Sweet Potato Sausage and Peppers Skillet: A Flavorful and Healthy Meal

Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s also packed with nutrients? Look no further than this Sweet Potato Sausage and Peppers Skillet! This recipe combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes, the savory goodness of sausage, and the vibrant flavors of bell peppers for a complete and balanced dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.

This skillet meal is not only incredibly tasty but also relatively easy to make. It requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal option for busy individuals or families. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, peppers, and spices to create your own unique version.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions on how to make this delectable Sweet Potato Sausage and Peppers Skillet. We’ll also provide you with some helpful tips and variations to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time. So, let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate why this Sweet Potato Sausage and Peppers Skillet is such a winner:

* **Flavorful and satisfying:** The combination of sweet and savory flavors is simply irresistible. The sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness that complements the savory sausage and peppers perfectly.
* **Nutritious and healthy:** This dish is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, while bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Sausage provides protein and essential nutrients.
* **Easy to make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under an hour, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by using different types of sausage, peppers, and spices.
* **One-pan meal:** This skillet meal is cooked in a single pan, which means fewer dishes to wash!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Sweet Potato Sausage and Peppers Skillet, you’ll need the following ingredients:

* **Sweet potatoes:** 2 medium, peeled and diced
* **Sausage:** 1 pound, Italian sausage (sweet or hot), removed from casings
* **Bell peppers:** 2, any color, seeded and sliced
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Olive oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Italian seasoning:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black pepper:** To taste
* **Optional:** Red pepper flakes, for added heat
* **Optional:** Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or cast-iron skillet
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started with the cooking process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a delicious Sweet Potato Sausage and Peppers Skillet:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. This will ensure that they cook evenly and quickly.
* Remove the sausage from its casings. This will allow the sausage to crumble nicely in the skillet.
* Seed and slice the bell peppers into strips. You can use any color of bell pepper you like, or a combination of colors for a more vibrant dish.
* Chop the onion and mince the garlic. These will add flavor and aroma to the skillet.

**Step 2: Cook the Sausage**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to crumble the sausage well for even cooking and distribution of flavor.
* Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

**Step 3: Cook the Vegetables**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
* Add the diced sweet potatoes and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the peppers are slightly softened, about 10-15 minutes. If the vegetables start to stick to the skillet, add a splash of water or broth.

**Step 4: Combine and Finish**

* Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sweet potatoes and peppers.
* Stir to combine all the ingredients.
* Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
* Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve the Sweet Potato Sausage and Peppers Skillet hot. You can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a filling for tacos or wraps.

Tips and Variations

Here are some helpful tips and variations to make this Sweet Potato Sausage and Peppers Skillet even better:

* **Use different types of sausage:** Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, such as chorizo, andouille, or even chicken sausage. Each type of sausage will add a unique flavor to the dish.
* **Add other vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the skillet, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Make it spicy:** If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the skillet.
* **Add a sauce:** You can add a sauce to the skillet, such as marinara sauce, pesto, or even a simple tomato sauce. This will add moisture and flavor to the dish.
* **Top with cheese:** For an extra layer of flavor, top the skillet with shredded cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan. Add the cheese during the last few minutes of cooking, so it has a chance to melt.
* **Make it ahead of time:** You can make this skillet meal ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the skillet or microwave before serving.
* **Add beans:** Incorporate a can of drained and rinsed beans, such as black beans, cannellini beans, or kidney beans, for added protein and fiber. Add them in the last few minutes of cooking to warm them through.
* **Serve over rice or quinoa:** For a more complete meal, serve the Sweet Potato Sausage and Peppers Skillet over a bed of rice or quinoa.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Ensure the plant-based sausage is browned nicely for added flavor.
* **Roast the sweet potatoes:** For a different texture, roast the diced sweet potatoes in the oven before adding them to the skillet. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until tender.

## Nutritional Information

(Approximate values per serving, based on the original recipe)

* Calories: Approximately 350-450
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 25-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 5-7g

*Note:* Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Use a nutrition calculator for more precise details.

## Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Potato Sausage and Peppers Skillet is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways:

* **Main Course:** Serve it as a hearty and satisfying main course alongside a simple salad or some crusty bread.
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a flavorful side dish to complement grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve it as a filling and nutritious breakfast or brunch option, perhaps with a side of eggs or avocado.
* **Taco or Wrap Filling:** Use it as a delicious and flavorful filling for tacos, burritos, or wraps.
* **Pizza Topping:** Spread it over pizza dough as a unique and flavorful pizza topping.
* **Pasta Sauce:** Toss it with cooked pasta for a quick and easy pasta dish.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Sweet Potato Sausage and Peppers Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the skillet meal in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the skillet meal in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Sausage and Peppers Skillet is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful combination of sweet potatoes, sausage, and peppers, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy this fantastic skillet meal! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!