If comfort food had a passport, this Hearty Sausage Skillet would be stamped “Italy” and “Home Sweet Home.” Plump, juicy sausages are seared until golden brown, then nestled into a bed of sweet bell peppers, caramelized onions, and a rustic tomato sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs. The result? A one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or slow Sunday dinners.

This dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce, spoon it over fluffy mashed potatoes, or ladle it onto a bowl of buttered pasta for the ultimate comfort fix. And the best part? Everything comes together in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
8 sausages (Cumberland, Andouille, or Bratwurst)
2 onions, thinly sliced
2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
2 orange bell peppers, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 cups tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1 – Sear the Sausages
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add vegetable oil and sausages. Sear until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2 – Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, add onions. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden.

Step 3 – Add Peppers & Garlic
Stir in bell peppers and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly tender.

Step 4 – Build the Sauce
Add tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 5 – Simmer with Sausages
Return sausages to the skillet. Simmer for 20 minutes, until fully cooked and the sauce thickens.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: With crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce.
• Comfort Style: Over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.
• Weeknight Twist: Spoon over rice or pasta for a quick dinner.

Tips for the Best Flavor

• Brown first: Searing sausages locks in juices and adds depth to the sauce.
• Use ripe tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes give a natural sweetness.
• Make it ahead: The flavors deepen if prepared a day in advance.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken or turkey sausages?
Yes—leaner sausages work beautifully and still soak up all the flavor.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.

3. What’s the best skillet to use?
A cast-iron skillet retains heat well and adds a rich sear to the sausages.

4. Can I freeze it?
Yes—cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

5. How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausages.

6. Can I skip the onions?
You can, but onions add sweetness that balances the tomatoes.

7. What sides go well?
Salad, garlic bread, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

8. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes—a splash of red wine adds depth and richness.

9. Is this gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free sausages.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a larger skillet or Dutch oven to avoid overcrowding.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of this Hearty Sausage Skillet is its simplicity—humble ingredients, one pan, and bold flavors that taste like they’ve been simmering all day. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a centerpiece for your next gathering, this dish is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques to create something truly satisfying. Serve it up, share it around the table, and watch as every bite disappears.