Sautéed Sausage, Peppers & Onions

 

Sausage, Peppers & Onions Skillet

This easy one-pan meal brings together sliced, pre-cooked chicken or turkey sausage with sweet, softened onions and colorful bell peppers. Seasoned with classic Italian herbs and finished with a splash of balsamic vinegar, it's a simple, satisfying dish packed with savory flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 6 cups yellow onions, peeled and sliced into rings (about 1½ large onions)

• 4 cups large bell peppers, sliced about ¼ inch thick (about 2 peppers, mixed colors)

• 1 package (12 oz) fully cooked reduced-fat chicken or turkey sausage (4 sausages)

• 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided

• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• Cooking spray, as needed

Instructions

Step 1: Soften the Vegetables
Place the sliced onions and bell peppers in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 8–10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and have softened. This jump-starts the cooking process and ensures they'll be perfectly caramelized in the skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the vegetables cook, slice the sausages into ¼-inch thick rounds. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and coat it lightly with cooking spray. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on both sides. Transfer the browned sausage to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Respray the same skillet with cooking spray and add 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add the microwaved onions and peppers, along with the dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are lightly caramelized and have developed some golden color, about 10 minutes. If the pan becomes dry during cooking, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of water to deglaze and continue cooking.

Step 4: Combine and Finish
Stir the minced garlic into the vegetable mixture and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Return the browned sausage to the skillet, drizzle with the balsamic vinegar, and stir everything together. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded.

Step 5: Serve
Transfer the skillet mixture to a serving platter. Enjoy it as-is for a low-carb meal, or serve it with your favorite mustard, crusty toasted bread, or soft rolls for a heartier sandwich-style dinner.

Notes

• Sausage Options: Feel free to use your favorite fully cooked sausage—chicken, turkey, pork, or even plant-based alternatives all work beautifully.

• Vegetable Variations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or toss in some sliced mushrooms along with the peppers and onions for extra depth.

• Make It a Meal: Serve over rice, quinoa, or pasta to soak up the delicious juices. For a complete low-carb meal, pair it with a side salad or roasted zucchini.

Nutritional Information (per serving): Approximately 220 kcal