A quick and hearty one-skillet supper that brings sausage, garden veggies, and Southern charm to your table in under 30 minutes.

Now Close Your Eyes, Baby…

Picture this: a sizzling skillet fresh off the stove, brimming with golden-browned sausage slices nestled among caramelized onions, tender bell peppers, vibrant squash, and garden-fresh zucchini. Everything’s been tossed and twirled in just the right touch of garlic and herbs. The sausage glistens with a hint of sweet and spicy glaze, and the vegetables shine like they were handpicked from your granny’s summer garden just this morning.

And that smell, sugar? Lawd, it’s the kind that makes your neighbor lean over the fence and ask, “Whatcha cookin’ in there, darlin’?” It’s the scent of supper, comfort, and just a dash of Southern sass.

A Bit of Southern Kitchen Lore

Now, this little gem of a recipe came about the way most good things in life do—by accident and a pinch of desperation. One hot summer evening after church, my Granny Edna Lou found herself with a garden full of veggies, a hungry family on her hands, and not a minute to spare.

She grabbed her trusty cast iron skillet, the last rope of smoked sausage in the icebox, and a rainbow of veggies from the garden. What came out of that skillet? A savory, juicy, soul-satisfyin’ medley that had my uncles lickin’ their plates and beggin’ for more.

So here I am, years later, still makin’ that same simple magic with just one pan and whole lotta love.

Southern Skillet Sausage and Vegetable Medley

Serves: 4–6 blessed souls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes of Southern glory

Ingredients

• 14 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (bless it)
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: a dash of crushed red pepper for sass, fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step, with a Wink and a Smile

1. Preheat & Prep
Ain’t no oven needed for this, sugar—we’re keepin’ it on the stovetop. Go ahead and slice, chop, and dice like you’re preppin’ for a church picnic. Lay out your ingredients neat and tidy—this skillet’s a stage and your veggies are the stars.

2. Sizzle That Sausage
Place your favorite skillet on medium heat and add that olive oil (or butter if your heart’s feelin’ Southern today). Toss in those sausage slices and cook until they’re golden brown and smell like heaven’s tailgate party—about 5–7 minutes. Set ‘em aside, but don’t wipe that skillet. Oh no, baby—we want that flavor.

3. Veggie Time
In that same skillet, toss in the onion, peppers, squash, and zucchini. Stir ‘em around and let ‘em mingle, cookin’ till they’re just tender but still got a little backbone—like your Aunt Velma after three glasses of sweet tea. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and (if you dare) red pepper flakes. Stir for another minute till it smells like a summer garden dream.

4. Bring It All Together
Toss the sausage back in the pan, stir it all up, and cook for another 3–5 minutes so those flavors can get cozy. It should look like a rainbow had a reunion in your skillet.

5. Serve & Enjoy
Spoon it onto plates (or right out of the skillet if you’re home alone—we won’t judge). Sprinkle with fresh parsley and maybe a splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling spicy. Pair with cornbread or a biscuit, and you’ve got yourself a meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Picture This….

Picture a cast-iron skillet sitting pretty on a rustic wooden countertop, its contents a vibrant swirl of glistening vegetables and sausage. The zucchini’s still got a little crisp, the peppers are soft and sweet, and the sausage has that perfect sear. A gingham towel rests under the pan, catching the drips like a good Southern napkin. A vintage mason jar of iced tea waits off to the side—because baby, you know this meal deserves a cold sip and a front porch sunset.

Whip this dish up when life gets busy and your fridge looks like a farmers market on clearance. It’s hearty, healthy, and filled with memories just waitin’ to happen.

Love, Granny B 💕