Transform busy weeknight dinners with this incredibly simple yet satisfying sausage and peppers recipe inspired by Golden Corral’s beloved buffet favorite. In just one skillet and under 30 minutes, you’ll create a hearty, flavorful meal that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. The smoky sausage, tender bell peppers, and sweet caramelized onions create a perfect harmony of flavors that works beautifully as a standalone dinner, sandwich filling, or pasta topping.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The magic lies in the simplicity and timing. You avoid overcooking any component by cooking the vegetables first until they’re perfectly tender and sweet, then adding the pre-cooked sausage just to heat through. The low-heat cooking method allows the onions to caramelize naturally while the peppers maintain their vibrant color and slight bite. This technique ensures every forkful delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- Smoked sausage – The protein foundation that provides rich, smoky flavor throughout the dish
- Yellow onions – Sweet onions that caramelize beautifully and add natural sweetness
- Bell peppers – Use a mix of colors for visual appeal and varying flavor notes
- Garlic powder – Adds aromatic depth without the risk of burning fresh garlic
- Salt – Enhances all flavors and helps draw moisture from vegetables
- Black pepper – Provides gentle heat and complements the other seasonings
- Vegetable oil – Neutral cooking fat that won’t compete with other flavors
Choosing the Perfect Sausage
Selecting quality sausage is the foundation of exceptional sausage and peppers. Since this is such a simple recipe, every ingredient matters, but your sausage choice will make or break the dish.
Top Sausage Recommendations:
- Smoked Kielbasa: This Polish-style sausage offers mild, approachable flavors, perfect for families with children or those who prefer less heat. If you can’t find kielbasa specifically, look for brands that label it as “Polish Sausage.”
- Andouille Sausage brings authentic Cajun heat and smokiness, transforming this simple dish into something special. The spicy kick pairs beautifully with the sweet peppers and onions.
- Tajín-Seasoned Sausage: Hillshire Farms offers this unique variety featuring the beloved Mexican seasoning blend of chile peppers, lime, and sea salt for an authentic south-of-the-border twist.
- Fresh Sausage Options: While this recipe calls for pre-cooked smoked sausage, you can use fresh Italian sausages (sweet or hot) with proper preparation.
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How to Make Sausage and Peppers
- Cut sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice onions and bell peppers.
- Sauté in vegetable oil over low heat until onions are soft yet not browned.
- Add sausage and spices. Stir to combine with onions and peppers.
- Cook until sausage is heated.
Serve in bowls or with sandwich rolls.
Tips for Cooking, Serving Sausage and Peppers
- Turn it into a sausage sandwich. Nothing could be easier, but remember that sour bread makes a lousy sandwich. To make the best sausage sandwich, use a good Italian roll or toast softer bread to help it hold up better. If you plan on making sausage, peppers, and onion sandwiches from the start, keep your sausages in larger pieces.
- Fancy up store-bought tomato sauce. Pasta with sausage, peppers, and onions? Yes, please! Cut up any pieces that won’t fit comfortably on a fork before adding them to your tomato sauce, heating it on the stove, and serving it over your favorite pasta.
- Try creating your new sausage and peppers recipes. Add some of your favorite vegetables. Cubed and sautéed potatoes or giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables) are great additions.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping vegetables crisp and flavors fresh
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months for easy meal planning
- Reheating Method: Warm gently in skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of oil if needed to prevent sticking
- Microwave Option: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between to ensure even warming
Love Sausage? Try these recipes
- Smoked Sausage Hash
- Spicy Lentil Sausage Soup
- Pasta with Italian Sausage
- Homemade Italian Sausage
- Sausage Baked Beans Recipe
- Gnocchi and Sausage Recipe
- Sausage Potato Cheese Soup
- Best Ever Sausage Casserole
- Breakfast Sausage Roll Recipe
- How to Make Sausage Gravy
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Be sure to check out more of my quick and easy recipes and the best main dish recipes.
This recipe was graciously submitted by a fellow viewer, Ron Shifted.
Golden Corral Sausage and Peppers – Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound chopped smoked sausage
- 2 cups sliced onions
- 2 sliced bell peppers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Slice onions and bell peppers. Saute in 2 tbsp vegetable oil over low heat until onions are mild yet not browned. Add sausage until heated. Add spices while cooking.
Loved this, it was a life saver when I got home from work. It was quick and easy and the family loved it.