One Pan Sausage and Peppers

For a meal that fuels your body without fuss, this dish packs lean protein and colorful veggies into a single skillet. This one pan sausage and peppers recipe is a deliciously simple way to eat well, where the natural juices create their own rich, savory sauce.

I think we all have that one meal we turn to when the week gets busy, the fridge is looking a little bare, and the idea of a complicated dinner feels impossible. For me, that’s this skillet of one pan sausage and peppers. It’s the kind of cozy meal that feels like a warm hug, yet it’s on the table in under 30 minutes. The magic happens right there in the pan—the sausages brown and release their savory juices, the peppers and onions soften into sweet, jammy perfection, and a surprise splash of sweet corn adds a pop of sunshine. It’s a complete, flavor-packed dinner with almost no cleanup. Simple ingredients, warm memories. This is comfort food, made easy for your busiest nights.

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Ingredients List

This one pan sausage and peppers recipe comes together with a handful of fresh, colorful ingredients. You likely have most of them on hand already.

• 1 pound Italian sausage links (sweet or hot, your choice)
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 2 large bell peppers (I use one red and one yellow for color), sliced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn kernels
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Smart Swaps & Dietary Notes:

• Sausage: Use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, plant-based Italian sausages work wonderfully.
• Peppers: Any color bell pepper works! Green peppers offer a slightly more bitter, grassy note.
• Corn: Frozen corn is a perfect, convenient swap. No need to thaw.
• Spices: Don’t have smoked paprika? A pinch of regular paprika or even a dash of chili powder adds great depth.

Timing

One of the best parts of this summertime meal is how quickly it comes together. It’s the definition of a quick summer meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

That’s about 30% faster than preheating your oven for a casserole! You get a hearty, homemade dinner in the time it takes to decide on takeout.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof one pan sausage and peppers dinner.

1. Prep Your Ingredients. Slice the onions and bell peppers into uniform strips, about ¼-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly. Mince the garlic. Having everything ready before you start cooking (your mise en place) makes the process smooth and stress-free.

2. Brown the Sausage. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage links and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop a deep, golden-brown crust. They don’t need to be cooked through yet. Remove them to a plate and set aside. This step builds the foundational flavor for the entire dish.

3. Sauté the Veggies. In the same pan with all those delicious sausage drippings, add the sliced onions and peppers. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened and started to caramelize at the edges. You’ll see them turn beautifully glossy and sweet.

4. Add the Garlic & Spices. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook for just 60 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic!

5. Create the "Magic" Sauce. Slice the partially cooked sausages into 1-inch thick rounds. Return them to the pan, nestling them into the peppers and onions. Add the sweet corn kernels. Give everything a good stir. The natural juices from the sausages and veggies will mingle, creating a simple, incredible sauce. Let it all simmer together for 5-7 minutes, until the sausages are cooked through and the corn is tender.

6. Finish and Serve. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish generously with fresh parsley or basil. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this one pan sausage and peppers is not only delicious but offers a balanced plate. (Approximate values per serving, serves 4).

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Fat: 28g (Saturated: 9g)

This dish is a great source of protein from the sausage and vitamin C from the vibrant bell peppers. The sweet corn adds a touch of natural sweetness and fiber, making this a satisfying and wholesome choice for your easy summer recipes rotation.

Equipment Needed

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, and that extends to the tools. You truly only need one pan.

• One Large Skillet: A 12-inch skillet is ideal. I prefer cast iron for its incredible heat retention and the beautiful sear it gives the sausage, but a stainless steel or non-stick pan works perfectly too.
• A Sharp Chef’s Knife for prepping veggies.
• A Sturdy Wooden Spoon or Spatula for stirring.

That’s it! Regular kitchen, regular time, great results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one pan sausage and peppers recipe has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation, and here’s why it will in yours too:

1. Minimal Cleanup is Maximum Joy. One pan means one dish to wash. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights.
2. Endlessly Adaptable. Swap proteins, change up the veggies, adjust the spice level—this recipe is a template for deliciousness. It’s a perfect summer supper idea you can make your own.
3. Flavor That Feels Like Home. The combination of savory sausage, sweet peppers, and juicy corn is classic comfort. It’s food that feels like home, every single time.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep. This dish reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week, and it’s fantastic tucked into a hoagie roll or over rice.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily tailor this one pan sausage and peppers to fit different dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

• Lower Fat: Opt for chicken or turkey Italian sausage. You can also reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon.
• Lower Carb: Simply omit the sweet corn. The dish is still incredibly flavorful with just the sausage, peppers, and onions.
• Paleo/Whole30: Use compliant sausage (check for no sugar or additives) and omit the corn. Ensure your spices are free from anti-caking agents.
• More Veggies: This is a great "clean out the fridge" dish. Add sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes in the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile one pan sausage and peppers dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also loves company. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Over Creamy Polenta or Grits: The savory sausage and peppers spooned over something creamy is absolute heaven.
• With Crusty Bread: A loaf of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the delicious pan juices.
• As a Hearty Sandwich: Pile it into a toasted hoagie roll and top with melted provolone for an epic sausage and pepper sub.
• Alongside a Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
• With Pasta or Rice: Serve it over a bed of cooked pasta, like orzo, or fluffy rice to stretch it for a crowd. It pairs wonderfully with the flavors in my Lemon Garlic Chicken Orzo, another fantastic one-pan wonder.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small tips can make your one pan sausage and peppers absolutely perfect.

• Crowding the Pan: Give the sausages space when browning. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of sear. Work in batches if your pan is small.
• Underseasoning the Veggies: Don’t forget to season the onions and peppers with salt as they cook. This draws out their moisture and intensifies their natural sweetness.
• Overcooking the Garlic: Add the garlic with the other spices for just the last minute. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the dish.
• Skipping the Fresh Herb Garnish: That sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the end isn’t just for looks. It adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness and makes all the flavors pop.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This summertime meal makes fantastic leftovers, and it freezes beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion the cooled one pan sausage and peppers into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.

If you love the convenience of make-ahead sausage dishes, you’ll also adore my Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Bites for a fun appetizer or my Crockpot Salsa Verde Pork for another hands-off dinner option.

Conclusion

This one pan sausage and peppers with sweet corn magic is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable friend for your busiest days. It delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort and even less cleanup, proving that the best comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a celebration of simple, good ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. I hope this becomes a go-to in your kitchen for easy summer recipes that everyone asks for again and again.

I’d love to hear how your version turns out! Did you use hot sausage? Add extra veggies? Let me know in the comments below. And if you snap a photo of your cozy skillet dinner, don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack on Pinterest—I love seeing your creations!

If you’re looking for more simple, crowd-pleasing recipes, try my Honey Garlic Meatballs for another sweet-and-savory hit or my Mustard Hasselback Kielbasa Bites for your next game day spread. Happy cooking.

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