Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet Recipe

Let me tell you, weeknight dinners can be a real struggle. After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I was absolutely thrilled when I stumbled upon this Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet recipe. It promised a complete, flavorful meal in just about 50 minutes, and boy, did it deliver! My family, even the picky eaters, devoured it. The combination of savory Italian sausage, slightly sweet roasted sweet potatoes, and the subtly nutty Brussels sprouts is just magical. Plus, the fact that it’s all cooked in one pan? Cleanup is a breeze! If you’re looking for a healthy, gluten-free, and incredibly delicious meal that won’t keep you chained to the stove, you absolutely must try this recipe. It’s become a regular in our rotation, and I have a feeling it will become one in yours too.

Ingredients for Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet

The beauty of this Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet lies in its simplicity and the wonderful way these few ingredients come together. Each component plays a vital role in creating a balanced and flavorful dish. Let’s break down each ingredient and explore why they are essential and if there are any substitutions you might consider.

• 160g Italian Sausage: The star of our skillet, Italian sausage brings a robust, savory flavor that is the backbone of this dish. When selecting your sausage, you have a few choices that will slightly alter the final taste:
  • Sweet Italian Sausage: This is generally the most versatile option. It offers a mild sweetness and a delightful herbaceousness from fennel seeds, often included in the blend. It pairs beautifully with the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts and the sweetness of the potatoes.
  • Hot Italian Sausage: If you like a bit of a kick, hot Italian sausage is the way to go. The added chili flakes will bring a pleasant warmth to the dish, complementing the other flavors without overpowering them. Consider reducing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the recipe if you opt for hot sausage, or keep them in for extra heat lovers!
  • Mild Italian Sausage: For those who prefer a milder flavor profile, mild Italian sausage is an excellent choice. It still offers the classic Italian sausage seasonings but without the heat or intense sweetness, allowing the other ingredients to shine even more.
  • Bulk Italian Sausage vs. Sausage Links: The recipe calls for sausage links, which you’ll roast and then slice. However, you can also use bulk Italian sausage. If using bulk sausage, you can brown it in the skillet before adding the onions and garlic, breaking it up as it cooks. This will slightly reduce the overall cooking time as you won’t need to roast the sausage separately.
  • Lean Sausage: Opting for leaner sausage, like chicken or turkey Italian sausage, is a great way to reduce the fat content of the dish without sacrificing flavor. Just be mindful that leaner sausages can sometimes be drier, so ensure you don’t overcook them.
• 1 tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil is the foundation for sautéing our vegetables and adding richness to the skillet. Extra-virgin olive oil is preferred for its superior flavor and health benefits. It has a fruity, slightly peppery taste that enhances the overall dish.
  • Alternative Oils: If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute with other healthy oils like avocado oil or coconut oil. Avocado oil has a neutral flavor, while coconut oil will impart a subtle coconut aroma and flavor, which might not be ideal for this particular recipe. Vegetable oil or canola oil can also be used in a pinch, but they lack the flavor and nutritional benefits of olive or avocado oil.
• ½ cup Onions, Chopped: Onions are aromatic powerhouses that form the flavorful base for countless dishes, and this skillet is no exception. Chopped onions, when sautéed, become sweet and mellow, creating a delicious foundation for the other vegetables and sausage. Yellow onions are a great all-purpose choice for this recipe.
  • Other Onion Varieties: You can also use white onions, which have a sharper flavor, or even sweet onions like Vidalia for extra sweetness. Red onions are also an option, but their stronger flavor might be a bit more assertive than desired for this dish.
  • Shallots: For a more delicate onion flavor, consider using shallots. They are milder and sweeter than regular onions and will add a subtle sophistication to the skillet.
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is another essential aromatic that brings a pungent, savory depth to the dish. Minced garlic infuses the olive oil and vegetables with its characteristic flavor, creating a warm and inviting aroma as it cooks. Freshly minced garlic is always best for optimal flavor.
  • Garlic Paste or Powder: In a pinch, you can use garlic paste or garlic powder. About ½ teaspoon of garlic powder is roughly equivalent to one clove of garlic. Garlic paste offers a more robust flavor closer to fresh garlic.
• 2 cups Sweet Potatoes, Diced: Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and important nutrients to the skillet. Diced sweet potatoes cook relatively quickly and provide a lovely textural contrast to the sausage and Brussels sprouts.
  • Choosing Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm sweet potatoes without blemishes. Smaller to medium-sized sweet potatoes are often easier to dice evenly.
  • Other Root Vegetables: If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can substitute with other root vegetables like butternut squash, diced carrots, or even parsnips. These will all add a similar sweetness and heartiness to the skillet.
• 1 cup Brussels Sprouts, Quartered: Brussels sprouts are the star vegetable in this dish, bringing a slightly bitter, nutty flavor that is wonderfully complemented by roasting or sautéing. Quartering them ensures they cook through evenly in the skillet.
  • Fresh vs. Frozen Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts are highly recommended for this recipe. They have a better texture and flavor than frozen Brussels sprouts. If you must use frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry to remove excess moisture before adding them to the skillet.
  • Preparing Brussels Sprouts: When preparing fresh Brussels sprouts, trim the ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Quartering them is the ideal size for this skillet, but you can also halve smaller sprouts.
• ½ cup Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture to the skillet, helping to steam the vegetables and create a light sauce. It also enhances the savory flavors of the dish. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt level.
  • Vegetable Broth: To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. It will provide a similar level of moisture and savory flavor.
  • Water: In a pinch, you can use water instead of broth, but the flavor will be less complex. You might need to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
• ½ teaspoon Paprika: Paprika adds a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the skillet. It complements the other spices and enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Smoked Paprika: For a more pronounced smoky flavor, consider using smoked paprika. It will add a delightful depth to the dish.
  • Sweet Paprika: Sweet paprika offers a milder, sweeter flavor and is a good alternative if you prefer less smokiness.
• ½ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper: Crushed red pepper flakes provide a touch of heat that balances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the richness of the sausage. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • Alternative Spices: If you don’t like crushed red pepper, you can omit it entirely or substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a more intense heat. You could also use a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end for a different flavor profile.
• Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper to Taste: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the skillet. Seasoning throughout the cooking process is key to building depth of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for its brighter, more aromatic flavor.
  • Seasoning Tips: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process. Remember that you can always add more salt and pepper, but you can’t take it away. Be mindful of the salt content in your sausage and chicken broth when seasoning.

