Budget-Friendly Sausage and Vegetable Skillet

This easy Budget-Friendly Sausage and Vegetable Skillet is a simple, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and costs just $1.55 per serving. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious, satisfying dinner in a flash!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced - $3.00

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced - $0.80

• 1 zucchini, sliced - $0.70

• 1 yellow onion, sliced - $0.50

• 1 cup baby spinach (optional) - $0.70

• 2 cloves garlic, minced - $0.20

• 2 tbsp olive oil - $0.20

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning - $0.10

• Salt and pepper to taste

Total Cost: ~$6.20 (serves 4, $1.55 per serving)

Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 5-6 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Stir in the Italian seasoning, spinach (if using), salt, and pepper. Return the sausage to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 360

• Protein: 15g

• Fat: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 600mg

• Serving Size: 1 portion (serves 4)

Things You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Quick and easy one-pan meal with minimal prep

• Packed with veggies and protein

• Great for weeknights with just 25 minutes from start to finish

• Simple ingredients that are affordable and versatile

Expert Tips for Best Results

• Slice the sausage and vegetables evenly for consistent cooking

• Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for variety

• Cook sausage until browned for maximum flavor

Substitutions

• Use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or kielbasa for a lighter option

• Swap spinach with kale or omit it entirely for a simpler dish

• Replace Italian seasoning with a Cajun or taco seasoning blend for a different flavor profile

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with rice, quinoa, or pasta to make it more filling

• Pair with crusty bread for an easy, hearty side

• Garnish with Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor