Oh, summer evenings! They’re for kicking back, watching the fireflies, and not spending hours in the kitchen, right? That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with this Delicious Summer Dinner Sausage And Veggies Skillet. Seriously, it’s my go-to for when the day is a blur and I just need something good on the table, pronto. I remember one balmy night, the kids were playing outside, and I whipped this up in what felt like minutes. The smell alone was amazing! I’ve been playing around with simple, flavorful recipes for ages, and this one just hits all the right notes: quick, healthy, and packed with yummy flavors that scream summer.
Why This Delicious Summer Dinner Sausage And Veggies Skillet Is a Must-Try
Okay, let me tell you why this skillet meal is a total winner, especially when you’re trying to beat the summer heat and still have a fantastic dinner. It’s just so darn easy!
- Super Speedy: We’re talking about a full meal ready in about 30 minutes, start to finish. Perfect for those evenings when time is tight but hunger is real!
- Minimal Fuss: One pan means less washing up, and that’s a huge win any day of the week, right? Just chop, sauté, and serve.
- Flavor Explosion: The smoked sausage, sweet peppers, and tangy tomatoes all come together with the Italian seasoning for a taste that’s bright and satisfying.
- So Versatile: Don’t have bell peppers? Use zucchini! No cherry tomatoes? Add corn! You can pretty much throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s your kitchen, your rules!
- Healthy-ish & Hearty: It’s packed with veggies and protein, giving you a nutritious meal that still feels like a treat. It’s the perfect balance!
Ingredients for Your Delicious Summer Dinner Sausage And Veggies Skillet
Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need for this super easy and yummy meal. Trust me, these are pretty common things you might already have hanging around your kitchen, or they’re easy to grab at the store. Having everything prepped beforehand makes the actual cooking part a breeze – it’s my little secret to stress-free weeknight dinners!
Here’s the lineup:
- 1 lb smoked sausage: I like to slice mine into about 1/4-inch thick rounds. You know, the kinds that are already cooked and just need a little browning? That’s the stuff!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a little bit to get things started and keep the sausage from sticking.
- 1 medium onion: Slice this one up thinly; it’ll soften up beautifully and add a nice sweet bite.
- 2 bell peppers (any color!): Red, yellow, orange, green – whatever you’ve got or love! Slice them up just like the onion. They add such great color and crunch.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halve these little guys. They burst open and add a lovely juicy sweetness that’s just perfect.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: This little blend is magic, packed with all those yummy herbs like oregano and basil.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Because, of course! You’ll want to season it at the end to make sure everything is just right.
How to Prepare Your Delicious Summer Dinner Sausage And Veggies Skillet
Okay, getting this delicious creation from your counter to your plate is seriously a piece of cake. I like to have all my veggies chopped and ready to go before I even turn on the stove. It just makes everything flow so much smoother, and you won’t be frantically chopping while the sausage is burning! Grab your biggest skillet – the one you love that doesn’t stick is perfect here. Get ready, because dinner is going to be on the table before you know it.
Step 1: Searing the Sausage
First things first, let’s get that sausage looking and tasting its best! Pop your skillet over medium-high heat. Add that tablespoon of olive oil, and once it’s shimmering, toss in your sliced sausage. You want to let it get a nice, golden-brown sear on both sides. This takes about 5 minutes, and it’s where all that yummy flavor really starts to build up. That little bit of browning adds a whole new dimension to your dish. Kind of like when I make my fried potatoes with onions and smoked sausage, that first sear is key!
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Once the sausage is looking lovely and browned, it’s time for the veggies! Add your sliced onions and bell peppers right into the same skillet with the sausage. You don’t need any extra oil unless your pan looks super dry. Stir everything around and let it cook for about 7 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for them to get nice and tender-crisp – you know, still a little bite to them, not mushy. Keep stirring every so often so they don’t stick.