Instructions for Making Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet

This Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet is incredibly easy to make, but following these step-by-step instructions will ensure perfect results every time. We’ll break down each step to guide you through the process, from roasting the sausage to bringing it all together in the skillet.

1. Preheat and Roast the Sausage: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is hot and ready for roasting the sausage. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the sausage from sticking to the pan. Place the Italian sausage links on the prepared sheet pan, spacing them out evenly for even cooking. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This initial roasting time allows the sausage to cook partially through and renders out some of the fat. After 20 minutes, flip the sausages using tongs or a spatula. Roast for another 15 minutes. Flipping ensures even browning and cooking on all sides. The total roasting time of 35 minutes will cook the sausage through and give it a nice browned exterior. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the sausage rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the sausage, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Transfer the roasted sausage to a cutting board. Slice the sausage into rounds or bite-sized pieces. Slicing makes it easier to incorporate the sausage into the skillet and ensures it cooks evenly with the vegetables later on. Set the sliced sausage aside. We’ll add it back to the skillet towards the end.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: While the sausage is roasting, prepare the vegetables and start the skillet portion of the recipe. Place a large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works well) over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil to the skillet. Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers. This indicates that the oil is hot enough for sautéing. Add the chopped onions to the hot skillet. Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sautéing softens the onions and brings out their sweetness. Cook until the onions are soft and golden brown. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Sauté for another minute, stirring constantly. Garlic cooks quickly and can burn easily, so sauté it briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown too much.
3. Add Vegetables and Spices: Now it’s time to build the flavor and add the heart of the skillet. Add the diced sweet potatoes, quartered Brussels sprouts, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Mix everything well, ensuring the vegetables are coated with the olive oil and spices. This step evenly distributes the flavors and seasonings. Then, pour in ½ cup of chicken broth. The chicken broth adds moisture and helps to steam the vegetables, ensuring they cook through without burning.
4. Simmer and Cook Vegetables: Reduce the heat to low. Lowering the heat allows the vegetables to simmer gently and cook through without scorching. Cover the skillet with a lid. Covering the skillet traps the steam and helps the vegetables cook faster and more evenly. Cook until the vegetables are tender, approximately 10 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing the sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts with a fork. They should be easily pierced and tender but not mushy. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your vegetable dice and the heat of your stove.
5. Combine with Sausage and Finish: Once the vegetables are tender, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the reserved sliced Italian sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sausage is heated through and evenly distributed throughout the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This brief cooking time is just to heat the sausage through as it is already cooked from roasting.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the skillet and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, paprika, or crushed red pepper to taste, according to your preference. If you desire more richness or flavor, you can drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the skillet before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet!

