sauce. A splash of balsamic vinegar at the very end adds this unexpected brightness that makes people ask what is different about tonight's version.

Leftovers And Storage

This somehow tastes even better the next day after all those flavors have had time to get to know each other. Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.

• The peppers soften considerably as leftovers so if you prefer some crunch, add fresh sliced peppers when reheating
• This freezes beautifully for up to three months if you want to meal prep it
• Double the recipe and you will have lunch sorted for most of the week

Pin it

Some of the best meals are the ones that come together quickly but still feel special. This skillet has saved more weeknights than I can count.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long does it take to cook sausages properly?

Cook the sliced sausages over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes until browned on all sides, ensuring they are cooked through before combining with vegetables.

→ Can I use other types of sausages in this dish?

Yes, poultry sausages like turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative, adjusting cooking time if needed.

→ What vegetables work best alongside the sausages?

A mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers with sliced red onion provides sweetness and texture, but other sturdy vegetables can be substituted as preferred.

→ How can I add extra heat to this skillet?

Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce during cooking for a spicier flavor profile.

→ What are good serving suggestions to accompany this dish?

Serve with crusty bread, steamed rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to complement the savory flavors and soak up the pan juices.

→ Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Using gluten-free sausages makes this dish safe for gluten-free diets; always check sausage labels to confirm ingredients.