Skillet Black-Eyed Peas with Smoked Sausage and Cheddar

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-21 · Updated 2026-06-21

This hearty Southern-inspired skillet combines tender black-eyed peas and smoky sausage with melted cheddar for a comforting summer meal. This Southern-inspired comfort-food recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs smoked sausage, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 12 oz, sliced 1/2-inch thick smoked sausage
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 2 cans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed canned black-eyed peas
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy on edges.
2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 4 minutes until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cans (15 oz each) drained and rinsed black-eyed peas, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. Simmer for 8 minutes until liquid reduces slightly.
4. Step 4: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top, cover skillet, and cook for 3 more minutes until cheese melts.
5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.