Cheesy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet made with sausage, bell peppers, onions, and melty cheese—simple, hearty, and so good.
I’ve got to be honest with you—this recipe wasn’t born out of some Pinterest-perfect cooking day. Nope. It was one of those chaotic evenings when everyone was already asking “what’s for dinner?” before I’d even had a chance to think about it. The fridge situation was… let’s just say, uninspiring. I had a pack of Italian sausages (because somehow we always have those), three bell peppers that were on their last legs, and a lonely onion rolling around in the veggie drawer.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Instead of panicking (okay, maybe I panicked a little), I tossed it all into a dish, smothered it with cheese—because cheese is basically edible glue that holds a meal together—and hoped it would be edible. To my surprise? It wasn’t just edible. It was incredible. My husband swore it tasted like something from a local Italian restaurant, which I think was both a compliment and his way of distracting me from the fact that he went back for thirds.
Now, this cheesy Italian sausage and peppers skillet has turned into one of those recipes I pull out when I need comfort food that doesn’t take 17 pots and pans. And honestly, it’s the kind of meal that makes your house smell so good the neighbors might “accidentally” stop by.
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet Recipe?
Let’s be real—you’re not here for complicated cooking. Neither am I. That’s why I love this skillet so much. It’s fast, it’s forgiving, and it’s filling. The kind of recipe where you don’t have to measure too perfectly (a little extra cheese never hurt anyone, right?). The sausage brings all that savory, herby flavor, the peppers balance it with sweetness, and the onions caramelize just enough to make it all feel like magic.
And then there’s the cheese. Oh, the cheese. It bubbles, it browns, it stretches in those Instagram-worthy strings when you serve it. If that’s not comfort food, I don’t know what is.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s a quick run-through of what makes this cheesy Italian sausage and peppers skillet so good:
-
Italian Sausage: Mild is family-friendly, but if you like a little spice, go hot. Or do a mix if you can’t decide (I’ve done it, it works).
-
Bell Peppers: I use a rainbow because it looks pretty. Plus, the red and yellow add sweetness while green keeps things earthy.
-
Onion: Yellow is my go-to because it sweetens as it bakes, but red onions give it more bite if that’s your thing.
-
Cheese: Mozzarella melts into that gooey blanket we all love, and cheddar adds sharpness. Together? Chef’s kiss.
-
Olive Oil: Just a drizzle to help everything roast. Nothing fancy here.
-
Salt and Pepper: Keep it simple. The sausage already does most of the heavy lifting in the flavor department.
How To Make Cheesy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet?
Step 1 – Prep like a pro (or at least try to)
Spray a baking dish so you’re not chiseling off cheese later. Slice your sausages, chop the peppers and onions into chunks—you want bite-sized, not microscopic.
Step 2 – Toss it all in
Throw everything into the dish. Drizzle some olive oil on top and mix it around with your hands. Don’t be shy—it’s messy, but it works better than a spoon.
Step 3 – Cheese, round one
Sprinkle half of your mozzarella and cheddar over the top. This layer will melt into the peppers and sausage as it bakes.
Step 4 – Bake
Pop it into the oven at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. The sausage should be cooked through, and the peppers should soften up nicely.
Step 5 – Cheese, round two (the grand finale)
Take the dish out, toss the rest of the cheese over the top, and put it back in for another 5 minutes. That’s when the cheese gets all melty and golden.
Step 6 – Eat and enjoy
Double-check that your sausage is cooked all the way, then dig in. Bonus points if you serve it bubbling hot with some crusty bread to scoop up all that cheesy goodness.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
If you actually have leftovers (I usually don’t), stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, but the microwave works if you’re in a hurry. Want to save it longer? Freeze it in portions for up to 2 months.
Variations and Substitutions:
This recipe’s pretty forgiving, so don’t be afraid to play around:
-
Try spicy sausage if you like some heat.
-
Swap cheddar for provolone or parmesan for a sharper flavor.
-
Add mushrooms or zucchini if you’ve got extras sitting in the fridge.
-
Chicken sausage works if you want something lighter (though I’ll be honest, I always go for the real deal).
What to Serve with Cheesy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet?
Cheesy Italian sausage and peppers skillet can definitely stand on its own, but here are some fun pairings:
-
Garlic bread – perfect for soaking up all that melty cheese.
-
A crisp salad – balances the richness.
-
Rice or pasta – makes it stretch a little further if you’ve got a big crowd.
-
Roasted potatoes – because why not double down on comfort carbs?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Assemble everything earlier in the day, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Do I have to use cheese?
Technically no… but should you? Absolutely not. The cheese is the star here.
Can I make it on the stovetop instead of baking?
Sure can. Just cook everything in a big skillet, sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and let it melt.
And there you have it—Cheesy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet that’s as comforting as it is easy. It’s not fancy, it’s not fussy, but it’s the kind of meal that feels like home.
So, tell me—are you team spicy sausage or team mild?
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Cheesy Italian Sausage and Peppers Skillet
Ingredients
- 10 –12 mild Italian sausages
- 1 yellow bell pepper cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 green bell pepper cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 red bell pepper cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese freshly shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Baking Dish and Ingredients
- Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Slice the Italian sausages into bite-sized pieces. Prepare the bell peppers and onion by cutting them into bite-sized chunks.
Combine Ingredients
- Place the sausages, peppers, and onion into the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
First Cheese Layer
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sausage and vegetable mixture.
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the sausages are fully cooked and the peppers are tender.
Final Cheese Layer
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for 5 additional minutes, or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
Serve
- Ensure the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
