Fast and Tasty: Try This Easy Oven-Baked Sausage and Veggie Dinner Tonight

Photo byAngie Bright

When time is short but you still want a hearty, delicious meal, there's nothing better than a dish that requires minimal effort but delivers big on flavor. This easy meal featuring sausage, peppers, onions, squash, and potatoes is exactly that. It's a versatile and satisfying recipe that can be customized to fit any taste, but its simplicity is what makes it a favorite in many kitchens.

The magic of this dish lies in the combination of savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, tender squash, and crispy potatoes, all tossed in a light coating of olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma and tastes even better than it smells. Plus, it’s all baked on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Why This Recipe Works One-pan meals are popular for their ease and convenience, and this recipe is no exception. By baking all the ingredients together in the oven, the vegetables soften and caramelize, while the sausage gets crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The natural flavors of the vegetables combine with the rich seasoning of the sausage, creating a perfect harmony that’s both savory and satisfying.

You can also experiment with different varieties of sausage, from spicy Italian to milder chicken or pork options. Vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even mushrooms can be swapped in depending on what you have on hand. The flexibility of this recipe makes it a great option for those nights when you just want to use what’s already in your fridge.

Recipe: Easy One-Pan Sausage and Veggie Bake Ingredients:

• 1 pound of sausage (your choice: Italian, chicken, or pork)
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 3-4 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the sausage, peppers, onions, squash, and potatoes into bite-size pieces.
3. Place the chopped ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
4. Spread the mixture out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Make sure the pieces are not too crowded so they can roast evenly.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is crispy and cooked through.
6. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to whip up something quick for the family. The blend of sausage and vegetables brings a satisfying combination of textures and flavors, from the crunch of the roasted potatoes to the juiciness of the sausage. It’s a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really, all it took was a little chopping and some time in the oven.

So next time you’re in a rush, but want a delicious home-cooked meal, give this sausage and veggie bake a try. It’s a recipe that everyone can enjoy and a time-saver for any busy cook.

If you're looking for some great sources for an easy sheet-pan sausage and veggie bake, here are a few to help you get started:

1. Chelsea's Messy Apron offers a fantastic take on a sheet-pan sausage and veggie recipe, combining potatoes, green beans, broccoli, and bell peppers with smoked sausage. The recipe is easy to follow, and they even include tips like lining the pan with parchment paper for quick cleanup​(Chelsea's Messy Apron).
2. Allrecipes features a similar recipe, highlighting how customizable this dish can be. Their version includes kielbasa or Polish sausage paired with green beans, bell peppers, and baby potatoes. They also offer tips for reheating leftovers​(Allrecipes).
3. Taste of Home provides another great variation using Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and summer squash. Their recipe is tossed with Greek vinaigrette before baking, adding a flavorful twist to the classic dish​(Taste of Home).

Each of these sources provides a unique spin on the same basic concept, giving you plenty of inspiration to adapt the recipe to your liking!