One-Pan Savory Breakfast for Dinner Skillet with Spinach, Sausage, and Eggs
A hearty and easy one-pan breakfast-for-dinner skillet that combines savory sausage, fresh spinach, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting evening meal, this dish is quick to prepare and packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients
400 g mild Italian sausage (casings removed, crumbled)
150 g fresh baby spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
8 pieces large eggs (whole)
1 piece red bell pepper (deseeded and diced)
1 piece yellow onion (finely chopped)
120 g shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pieces garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon salt (divided)
0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Add the crumbled sausage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes. Use a food thermometer to ensure sausage reaches 71°C (160°F) for safety.
Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
Create 8 small wells in the sausage and vegetable mixture. Crack one egg into each well carefully without breaking the yolk.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire skillet, covering the eggs and sausage mixture.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but yolks remain slightly runny. For firmer yolks, bake an additional 2-3 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the oven carefully using oven mitts. Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Equipment
large oven-safe skillet
stove
oven
spatula
food thermometer
knife
cutting board
Tips
Use a food thermometer to ensure the sausage is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 71°C (160°F).
For even cooking, try not to overcrowd the skillet when adding the eggs; create distinct wells.
If you prefer vegetarian, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or extra mushrooms.
I find that adding smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth without overpowering the dish.
Leftovers reheat well in a microwave or oven; cover to retain moisture.
Substitutions
Swap mild Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different leafy green.
Cheddar cheese can be replaced with mozzarella or pepper jack for variation.
For dairy-free, omit cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
About the Italian Sausage
Ways to Change This Up
- Swap mild Italian sausage for turkey sausage to reduce fat content.
- Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different leafy green option.
- Replace cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheese flavor.
- Omit cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute to make the dish dairy-free.
How This Cooking Method Works and What to Cook Next
This recipe combines stovetop cooking with oven baking. Starting on the stove allows the sausage to brown evenly and the vegetables to soften without overcooking. Baking the skillet finishes the eggs gently and melts the cheese evenly. Baking at 180°C (350°F) sets the egg whites while keeping yolks slightly runny, a balance that is difficult to achieve on the stove alone.
- One-Pan Lemon Herb Salmon with Roasted Asparagus – Quick & Healthy 5-Ingredient Dinner — another recipe that uses one pan for easy cleanup and quick preparation
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Because this dish uses raw sausage, rely on a food thermometer to confirm it reaches an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) during cooking for safety and quality.
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