If you’re looking for a fast, wholesome, and satisfying dinner, this Sausage Veggie Skillet Bowl Ready in 30 Minutes is exactly what you need. Packed with colorful vegetables and savory sausage, this one-pan meal delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or easy meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Veggie Skillet Bowl
This sausage veggie skillet bowl is quick to make, incredibly flexible, and full of bold, comforting flavors. Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less mess and more time to relax. The combination of lightly crisped sausage and tender vegetables creates a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and vibrant color. It’s also easy to customize based on what you have in your fridge or your family’s preferences, making it a reliable go-to recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients for Sausage Veggie Skillet Bowl
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces sausage (smoked turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage), sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional for Serving
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
If you prefer to avoid pork, turkey sausage or chicken sausage work perfectly and still bring plenty of flavor. For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based sausage or add chickpeas or lentils for protein. You can swap in other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, spinach, or cauliflower depending on the season or what you have on hand. For a lower-sodium version, choose reduced-sodium sausage and season lightly, tasting at the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the sausage into even rounds and chop all vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This helps everything cook evenly and ensures a consistent texture throughout the skillet bowl.
Step 2 – Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and crisp around the edges. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3 – Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and red onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4 – Season and Combine
Sprinkle paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Return the sausage to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes so the flavors meld and everything is heated through.
Step 5 – Serve
Serve the sausage veggie skillet bowl warm on its own or over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
Cut all ingredients evenly so they cook at the same rate. Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding, which helps the vegetables sauté instead of steam. Brown the sausage first to build flavor in the pan before adding vegetables. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, especially if your sausage is already salty. For extra caramelization, let the vegetables sit undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring.
Flavor Variations
Add a Southwestern twist by seasoning with cumin and chili powder and serving with avocado. Go Mediterranean by adding cherry tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of feta-style cheese. For extra heat, stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Try an Asian-inspired version with soy sauce or coconut aminos and a touch of ginger. Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright, fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions
This sausage veggie skillet bowl is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with simple grains like brown rice or quinoa. Serve it alongside a green salad for a lighter meal or with crusty bread to soak up the juices. It also works well as a filling for wraps or meal-prep containers for easy lunches.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the vegetables may soften slightly when thawed. For best results, cool completely before freezing and reheat on the stovetop.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~380 |
| Protein | ~20g |
| Carbohydrates | ~22g |
| Fat | ~24g |
| Fiber | ~6g |
| Sodium | ~780mg |
FAQ About Sausage Veggie Skillet Bowl
Can I make this sausage veggie skillet bowl ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook it fully and store it in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually develop more as it sits, making leftovers even tastier.
What’s the best sausage to use?
Smoked turkey sausage or chicken sausage are excellent choices because they’re flavorful and cook quickly. Plant-based sausage also works well if you want a vegetarian version. Choose a variety you enjoy since it’s the main flavor component.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Frozen vegetables can be used in a pinch, but they may release extra moisture. Cook them over slightly higher heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to help excess liquid evaporate.
Is this recipe spicy?
This sausage veggie skillet bowl is mild as written. If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or spicy sausage to turn up the spice level.
How do I keep the vegetables from getting mushy?
Use medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally, not constantly, so the vegetables can develop light browning while staying crisp-tender.
Sausage Veggie Skillet Bowl Ready in 30 Minutes
Equipment
- large skillet
- cutting board
- sharp knife
- wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 12 oz sausage (turkey, chicken, or plant-based), sliced into rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the sausage into even rounds and chop all vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and red onion to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Season vegetables with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Return sausage to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Cook for 2–3 more minutes until everything is heated through. Serve warm on its own or over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Veggie Skillet Bowl Ready in 30 Minutes is proof that a fast meal can still be flavorful, nourishing, and satisfying. With simple ingredients, endless customization options, and minimal cleanup, it’s the kind of recipe that fits effortlessly into real life. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this skillet bowl is a reliable, delicious choice.
