Sausage 'N' Cheese Skillet
A savory skillet dish combining spicy Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and rich cheeses, perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal with bold flavors and comforting warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hot Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 (16 oz.) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can button mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons instant bouillon or 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Parmesan and Romano cheese (1/2 cup each) ⓘ
- corn chips ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic; cook and stir until tender.
- Add stewed tomatoes, tomato juice, drained mushrooms, bouillon, and seasonings; mix well.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of cheese; heat through.
- Serve with corn chips and remaining cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider using spicy sausage or adding red pepper flakes. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh vegetables with frozen ones. Using a combination of mozzarella and cheddar can also add a nice flavor twist. Ensure to drain the mushrooms well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect served with corn chips for dipping, enhancing the flavors and adding crunch. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread. It also complements other hearty dishes, making it a great addition to any gathering or game day spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage 'N' Cheese Skillet contains roughly 1000 calories, with 29g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1329mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While hot Italian sausage adds a nice flavor, you can substitute it with mild sausage, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage for a lighter option. Each will bring its unique taste to the skillet, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
What can I use instead of tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice on hand, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth as an alternative. You can also blend fresh tomatoes with a bit of water to create a homemade tomato juice. This will maintain the dish's moisture and flavor profile while adding a fresh twist.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, this sausage 'N' cheese skillet can be prepared ahead of time. Cook it completely and then cool it down before storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave. This makes it a great option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).