BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions is one of those versatile, flavor-packed recipes you’ll reach for again and again when you want something both hearty and easy. Imagine perfectly browned, smoky sausage mingling with sweet, caramelized peppers and onions, all enveloped in a glossy barbecue sauce that clings to every bite. This dish brings a beautiful balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors to your table, with just enough char to make every forkful feel like backyard barbecue bliss — and thanks to its quick cook time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining.

BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of kitchen staples, you can create a colorful BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions that’s totally crave-worthy. Each ingredient shines in this dish, adding its own layer of flavor, texture, or pop of color that makes the final meal so memorable.

Olive oil: Gives your sausage and veggies that irresistible sizzle and helps achieve a beautiful char.
Smoked sausage: The main event! Choose your favorite variety—beef, pork, or turkey—for that signature smoky flavor and hearty bite.
Red bell pepper: Adds a welcome sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the skillet.
Green bell pepper: Brings a subtle bitterness and classic pepper crunch that contrasts perfectly with the sausage.
Yellow onion: Cooks down to a mellow, slightly caramelized base that ties everything together.
Barbecue sauce: The saucy glue of the dish, lending tangy, smoky, and sweet notes all at once.
Smoked paprika: Infuses extra smokiness, echoing the flavor of the grilled sausage.
Garlic powder: Enhances overall savoriness without overpowering the peppers and sausage.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and letting all the ingredients sing.
Fresh parsley (optional): Gives a final hit of freshness and vibrant green, for serving.

How to Make BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions

Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage

Kick things off by heating your olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced sausage and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’ll see the sausage turn golden and crisp up beautifully, which adds irresistible texture and deepens that smoky flavor. Don’t rush this step — the browning is what locks in the juicy goodness.

Step 2: Sauté and Char the Peppers and Onions

After transferring the sausage to a plate, toss your sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and yellow onion into the same hot pan. Give them about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then, so the edges get deliciously charred while everything softens. Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper halfway through so those toasty spices have a chance to bloom right alongside the vegetables.

Step 3: Sauce and Simmer

With the veggies tender and slightly blistered, slide the sausage back into the pan. Now, pour over the barbecue sauce and stir the whole skillet together. Let everything cook for 2 to 3 more minutes. The goal is for the sauce to become glossy and cling to every morsel, lightly caramelizing into a sticky, flavor-packed glaze.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

When everything’s hot and coated in that shiny BBQ sauce, remove the pan from the heat. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, if you like, for a pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness. Serve straight from the skillet while it’s piping hot!

How to Serve BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions

Garnishes

A handful of fresh parsley is a classic finishing touch, but don’t stop there — thinly sliced green onions or a squeeze of lemon can add a bright, cheerful twist. For some heat, try a sprinkle of diced fresh jalapeño or a dash of red pepper flakes right before serving. Any of these options will liven up your BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions and make the whole presentation pop.

Side Dishes

This dish loves good company! For a cozy plate, spoon it over fluffy white rice or with buttery roasted potatoes to soak up all that saucy goodness. A side of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop. Or, go picnic-style and pair it with a crisp green salad or some classic corn on the cob. No matter how you pair it, BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions holds its own as either a main event or the star of a bigger spread.

Creative Ways to Present

BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions makes a stunning sheet pan dinner, but you can also skewer the sausage and veggies for colorful kabobs — ideal for backyard BBQs. Stuff the mixture into toasted hoagie rolls for a smoky, melty sandwich, or spoon it over creamy polenta for a southern-inspired twist. You can even toss leftovers into a frittata or pasta salad for lunch the next day. The colorful medley always catches the eye, no matter how you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cool them to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors only deepen, making every reheat even better.

Freezing

This dish holds up well in the freezer! Transfer the cooled sausage and vegetables to a freezer-safe container or bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave a single serving with a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist and saucy. If it thickens too much, just add a little extra barbecue sauce.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of smoked sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage works wonderfully here if you’d like a leaner option. Just be sure to pick a fully cooked, smoked-style sausage to maintain that signature flavor in your BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions.

What’s the best type Main Course

Go with your favorite barbecue sauce — whether it’s smoky, tangy, spicy, or sweet. Feel free to experiment, but a classic smoky or hickory-style sauce really complements the peppers and sausage.

Can I prepare BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions on the grill?

Yes, it’s delicious on the grill! Toss the sausage, peppers, and onions with olive oil and spices, then cook them in a grill basket over medium-high heat. Add the barbecue sauce at the end, just as you would on the stovetop.

Is this dish gluten free?

BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions is naturally gluten free as long as you choose a gluten-free sausage and barbecue sauce. Always double-check labels to make sure each ingredient fits your dietary needs.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love some heat, swap in a spicy smoked sausage or toss in red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce to kick things up a notch.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about the way BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions comes together — it’s satisfying, colorful, and sure to make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing. I hope you give this easy, vibrant dish a spot in your weekly dinner lineup and share it with the people you love. You might just find it becomes a new favorite at your table!

BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the smoky flavors of BBQ Smoked Sausage with Charred Peppers and Onions in this easy stovetop or grill recipe. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage (cut into 1/2-inch slices)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 green bell pepper (sliced)
1 yellow onion (sliced)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Instructions:

Heat olive oil: In a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and slightly crisp. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Cook peppers and onion: In the same pan, add the sliced peppers and onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes until charred and tender. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add sausage and sauce: Return the sausage to the pan, stir in the barbecue sauce. Cook for 2–3 more minutes.
Finish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.