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

There’s something so satisfying about a meal that comes together quickly, tastes incredible, and doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dirty dishes. That’s exactly why I keep coming back to this Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute One-Pan Meal Recipe. It’s my go-to when I want a hearty dinner that’s bursting with flavor but also super simple to throw together on a busy weeknight.

What I love most about this skillet is how the smoky sausage and fresh veggies mingle in just one pan, making for an easy cleanup and a dish that feels homemade and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for family or just craving something quick and comforting, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this skillet plays a special part—from the juicy sausage to the sweet crunch of corn. I always recommend picking fresh veggies and a good quality sausage to really make this dish shine.

• Corn kernels: Fresh corn just adds that sweet pop and texture I adore, but frozen works too if you’re in a pinch.
• Olive oil: Helps everything cook evenly and adds a subtle richness without overpowering the flavors.
• Sausage (cooked, such as Cajun, andouille, or smoked): The star of the dish—choose your favorite for that perfect smoky, spicy kick.
• Red bell pepper: Adds color, sweetness, and a gentle crunch that balances the sausage beautifully.
• Zucchini: This veggie cooks quickly and soaks up all the yummy sausage oils—making every bite delicious.
• Chili powder: Just a hint to give the dish a little warm spice without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Fresh cilantro: I love how the bright, citrusy notes finish off the skillet and add freshness.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Depending on what’s in your fridge, you can swap, add, or omit veggies and still end up with something delicious.

• Change the sausage: If you prefer a milder taste, try chicken sausage. It’s great if you’re aiming for something lighter but still hearty.
• Spice it up: When I’m craving more heat, I toss in some crushed red pepper flakes along with the chili powder. It gives the skillet a nice kick!
• Add greens: Toss in fresh spinach or kale at the end for an extra nutrient boost and color pop.
• Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect if that’s a dietary requirement for you.
• Seasonal swaps: In fall, I like to add diced butternut squash instead of zucchini for a cozy twist.

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

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Slice your cooked sausage into coins—it makes for even cooking and a nice presentation. Let the sausage cook on one side for about 5 minutes so it caramelizes a bit, then flip and cook another 3 minutes. This step locks in flavor and gets that tasty crust. When it’s done, remove the sausage to a plate but keep the flavorful oils in the skillet; you’ll use that for the veggies. Just save some extra oil if there’s too much and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Veggies

Next, toss your diced red bell pepper into the skillet. Sometimes veggies tend to stick, so if needed, add a little of the reserved oil back in. Cook them until they start to soften—about 4 minutes should do. Remove them to the same plate with the sausage while you cook the zucchini slices for around 3 minutes. The zucchini will soak up the remaining juices and get slightly golden, which I find irresistible.

Step 3: Combine and Season

Now, slice off your fresh corn kernels right in the skillet if you haven’t prepped them yet. Once they’re ready, add the sausage, bell pepper, zucchini, and corn kernels back into the skillet. Stir everything together well, adding the reserved sausage oil to boost flavor and silkiness. Sprinkle in half a teaspoon of chili powder, then reheat everything gently on low heat to marry the flavors. I usually skip salt here because the sausage has plenty, but feel free to taste and adjust.

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

Garnishes

Freshly chopped cilantro is my absolute favorite garnish—it adds a fragrant brightness that lifts the whole dish. Sometimes, I add a wedge of lime on the side for an extra zing. If you like a little creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top works wonders.

Side Dishes

This skillet is pretty complete on its own, but I like to pair it with a simple side of fluffy rice or warm, crusty bread to mop up all those delicious juices. A fresh green salad is also a fantastic way to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I love serving the skillet family-style in the skillet itself—there’s something cozy and inviting about it. Sometimes I top each serving with a fried egg for an indulgent, comforting touch. On special occasions, I add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for an unexpected crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen overnight, so I often find the next day it tastes even better—if there’s any left, that is!

Freezing

This skillet freezes well too, which is perfect if you want to batch cook. Just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When I do this, I label it with the date and usually eat it within 2 months for best flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the skillet gently on the stove over low heat to keep the veggies tender and prevent the sausage from drying out. If you’re short on time, the microwave works fine—just cover your dish to maintain moisture and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Veggies Skillet – 30 Minute One-Pan Meal Recipe has become one of my favorite quick dinners to make because it’s just so versatile and flavorful with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug when the day has been hectic. I really hope you give it a try—I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!