Country-style Sausage Skillet

Country-style Sausage Skillet Recipe with Zucchini and Cheddar

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Country-style Sausage Skillet is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe combines savory pork sausage with tender zucchini, creamy chicken soup, and gooey cheddar cheese for a delicious one-pan meal.

History

This recipe is a classic comfort food dish that has been passed down through generations in many families. It is a simple and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) pork sausage
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green peppers
1 can (10.75 oz or 305 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 tsp chicken bouillon granules
0.5 cup water
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp garlic powder
1.5 lb (680 g) sliced zucchini (about 5 cups)
3 cups cooked rice
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Cook the sausage, onion, and green peppers in a large skillet until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Stir frequently to crumble the meat.
Drain off the fat.
Stir in the soup, bouillon granules, water, salt, garlic powder, and zucchini.
Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.
Add the rice, stirring gently to prevent breaking up the zucchini.
Top with cheese.
Replace the cover and cook over low heat until the rice is hot and the cheese melts.

Variations

Substitute the pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Add diced tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the sausage until it is no longer pink to ensure it is fully cooked.

- Stir the ingredients gently to prevent the zucchini from breaking up.

- Top the skillet with cheese at the end and let it melt over low heat for a gooey and delicious finish.

Serving Suggestions

Country-style Sausage Skillet is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the sausage until it is fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.

- Simmer the skillet covered to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of sausage in this recipe, such as Italian or breakfast sausage.

- Substitute the zucchini with yellow squash or bell peppers for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sausage mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook. Simply reheat and add the rice and cheese before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Country-style Sausage Skillet in a large serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and may contain gluten (depending on the brand of chicken soup used).

Summary

Country-style Sausage Skillet is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Country-style Sausage Skillet is a delicious and comforting meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner. With savory sausage, tender zucchini, creamy soup, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling and the air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and apples. I was visiting a quaint little farm stand on the outskirts of town when I stumbled upon a small handwritten recipe card tucked away in between a stack of cookbooks.

The card was weathered and worn, the ink fading with age. The title read "Country-style Sausage Skillet" in elegant cursive script. Intrigued, I carefully unfolded the card and read the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for hearty country-style sausage, fresh vegetables, and a blend of savory spices. It sounded like the perfect dish to warm the soul on a chilly autumn evening.

I asked the farmer who ran the stand about the recipe, and he smiled warmly as he recounted the story behind it. He explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in his family, originating from his great-grandmother who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. He fondly remembered the aroma that would fill their farmhouse whenever she made this dish, and how it brought their family together around the dinner table.

Inspired by the farmer's story, I knew I had to try my hand at making this Country-style Sausage Skillet. I purchased the ingredients from the farm stand and headed home, eager to recreate the comforting flavors that had been passed down through the generations.

As I gathered the ingredients on my kitchen counter, I could feel the presence of those who had come before me, guiding me as I embarked on this culinary journey. I carefully browned the country-style sausage in a cast-iron skillet, savoring the sizzle and aroma that filled the air. The vegetables added a burst of color and freshness, complementing the rich flavors of the sausage perfectly.

I sprinkled in a blend of spices - a pinch of paprika, a dash of thyme, a hint of garlic - each one adding depth and complexity to the dish. The smells wafting from the skillet were intoxicating, promising a meal that would warm both body and soul.

As the dish simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but think about the farmer's great-grandmother and the love and care she had poured into her cooking. I imagined her standing in her farmhouse kitchen, the warmth of the hearth at her back, her hands moving deftly as she prepared meals for her loved ones.

Finally, the Country-style Sausage Skillet was ready. I spooned generous portions onto plates, the colors vibrant and inviting. I set the table with care, the aroma of the dish filling the room and beckoning my family to gather around.

As we sat down to eat, I watched as my loved ones took their first bites, their faces lighting up with delight. The flavors were a symphony of tastes - savory, sweet, and spicy all at once. The dish was a triumph, a testament to the power of tradition and the joy of sharing a meal with those we hold dear.

As we ate, I felt a sense of connection to the farmer's great-grandmother and all those who had come before me. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own family's culinary heritage, passed down through the generations as a reminder of the love and care that went into each and every meal.

And so, as we finished our meal and lingered around the table, savoring the last bites of Country-style Sausage Skillet, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that had led me to this recipe. It was a moment that would forever be etched in my memory, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and nourish both body and soul.