Nutrition Facts for Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet

This Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients and fits into a healthy eating plan. While exact nutrition facts can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes, here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of the skillet (about 1.5 cups)
• Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving (This is an estimate and can vary based on the fat content of the sausage and the amount of olive oil used).
• Protein: 20-25 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams (Varies with sausage type and olive oil)
• Saturated Fat: 8-12 grams (Varies with sausage type)
• Cholesterol: 60-80 mg
• Sodium: 500-700 mg (Varies with sausage and broth)
• Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams
• Fiber: 5-7 grams
• Sugar: 8-12 grams (Naturally occurring sugars in sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts)

Key Nutritional Highlights:

• Good Source of Protein: The Italian sausage provides a significant amount of protein, essential for muscle building and satiety.
• Rich in Fiber: Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes are excellent sources of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping you feel full and satisfied.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Sweet potatoes are packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium. Brussels sprouts are rich in Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and folate.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Relatively Low Carb (for a complete meal): While it contains carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, it’s a balanced meal with protein and healthy fats, making it suitable for those watching their carbohydrate intake compared to meals heavy on grains.

Important Note: These are estimations. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator app or website, inputting the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time for Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its speed and ease of preparation. Here’s a breakdown of the time commitment:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes. This includes:
  • Preheating the oven.
  • Lining the sheet pan.
  • Chopping onions.
  • Mincing garlic.
  • Dicing sweet potatoes.
  • Quartering Brussels sprouts.
  • Slicing the roasted sausage.
• Cook Time: 40 minutes. This includes:
  • Roasting the sausage (35 minutes).
  • Sautéing onions and garlic (6 minutes).
  • Simmering vegetables in the skillet (approximately 10 minutes).
  • Combining sausage and vegetables and finishing (1 minute).
• Total Time: 50 minutes. From start to finish, you can have this delicious and healthy meal on the table in under an hour.

This quick preparation time makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet

This Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can also enhance your dining experience with various serving suggestions and side dishes.

• Serve it as is: The simplest and most satisfying way is to serve the skillet directly as a one-pot meal. It’s perfectly balanced with protein, vegetables, and flavor.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve the skillet over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. These grains will soak up the flavorful juices from the skillet and add extra carbohydrates and fiber.
  • Rice Options: White rice, brown rice, or wild rice all work well.
  • Quinoa: Offers a nutty flavor and is a complete protein source.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a loaf of crusty bread or baguette for soaking up the delicious skillet juices. Sourdough, Italian bread, or French bread are all excellent choices.
• Alongside a Simple Salad: A light and fresh side salad can complement the richness of the skillet.
  • Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
  • Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad with lemon and Parmesan cheese adds a bright and zesty element.
• Topped with Parmesan Cheese: For extra flavor and a touch of saltiness, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet before serving.
• With a Fried Egg: For a brunch or breakfast-for-dinner twist, top each serving with a fried egg. The runny yolk adds richness and creaminess to the dish.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the skillet filling in crisp lettuce wraps, like butter lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves.