Step 3: Adding Tomatoes and Seasonings
Now for a little burst of freshness! Toss in your halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle over that dried Italian seasoning. Give it all a good stir. Cook for just another couple of minutes, maybe 2 or 3, until the tomatoes just start to soften and release some of their juicy goodness. They’ll look so vibrant and delicious!
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serving
This is the last step, I promise! Taste everything and add your salt and pepper. You want it to be just right for your taste buds. Give it one last stir, and then it’s ready to serve! Dish up that beautiful, colorful skillet meal right away while it’s hot and fresh.
Tips for the Perfect Delicious Summer Dinner Sausage And Veggies Skillet
So, you want to make this skillet dish *perfect*? It’s already pretty forgiving, but a few little tricks can really elevate it. I’ve learned a thing or two from making this a million times, especially when I’m craving something like my broccoli chicken stir fry – it’s all about getting those flavors right and not overcooking things!
Choosing the Right Sausage
The sausage is really the star here, so pick a good one! A good quality smoked sausage, like kielbasa or even a spicy Andouille if you’re feeling brave, works best. Make sure it’s pre-cooked so you’re just browning it and heating it through. It adds that amazing smoky depth that’s just *chef’s kiss*.
Vegetable Preparation and Variations
Uniform slicing is key so everything cooks at the same rate. Think consistent thickness for your onions and peppers. And honestly, this recipe is so happy to embrace new veggies! Zucchini, summer squash, corn kernels, or even some chopped broccoli would be fantastic additions. Just chop them to a similar size as your peppers and onions, and they’ll fit right in. It’s a great way to use up whatever’s looking good at the farmer’s market, just like in my chicken with peppers and honey soy sauce – flexibility is the name of the game!
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Summer Dinner Sausage And Veggies Skillet
This skillet meal is pretty fantastic on its own, but you know what makes it even better? Serving it up with something to soak up all those delicious juices! It’s a complete meal that’s so satisfying. You can’t go wrong with a side of fluffy rice or some crusty bread to wipe the pan clean. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, imagine serving this over a generous portion of creamy homemade mac and cheese! Yum!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop any extra delicious summer dinner sausage and veggies skillet into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I like to gently warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also pop it in the microwave until it’s heated through. It’s still super yummy the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions about Delicious Summer Dinner Sausage And Veggies Skillet
Got some burning questions about this awesome skillet meal? I totally get it! It’s a pretty simple recipe, but a few little things can make a big difference. Here are some things people often ask me about making the ultimate Delicious Summer Dinner Sausage And Veggies Skillet.
Can I make this Delicious Summer Dinner Sausage And Veggies Skillet ahead of time?
You sure can! The best way is to chop all your veggies and slice your sausage beforehand. Store them separately in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to cook, it’s just a matter of throwing everything into the pan. So easy!
What are some good vegetarian or vegan substitutions for this Delicious Summer Dinner Sausage And Veggies Skillet?
Totally doable! For vegetarian, just skip the sausage and maybe add some extra veggies or some plant-based sausage. For vegan, I’d use a good quality vegan sausage and make sure your olive oil is used. It keeps that skillet vibe!
How can I ensure the vegetables are perfectly tender-crisp in this Delicious Summer Dinner Sausage And Veggies Skillet?
It’s all about the heat and timing! Make sure your pan is nice and hot when you add the veggies, and don’t be afraid to give them a good stir. Cooking them for about 7-10 minutes on medium-high heat usually does the trick. You want them softened but still with a little snap!
Nutritional Information
Just want to note, these numbers are an estimate! They can change a bit depending on the exact brands of sausage and oil you use, and how big your veggie pieces are. But generally, one serving of this delicious summer dinner sausage and veggies skillet comes in around 350 calories, with about 25g of fat (10g of that’s saturated), 15g carbs, and a solid 18g of protein to keep you full. Pretty good for such an easy meal, right?
Summer Sausage and Veggie Skillet
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful skillet meal perfect for summer evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 7-10 minutes.
- Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add other summer vegetables like zucchini or corn.
- Serve with rice or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: summer sausage, skillet, vegetables, easy dinner, quick meal, sausage and peppers