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Quick Smoked Sausage and Pepper Skillet

quick smoked sausage and pepper skillet - featured image

A quick and easy 20-minute dinner featuring smoky sausage and caramelized bell peppers, perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds (kielbasa or Andouille recommended)
  • 3 medium bell peppers, sliced into strips (mix of red, yellow, and green)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds, slice the bell peppers into ¼-inch strips, thinly slice the onion, and mince the garlic.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add the sausage slices in a single layer. Let brown without stirring for about 2 minutes, then toss and cook until both sides are golden brown, about 5 minutes total.
  4. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the sausage. Stir to combine and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and start to caramelize, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning. Let sausage brown undisturbed for best caramelization. Add garlic last to avoid burning. For a saucier dish, add a splash of chicken broth or Worcestershire sauce after garlic. Adjust heat level with crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chili gradually.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked sausage, bell peppers, quick dinner, skillet recipe, easy weeknight meal, caramelized peppers, smoky sausage