Garnishing Ideas:

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the skillet for a pop of color and freshness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch more heat.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing fresh lemon juice over the skillet, adding brightness and acidity.
• Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a touch of sweetness and complexity.

Additional Tips for the Best Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet

To ensure your Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet is a resounding success, here are five helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Ensure you are using a large enough skillet so that the vegetables are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of sautéing, resulting in vegetables that are soggy rather than nicely browned and slightly caramelized. If your skillet is too small, cook the vegetables in batches or use two skillets.
2. Roast Sausage for Best Flavor and Texture: Roasting the sausage before adding it to the skillet is a key step. Roasting renders out some of the fat, crisps up the exterior, and develops a deeper, more savory flavor compared to simply cooking it in the skillet. Don’t skip the roasting step for the best results.
3. Season Generously and Taste as You Go: Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper. Taste the skillet at different stages of cooking and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember that you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away.
4. Don’t Overcook the Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts are best when they are tender-crisp and slightly browned. Overcooked Brussels sprouts can become mushy and have a less appealing flavor. Cook them until they are tender but still have a slight bite.
5. Make it Ahead for Meal Prep: This skillet is excellent for meal prepping. You can prepare the entire skillet ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The flavors often meld together even more beautifully overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet

Here are some common questions you might have about making this Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet recipe:

Q1: Can I use different types of sausage?

A1: Absolutely! While Italian sausage is classic and delicious, you can definitely experiment with other types of sausage. Chicken sausage, turkey sausage, chorizo, or even kielbasa would all work well. Just be mindful of the flavor profile of the sausage you choose and how it will complement the other ingredients. For instance, chorizo will add a spicier, smokier flavor, while kielbasa will offer a milder, more garlicky taste. Adjust seasonings accordingly.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

A2: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, omit the sausage and ensure your broth is vegetable-based and that you are not using any animal-derived fats in your cooking process (though olive oil is already vegan). To replace the protein from the sausage, consider adding cannellini beans or chickpeas to the skillet along with the vegetables. These will add heartiness and protein to the dish. You could also use plant-based sausages as a direct substitute, ensuring they are cooked according to package instructions and added to the skillet at the appropriate time.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?

A3: Definitely! This skillet is very versatile, and you can easily incorporate other vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Some great additions include:

• Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and color.
• Bell Peppers: Sliced bell peppers (any color) add sweetness and a slight crunch.
• Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Diced zucchini or yellow squash cooks quickly and adds a mild flavor.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
• Kale or Spinach: Stir in chopped kale or spinach towards the end of cooking for added greens and nutrients.

When adding extra vegetables, consider their cooking times and add them to the skillet accordingly so they cook through properly without becoming overcooked or undercooked.

Q4: How do I store and reheat leftovers?

A4: Leftovers of this Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet are delicious and store well. Allow the skillet to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a skillet, microwave, or oven.

• Skillet Reheating: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil or water if needed to prevent sticking, and reheat the skillet mixture until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a serving of the skillet in a microwave-safe dish and reheat in the microwave until heated through, usually 1-2 minutes depending on your microwave’s power.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the skillet mixture on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Q5: Can I make this skillet spicier?

A5: Yes, if you like a spicier dish, there are several ways to increase the heat level of this Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet:

• Use Hot Italian Sausage: As mentioned earlier, using hot Italian sausage will add a significant amount of heat.
• Increase Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add more crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Start with an extra ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your taste.
• Add Cayenne Pepper: A pinch of cayenne pepper will add intense heat. Be cautious as cayenne pepper is very potent.
• Include Chili Garlic Sauce or Hot Sauce: Stir in a teaspoon or two of chili garlic sauce or your favorite hot sauce at the end of cooking for added flavor and heat.
• Add Fresh Chili Peppers: Sauté sliced fresh chili peppers, like jalapeños or serrano peppers, along with the onions and garlic for a more vibrant heat. Remember to handle chili peppers with care and wash your hands thoroughly after handling them.

Enjoy making and customizing this Sausage with Brussels Sprouts Skillet to your liking! It’s a versatile, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

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