Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? Sausage and peppers are a classic combo that's not just tasty, but super easy to whip up. Whether you're craving something zesty, sweet, or cheesy, there's a skillet recipe here for you. Plus, these dishes are perfect for impressing your family or friends. So, grab your apron and get ready to cook something delicious—let's plunge into these mouth-watering recipes!
Classic Italian Sausage and Peppers
Classic Italian Sausage and Peppers is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together the bold flavors of Italian sausage and the sweetness of bell peppers. This simple yet satisfying skillet meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
With just a few ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can whip up this classic dish that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausages and cook them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Once browned, remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking until they're soft and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet, cooking everything together for another 5 minutes until heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, you can use a mix of different colored bell peppers, such as green and orange, for a vibrant presentation.
If you prefer a saucier dish, consider adding a can of diced tomatoes or a splash of chicken or vegetable broth toward the end of cooking.
This dish is incredibly versatile; feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to customize it to your taste.
Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a fragrant finish, and enjoy the comforting taste of this Italian classic!
Spicy Chorizo and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
If you're in the mood for a flavorful, spicy dish that comes together quickly, this Spicy Chorizo and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry is the perfect choice. The combination of smoky chorizo with vibrant bell peppers creates a deliciously hearty meal that can be served over rice, in a tortilla, or simply enjoyed on its own.
This recipe is great for a weeknight dinner and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it both convenient and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spicy chorizo, casings removed
- 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the chorizo to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Once the chorizo is nearly done, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Stir in the smoked paprika and cumin, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving, garnishing with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute the spicy chorizo with a milder sausage or omit the spices.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand; zucchini or mushrooms would work beautifully in this dish. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat nicely, making them great for meal prep!
Sweet and Sour Sausage With Pineapple
Sweet and sour sausage with pineapple is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of sausage with the fruity sweetness of pineapple. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it an appealing option for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine. Serve it over rice or alongside a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving (optional)
To begin, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Next, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Add the sliced bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the skillet, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring well to coat everything. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
When preparing this dish, feel free to customize the vegetables according to your taste preferences or seasonal availability. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, and if you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
For a more tropical flavor, try using fresh mango or bell peppers of different colors. This dish is versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a great option for potlucks or meal prep.
Mediterranean Sausage and Pepper Bake
Mediterranean Sausage and Pepper Bake is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together the rich tastes of Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic herbs. This bake is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a healthy and satisfying meal that can be served on its own or with a side of crusty bread or rice.
The combination of spices and vegetables not only makes for a delightful presentation but also fills your kitchen with an enticing aroma as it cooks.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned on all sides, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once browned, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet, stirring to combine.
Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the sausage in Italian herbs and olive oil for a few hours before cooking.
You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms, or by using different types of sausage, like chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
To improve the Mediterranean flair, sprinkle some feta cheese on top just before serving, and serve with a side of warm pita bread or a fresh green salad.
Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean meal!
Tex-Mex Sausage and Pepper Quesadillas
Tex-Mex Sausage and Pepper Quesadillas are a delightful twist on a classic Mexican dish, combining the savory flavors of sausage with the vibrant taste of bell peppers and cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering with friends and family.
The crispy tortillas filled with a hearty mixture of sausage and veggies make for a satisfying meal that can be served with your favorite dips or sides.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spicy sausage (chorizo or Italian)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream and salsa, for serving (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers, sautéing until they're tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Push the veggies to one side of the pan and add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, seasoning with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Once the sausage is cooked, mix it with the peppers and onions. Remove the mixture from the skillet and set aside.
Wipe the skillet clean, then return it to the heat, laying down one tortilla and topping it with a generous portion of the sausage and pepper mixture, followed by a sprinkle of cheese.
Top with another tortilla and cook until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until crispy and the cheese is melted.
Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider using a mix of different colored bell peppers for a more vibrant presentation.
If you prefer a spicier quesadilla, add sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sausage mixture.
To guarantee the tortillas stay crisp, avoid overfilling them, and adjust the cooking time based on your stove and skillet type.
Serve these quesadillas with a side of guacamole or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Enjoy experimenting with different cheese blends or toppings to make this recipe your own!