This is an ever-evolving recipe in our kitchen. It is a one pot meal that I just cannot get enough of. It started out as a recipe that my sister-in-law made and I soon tried to recreate it because it was so darn good. This can absolutely be made in a large skillet, however, I find it is easiest in a dutch oven which also guarantees that you will only have to use one pot. Obviously, this is a convenient meal since it is a one pot meal, but it also scores big in my book because it’s delicious and satisfying. I’m a very hungry person and this meal fills me up! I also love to make this when we are ready to clear the fridge of some lingering produce that needs to be used soon. It’s just an all-around convenient and delicious meal!
The Key Ingredients
Like I said, this sausage and veggie skillet is ever-evolving and I have very little memory as to the original recipe. I make it different every time. But, there are some key ingredients that I believe make this one pot meal its very best. Here are are my “must haves” when making my one pot sausage and veggie meal.
- Potatoes. I’ve made it with red skin potatoes, Yukon gold, russet, and sweet potatoes. I’ve made it with a combo of these. Potatoes provide some good carbs and make this a hearty skillet meal.
- Peppers. We usually use colorful bell peppers. Recently, though, I didn’t have any on hand and I used the little sweet peppers I had in my refrigerator snack drawer. They worked just as well. Peppers are great for adding a sweet and fresh flavor.
- Onions. Again, I’ve used every kind of onion and I have made it without. I just don’t enjoy this meal as much without the onions because they have so much flavor and caramelized goodness. This dish doesn’t have a sauce but onions help add a saucy flavor to the final product.
- Sausage. The easiest way to make this is with precooked chicken sausage, or any precooked sausage of your choice. I’ve used every kind of chicken sausage flavor. My favorite is usually something mild like apple. It’s even better if you can find one with gouda or some delicious cheese to add another punch of flavor.
Eat Your Veggies
We all know how important it is to eat your veggies. I’m fairly certain I have made this without any added veggies. However, why stop with those I’ve listed if your fridge has more to offer?! Go big or go home– especially if it means adding more veggies and nutrient dense foods to your one pot meal! Here are some of my favorites to throw into the pot to help you eat more veggies:
- Summer squash. It adds lots of moisture and blends well with the onions to create a delicious “sauce.”
- Zucchini. Like the squash. It helps to create a sauce-like consistency.
- Asparagus. When I don’t have zucchini and summer squash, I usually have Asparagus and it’s the perfect substitute.
- Brussels sprouts. I don’t often make it with Brussels but when I do, I only regret the extra chopping required.
- Spinach, kale, or other leafy greens. As my friend Sarah at TPW says, “Throw some kale in it!”
- Mushrooms. We’ve developed a newfound love of mushrooms in the last couple of years and they add a huge punch of flavor to this sausage and veggie skillet meal.
- Carrots, peas, green beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, etc. You guys, the possibilities are endless. I’ll stop here with suggestions and let you get creative with what you have in your stocked fridge!
Whole 30, Paleo, Dairy-free
This sausage and veggie skillet is naturally Whole30, Paleo, and dairy-free if you pay attention to ingredients in your sausage. Like I said, Aldi has at least two really great Whole30 compliant options. If you are only watching dairy, just pay attention to flavors that have a yummy cheese ingredients.
Kid-Approved
When we feed this to our little kids, we simply divide out the ingredients onto their plates so that they can see the meat, potato, and their acceptable veggie of choice– be that whatever it is on that particular day. For some reason, they don’t like seeing it all combined together but my kids always love this meal!
One Pot Cooking Strategy
One thing I’ve learned from cooking one pot meals is that it’s all about the cooking strategy. Here’s what I keep in mind.
- Always start by softening the onions.
- Potatoes take the longest to cook. Put them in the pot with some oil as soon as the onions have softened. Keep them covered and stir often to keep from sticking. Add oil as needed.
- If using carrots, they should go in with potatoes and you may even throw some bone broth in to help them soften and cook.
- Peppers are next. And, if using asparagus, Brussels or cabbage, they should go in around the same time as the peppers.
- Zucchini and summer squash go in after the pepper.
- Precooked sausage is always last in a one pot meal.
Once the sausage is heated through, your one pot meal is done and ready to be devoured!
One Pot Sausage and Veggie Meal
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 large onion any kind
- 4-7 potatoes any kind, amount depends on size
- 2 bell peppers any color
- 1 bunch of asparagus
- 2 small zucchini
- 2 small summer squash
- 1 pkg chicken sausage any flavor
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil in pan and chop onion into half-circle slices. Add the minced garclic and sauté on medium-high heat until softened.
- While onion is softening, chop the potatoes into medium to small chunks.
- Add more oil to the onions before throwing the potatoes into the pot. Reduce heat to low and cover fro 20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to keep potatoes from sticking to the pot. Chop the rest of the veggies while waiting for the potatoes to soften. Add 1 tsp salt. Add the pepper.
- Once potatoes have softened (you made need to add some liquid or more oil to help them along), throw in the peppers and asparagus. Turn the heat up to medium for 5 minutes.
- Add the zucchini and summer squash. Simmer for 5 minutes. Adding more salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the sausage and let heat for another 5 minutes or until heated through.
Notes
I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know if you give this one pot meal a try. Or, if you have a similar one pot meal that your family loves, share it in the comments! Enjoy being creative and making it your own and let me know how it goes!
-Suzi