One-Pan Vegan Sausage and Peppers
A cozy, weeknight-friendly vegan sausage and peppers skillet with sweet caramelized onions, tender bell peppers, and a glossy tomato-garlic sauce—comfort food that still feels fresh and nourishing.
This is the kind of dinner that makes the kitchen smell like something special with almost no effort. Everything cooks in one pan, so the flavors mingle while cleanup stays easy. Serve it over rice, pasta, or tucked into toasted rolls for a modern, plant-powered take on a classic comfort meal.
Total Time
35 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
Produce
- •1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- •3 bell peppers (mix of red/yellow/green), sliced into strips
- •4 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tbsp tomato paste
- •2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional, for serving)
Protein
- •14–16 oz vegan Italian-style sausage links (about 4), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Pantry & Seasonings
- •2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- •1 tsp dried oregano
- •1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- •1/4–1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- •1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- •1/4 tsp black pepper
- •1 (14½ oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- •1/3 cup low-sodium vegetable broth or water
- •1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
For serving (choose one)
- •Cooked pasta, rice, or polenta
- •Toasted hoagie/sub rolls
Instructions
- 1
Brown the sausage: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-high heat. Add sliced vegan sausage in an even layer and cook 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- 2
Soften and caramelize the veg: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add onion and peppers with the salt and pepper. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened with some golden edges.
- 3
Bloom the aromatics: Add garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook 30–60 seconds, stirring, until fragrant.
- 4
Build the sauce: Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Add diced tomatoes and broth/water, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- 5
Simmer and finish: Return the sausage to the skillet. Simmer 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is hot and glossy. Stir in the vinegar and taste; add more salt/pepper if needed.
- 6
Serve: Spoon over pasta, rice, or polenta, or pile into toasted rolls. Finish with parsley or basil if you like.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition calculated automatically from ingredients.