One Pan Sausage and Peppers is the kind of dinner that makes life easier. With juicy sausage, sweet peppers, and a rich tomato sauce, you get big flavor without juggling multiple pots and pans. It’s hearty, ready in about 30 minutes, and cleanup is simple since it all cooks together. Perfect for those nights when you want a real meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This One Pan Sausage and Peppers Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast prep: You can have this meal ready in no time.
- Easy cleanup: Only one pan means less mess.
- Big flavor: The combination of sausage, peppers, and tomatoes is full of taste.
Ingredients You Will Needs:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference), casings removed
- 1 large green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make One Pan Sausage and Peppers (3 Steps & Timing)
Cook the sausage:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned.
Add the veggies:
Stir in 1 large sliced onion and 2 sliced bell peppers (1 green and 1 red). Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute.
Simmer it all together:
Pour in 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and some salt and pepper. Optional: add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for heat. Bring it to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Stir occasionally and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Serve with crusty bread to dip in the sauce.
- Pair with steamed rice for a hearty meal.
- Add a simple green salad for freshness.
- Serve over pasta for a filling option.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze One Pan Sausage and Peppers for up to 3 months. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven at 350°F until hot and slightly crispy, keeping the flavors fresh.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped vegetables to save time.
- Buy cooked rotisserie sausage for an even quicker meal.
- Use bagged frozen pepper and onion mixes for easy prep.
- Keep canned tomatoes on hand for quick meals.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- For a lighter dish: Use turkey or chicken sausage.
- Vegetarian option: Swap sausage for plant-based sausage or chickpeas.
- Gluten-free: Ensure all canned sauces are gluten-free.
- Add more veggies: Toss in spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
One Pan Sausage and Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or hot, casings removed
- 1 large green bell pepper cored, seeded, and sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper cored, seeded, and sliced
- 1 large onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
- 15 ounces tomato sauce 1 can
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking it up until browned.
- Stir in onion and both bell peppers. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Nutrition
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs About One Pan Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Can I make One Pan Sausage and Peppers ahead of time?
Yes! Cook it fully, let it cool, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the oven. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers extra tasty.
What if my sauce is too watery?
Let it simmer a little longer uncovered so the extra liquid cooks off. Another trick is stirring in a spoonful of tomato paste to thicken the sauce without losing flavor.
Can I freeze One Pan Sausage and Peppers?
Definitely. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove until warmed through. The peppers soften slightly, but the dish still tastes great.
What kind of sausage works best?
Italian sausage sweet or hot is the classic pick, but you can use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the type.
Can I serve this over pasta?
Yes, it’s fantastic over spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. You can also spoon it over rice or tuck it into hoagie rolls for a hearty sandwich.
Wrapping It Up
One Pan Sausage and Peppers is a weeknight hero fast to prep, big on flavor, and easy on cleanup. With just a skillet, a few simple ingredients, and a little simmer time, you’ll have a hearty meal that works with bread, rice, or pasta. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and freezer-ready, which makes it a go-to recipe when life gets busy. Try it this week and see why one-pan dinners never disappoint.
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