Sheet Pan Sausage Veggies: the ultimate weeknight dinner solution! Are you tired of complicated recipes that leave you with a mountain of dishes? Do you crave a flavorful, healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This recipe is about to become your new go-to.
Sheet pan dinners, while seemingly modern in their convenience, actually have roots in resourceful cooking practices from generations past. The idea of roasting everything together on one pan echoes the “one-pot” meals of many cultures, where simplicity and efficiency were key. It’s a testament to how good food doesn’t need to be fussy.
What makes Sheet Pan Sausage Veggies so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of savory sausage, tender-crisp vegetables, and minimal cleanup. The sausage infuses the vegetables with its delicious flavor as it roasts, creating a symphony of tastes and textures. People love this dish because it’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies for even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying and stress-free meal that the whole family will love!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!), sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 bell peppers (any color, or a mix!), seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat!)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Preparing the Vegetables and Sausage:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position for even cooking.
- While the oven is preheating, let’s get our veggies and sausage ready. Start by slicing the Italian sausage into 1-inch thick pieces. This ensures they cook evenly with the vegetables.
- Next, prepare the red onion. Cut it in half through the root end, then slice each half into wedges. This will give you nice, substantial pieces that won’t burn easily in the oven.
- Now, tackle the bell peppers. Remove the stem and seeds, then cut them into 1-inch pieces, similar in size to the sausage and onion. Using different colored bell peppers not only adds visual appeal but also a variety of flavors.
- For the Brussels sprouts, trim off the ends and remove any loose outer leaves. Then, halve them if they’re small to medium-sized. If they’re larger, quarter them to ensure they cook through properly.
- The baby potatoes are next. Wash them thoroughly and then halve or quarter them, depending on their size. You want them to be roughly the same size as the other vegetables so they cook at the same rate.
- Finally, mince the garlic. Mincing it finely will release its flavor and aroma, infusing the entire dish with a delicious garlicky taste. You can use a garlic press or chop it finely with a knife.
Seasoning and Tossing:
- Grab a large bowl the bigger, the better! This will make it easier to toss everything together without making a mess.
- Add the sliced sausage, red onion wedges, bell pepper pieces, Brussels sprouts, baby potatoes, and minced garlic to the bowl.
- Now, it’s time to add the flavor! Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and sausage. Make sure everything is coated evenly.
- Next, add the balsamic vinegar. This will add a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the sausage and vegetables.
- Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the mixture. These herbs will add a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning it’s what brings out the best in the ingredients.
- Using your hands (or a large spoon), toss everything together until the vegetables and sausage are evenly coated with the oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. Make sure everything is well combined.
Roasting the Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the vegetables and sausage from sticking to the pan and make cleanup a breeze.
- Spread the seasoned sausage and vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly browned.
- Halfway through the cooking time (around 15-20 minutes), flip the vegetables and sausage with a spatula to ensure even cooking on all sides.
- Continue roasting until the sausage is nicely browned and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork.
- Once the sausage and vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
Serving and Enjoying:
- Let the sheet pan sausage and veggies cool slightly before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth!
- Transfer the roasted sausage and vegetables to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
- You can also sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! This sheet pan sausage and veggies is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful juices.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables to this recipe. Some great options include broccoli florets, carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, and asparagus. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Sausage Variations: You can use different types of sausage, such as chicken sausage, chorizo, or even vegan sausage. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of sausage you use.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
- Sweetness: For a sweeter flavor, you can add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the vegetables before roasting.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds brightness and acidity.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Make Ahead: You can chop the vegetables and sausage ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roast them. Just be sure to toss them with the olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices before roasting.
- Serving Suggestions: This sheet pan sausage and veggies is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of rice, quinoa, or pasta.
- Clean Up: Using parchment paper makes clean up a breeze. Simply discard the parchment paper and wash the baking sheet.
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
- Fat: 25-35 grams
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
Enjoy this easy and delicious sheet pan sausage and veggies recipe! It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Conclusion:
So, there you have it! This Sheet Pan Sausage Veggies recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you crave a delicious and healthy meal without the fuss. I genuinely believe this will become a staple in your kitchen, and here’s why:
First and foremost, the ease of preparation is unmatched. Seriously, just chop, toss, and bake! The minimal cleanup is a huge bonus, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your meal. But beyond the convenience, the flavor combination is simply irresistible. The savory sausage perfectly complements the sweetness of the roasted vegetables, creating a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. The slight char from the roasting process adds a delightful smoky note that elevates the entire dish.
And let’s not forget the versatility! This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to swap out the vegetables for your favorites bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or even Brussels sprouts would work beautifully. You can also experiment with different types of sausage. Spicy Italian sausage will add a kick, while chicken or turkey sausage offers a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using plant-based sausage alternatives.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
This Sheet Pan Sausage Veggies is fantastic on its own as a complete meal. However, you can also serve it in a variety of ways to create even more exciting dishes. Consider these options:
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Spoon the sausage and veggies over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty and satisfying bowl.
- In a Wrap or Sandwich: Stuff the mixture into a warm pita bread or tortilla for a quick and easy lunch. Add a dollop of hummus or a drizzle of your favorite sauce for extra flavor.
- As a Pizza Topping: Spread some tomato sauce on a pizza crust, top with the roasted sausage and veggies, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious homemade pizza.
- In an Omelet or Frittata: Dice the sausage and veggies and add them to an omelet or frittata for a protein-packed breakfast or brunch.
- With Pasta: Toss the roasted sausage and veggies with your favorite pasta shape and a light sauce for a simple and flavorful pasta dish.
- As a Salad Topping: Let the sausage and veggies cool slightly and then add them to a bed of mixed greens for a healthy and satisfying salad.
I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe. It’s a simple, delicious, and healthy way to get a complete meal on the table in no time. The possibilities are truly endless, and I encourage you to get creative and experiment with different variations to find your perfect combination.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Sheet Pan Sausage Veggies! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Please, give this recipe a try and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Happy cooking!
Sheet Pan Sausage Veggies: Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
Easy and flavorful sheet pan sausage and veggies, roasted to perfection with Italian sausage, colorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs. A complete and satisfying weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!), sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 bell peppers (any color, or a mix!), seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat!)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the oven rack in the middle position.
- Prep Sausage & Veggies: Slice sausage into 1-inch pieces. Cut red onion into wedges. Seed and cut bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Trim and halve (or quarter) Brussels sprouts. Halve or quarter baby potatoes. Mince garlic.
- Season & Toss: In a large bowl, combine sausage, onion, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the sausage and vegetables in a single layer on the sheet. Avoid overcrowding; use two sheets if necessary.
- Cook: Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until sausage is cooked through and vegetables are tender and slightly browned. Flip the vegetables and sausage halfway through cooking (15-20 minutes) to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Let cool slightly. Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and/or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegetable Variations: Broccoli florets, carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, and asparagus are great additions. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Sausage Variations: Chicken sausage, chorizo, or vegan sausage can be substituted. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Spice Level: Adjust or omit red pepper flakes to control the heat.
- Sweetness: Drizzle honey or maple syrup before roasting for a sweeter flavor.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds brightness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Make Ahead: Chop vegetables and sausage ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Toss with oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices before roasting.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, quinoa, or pasta.
- Clean Up: Parchment paper makes clean up easy.