Name: Sausage and Rainbow Veggies Freezer Meal Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs Italian Sausage; 1 Red onion (sliced); 1 Red bell pepper; 1 Green bell peppers; 1 Zucchini; 1 Yellow squash; 3 tbsp Olive oil; 2 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp Salt; 1 tsp Black pepper

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Gluten Free

Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that’s been a real dinner delight in my household: Sausage and Rainbow Veggies – the ultimate freezer meal champion! Picture this: juicy sausages mingling with a colorful cornucopia of veggies, each bite a burst of flavor that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance all through the evening.

But wait, it gets better – because this dish isn’t just delicious, it’s also incredibly effortless. As parents, we’re all too familiar with the chaos of mealtime, which is why I love having a stash of these make-ahead meals in my freezer.

With just a bit of prep work upfront, you can have wholesome dinners at the ready whenever hunger strikes. It’s as simple as placing this prepped meal in your oven, and letting it cook as you have already done the prep. It’s a lifesaver on those hectic days when cooking from scratch just isn’t in the cards.

So, are you ready to join me in the kitchen and whip up some culinary magic? Let’s make cooking fun again as we tackle this Sausage and Rainbow Veggies recipe together. From slicing and dicing to savoring the final dish, grab your apron, sharpen your knives, and let’s dive in!

Why You’ll love this Healthy Sausage and Veggie Bake

Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist the vibrant colors and delicious flavors of this dish.
Time-Saving: With just a few simple steps, dinner is on the table in no time, leaving you more quality moments with your family.
Versatility: Swap out veggies based on what’s in season or your family’s preferences for a customizable meal every time.
Budget-Friendly: Utilize affordable ingredients like sausages and seasonal vegetables to keep your grocery bill in check.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare a batch in advance and freeze for those hectic nights when cooking from scratch feels impossible.
Healthy Twist: Sneak extra veggies into your family’s diet without sacrificing flavor or fun.

Sausage and Rainbow Veggies Freezer Meal Recipe

Juicy sausage mingling with a colorful cornucopia of veggies, each bit a burst of flavor that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance all through the evening.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Equipment

1 gallon freezer bag
1 Deep baking pan
Parchment Paper

Ingredients

2 lbs Italian Sausage
1 Red onion sliced
1 Red bell pepper
1 Green bell peppers
1 Zucchini
1 Yellow squash
3 tbsp Olive oil
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp Salt
1 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

Prep/freezer directions

Label a gallon freezer bag, according to your preferred labeling method.
Add all ingredients into a labeled gallon freezer bag, shake to fully coat ingredients.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.

Oven cooking directions:

Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
Preheat oven to 400F
Cover a large deep baking pan with parchment paper. Dump freezer bag contents onto baking pan.
Cook in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes
Remove, let rest 10 minutes, serve and enjoy!

Dietary Adjustments

Make this recipe:

Gluten free: Recipe is naturally gluten free.

Dairy Free: Recipe is naturally diary free.

Keyword easy freezer meals for new moms, freezer meals, Oven Recipes, Pork Recipe, Sausage and Veggies, Sheet Pan Recipes

Equipment needed to make Sheet Pan Meal Prep Sausage and Veggies

1 gallon freezer bag
1 Deep baking pan
Parchment Paper

Ingredients for your Sausage and Rainbow Veggies

2 lbs Italian Sausage
1 Red onion, sliced
1 Red bell pepper
1 Green bell peppers
1 Zucchini
1 Yellow squash
3 tbsp Olive oil
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp Salt
1 tsp Black pepper

How to Make a Sausage and Rainbow Veggies Freezer Meal

Prep/freezer directions:

Label a gallon freezer bag, according to your preferred labeling method.
Add all ingredients into a labeled gallon freezer bag, shake to fully coat ingredients.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.

Oven cooking directions:

Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
Preheat oven to 400F
Cover a large deep baking pan with parchment paper. Dump freezer bag contents onto baking pan.
Cook in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes
Remove, let rest 10 minutes, serve and enjoy!

What to pair with your One-pan Sausage bake?

Sides:

Honey Glazed Carrots
Spring Quinoa Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Dessert:

Berry Cobbler
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Lemon Bars

Mocktails:

Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
Cucumber Mint Cooler
Virgin Mojito

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

Turkey Sausage: Turkey sausage freezes well and offers a healthier alternative to traditional pork sausage.
White Onion: Swap the red onion for a white onion if you prefer a milder flavor. White onions freeze just as well as red onions and provide a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Mixed Bell Peppers: Instead of using separate red and green bell peppers, opt for a package of frozen mixed bell peppers.

Additions:

Cherry Tomatoes: Add a burst of freshness and color to the dish by tossing in a handful of cherry tomatoes. These little gems freeze well and provide a juicy contrast.
Sliced Mushrooms: Enhance the umami flavor of the dish by including sliced mushrooms. Mushrooms freeze beautifully and add a hearty texture
Minced Garlic: Elevate the flavor profile with the addition of minced garlic. Garlic freezes well and infuses the dish with aromatic depth.

By incorporating these substitutions and additions, you can create new variations of the Sausage and Veggies recipe while ensuring that each ingredient is freezer-friendly.

How to Reheat and Store Sausage and Rainbow Veggies

Best way to store Make-Ahead Sausage Dinner leftovers?

The best way to store your leftovers is to allow them to cool to room temperature. This will prevent condensation build up, which could cause your leftovers to change texture and or flavor. Once cooled, place in an airtight container or resealable bag for storage in the fridge. Remove as much excess air as possible for safe keeping.

How long will Sausage and Rainbow veggies last in the fridge?

With proper storage in the correct containers or bags, and allowing your leftover sausage and veggies to cool completely before storing, your leftovers should remain fresh for 3-5 days.

Can I freeze easy Sausage and Vegetables recipe?

Yes, absolutely. We recommend making this recipe as a raw freezer meal, then cooking fresh. To do this correctly, label a gallon freezer bag, add all ingredients into your freezer bag, shake to coat evenly, then seal and freeze.

If you have already made this recipe and are looking to freeze your leftovers to extend their shelf life, follow the same cool down procedure as you would if storing in the fridge. Then use a gallon freezer bag, and consider positioning out your leftovers to make reheating easier. Then remove as much excess air as possible from your bags, seal, and freeze for up to three months.

How to reheat Freezer-Friendly Sausage meal?

The best way to reheat sausage and veggies would be on the stove top or in the oven. The microwave is also a great option, however you may lose some texture and flavor using this method.

To use the oven, preheat to 350F. Place the leftover sausage and veggies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, heat for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

On the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Add the leftover sausage and veggies, stirring occasionally until heated through.

While using the microwave, place the leftover sausage and veggies on a safe dish. Heat in spurts for 1-2 minutes, then stir, and continue heating for 30 second intervals until heated through.

Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies FAQs

Is baking homemade sausage healthier?

Baking a homemade sausage can be a healthier option compared to frying as it requires less added fats to your meal. By baking sausage, you can control the cooking temperature and limit the amount of oil used resulting in a lower calorie intake. Baking also allows excess fat to drip off, reducing the overall fat content of the dish.

What type of sausage is healthiest?

Turkey sausage is often considered the healthiest option when cooking with sausages. It typically consists of a lower fat and calorie content compared to pork or beef sausages.

Turkey sausage is also a good source of lean protein, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce their saturated fat intake while still enjoying tasty meals.

What is the best cooking method for sausages?

The best way to cook sausages depends on the consumers personal preferences and the desired outcome of the dish. While grilling and pan frying are popular choices that impart a more smokey feel and crisp texture, baking is often preferred for its ease and ability to cook evenly without the constant attention of other methods.

What is the most important ingredient when cooking sausages?

The most important ingredient when making sausages is the sausage itself. Make sure you are choosing high quality sausages made from lean meats and minimal additives. This ensures a flavorful and nutritious dish. Look for your sausages to have natural ingredients and a lower sodium content to optimize health benefits of the recipes.

Is turkey sausage better than regular beef sausage?

Turkey sausage is often considered to be a healthier alternative to regular sausage due to its lower fat and calorie content. Turkey sausage is made from lean turkey meat and seasoned with herbs and spices and provides the same savory flavor of traditional sausage with less saturated fat.

Turkey sausage can be a beneficial option without sacrificing taste or texture, for those looking to reduce the intake of red meat.

What veggies are best to make with baked sausages?

Sausage and veggies is a great recipe while baking. To make your dish stand out, include veggies like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and squash. These vegetables complement the flavors of the sausage and hold up well in the baking process. This results in a delicious and nutritious one-pan meal.

Can I bake a sausage next to vegetables?

Yes, absolutely. Baking sausage with veggies is a convenient and delicious way to create a complete meal in one pan. Simply arrange the sausages and chopped veggies on a baking sheet, seasoning with your favorite spices, and baking until everything is cooked through and caramelized nicely.

A great way to use up those leftover veggies as well and make a nutritious meal.

What are the health benefits to sausage and veggies baked?

Sausage and Veggies bakes offer a wide range of health benefits, including a balanced combination of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Make sure the sausage is made from lean meats, as this helps build and repair muscle tissue.

The fiber rich vegetables support digestion and promote satiety. Also, baking the ingredients allows minimal added fats, making it a lighter and more nutritions option compared to frying.