Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

The humble pairing of sausage and potatoes shines in this one-skillet wonder that brings rustic charm and serious flavor to the table. It’s the kind of comfort food that’s both timeless and easy to make, ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave something hearty without a lot of fuss.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and adaptability. The smoked sausage adds deep savory notes while the golden potatoes offer creamy texture with a crispy edge. With just a few pantry staples, you can pull together a satisfying meal in under 40 minutes. Serve it as-is or add a side salad for a balanced, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

• 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, then toss in diced potatoes. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes start to brown and soften.

4. Add onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

5. Return sausage to the skillet. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.

6. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and everything to heat through.

7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 415 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Rustic One-Pan Sausage and Potatoes Delight

There’s something undeniably comforting about a simple, rustic dish that reminds you of home, and this Sausage and Potatoes Skillet fits that description perfectly. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student learning to cook, or just someone who appreciates cozy meals without too much prep, this one-pan wonder is your ticket to hearty, wholesome satisfaction.

This dish has deep roots in many culinary traditions. Across various cultures, from Germany’s bratkartoffeln to America’s Southern skillet suppers, the humble potato and flavorful sausage have always made a winning team. In this version, we bring together the rich, smoky flavor of seared sausage with tender Yukon Gold potatoes, caramelized onions, and bell peppers. A few seasonings bring it all together, and the best part is, it’s all made in just one skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

1. It’s a one-pan meal.
This recipe is all about convenience. Everything is cooked in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean, and less time spent in the kitchen.

2. Packed with flavor.
Smoked sausage adds a deep, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the mild sweetness of onions and peppers. The seasonings, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, are simple, yet they elevate the dish into something that tastes like it simmered all day.

3. Customizable to your taste.
Swap in sweet potatoes for a slightly different twist, or use Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even kielbasa based on what you love or have on hand. Throw in green beans, mushrooms, or zucchini to add more vegetables and nutrients.

4. Budget-friendly.
This dish relies on affordable, pantry-staple ingredients like potatoes, onions, and sausage. It stretches easily to feed a family and makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.

5. Comfort food at its finest.
It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying, everything you want on a chilly evening or after a long day. Serve it up with crusty bread or a side salad and you’ve got a complete meal.

Ingredient Highlights

Smoked Sausage:
This recipe uses smoked sausage for a bold, rich flavor that holds up well during cooking. Whether you use beef, pork, or turkey sausage, opt for a fully cooked version for quick preparation.

Yukon Gold Potatoes:
These potatoes are perfect for skillet cooking. Their creamy texture inside and golden, crispy exterior when pan-fried make them ideal for this dish. You could also use red potatoes or even baby potatoes.

Onions & Bell Peppers:
These veggies caramelize beautifully and bring sweetness and depth to the dish. The onion mellows and softens while the red bell pepper adds brightness and color.

Seasonings:
Simple spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika amplify the dish’s rustic charm. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish):
A sprinkle of chopped parsley at the end brings a touch of color and a hint of freshness to balance the dish.

Cooking Tips for Best Results

• Brown the sausage well.
  Searing the sausage slices until they’re golden adds incredible flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step, it’s what builds the base of the dish.

• Be patient with the potatoes.
  Let them sit and crisp up before stirring too often. You want those browned edges that bring texture and flavor.

• Use a large skillet.
  Crowding the pan will lead to steaming instead of browning. Use a large skillet (preferably cast iron) so everything cooks evenly and gets a nice sear.

• Add garlic or herbs.
  While garlic powder is included, fresh minced garlic or sprigs of rosemary or thyme can add extra complexity to the dish.

• Make it cheesy.
  Want to take it over the top? Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the dish just before serving for a gooey, cheesy finish.

How to Serve

This skillet meal is satisfying on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions if you want to round it out:

• With a green salad: A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness.

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls: Perfect for scooping up every last bite.

• Fried egg on top: For a brunch twist, add a sunny-side-up egg to each serving.

• Sour cream or hot sauce: These are great for topping off individual plates depending on your guests’ preferences.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Add a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist.

Freezing:
While best enjoyed fresh, this dish can be frozen. Let it cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

Healthier Modifications

If you want to make this dish a little lighter without sacrificing flavor, try these tweaks:

• Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of pork or beef.

• Reduce the oil to 2 tablespoons and use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking.

• Add more vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

• Replace half of the potatoes with cauliflower florets or diced sweet potatoes.

• Use low-sodium sausage and adjust salt levels accordingly.

Pairing Suggestions

To elevate this humble skillet meal into a true dinner experience, try pairing it with:

• Wine: A medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely.

• Beer: An amber ale or a smoky porter will complement the sausage flavors.

• Dessert: Finish the meal with something light like lemon sorbet or fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet isn’t just for busy weeknights. It’s also great for:

• Potluck dinners: Bring the skillet straight to the table, it’s rustic and inviting.

• Camping trips: This dish can be made in a cast iron pan over an open fire.

• Meal prep: Cook once and enjoy multiple reheatable meals throughout the week.

• Holiday brunches: Serve it with scrambled eggs and toast for a festive morning meal.

Conclusion

This Rustic One-Pan Sausage and Potatoes Delight is more than just a quick fix, it’s a dish that brings comfort, simplicity, and satisfaction to the table. With a short ingredient list, flexible substitutions, and straightforward cooking, it’s ideal for anyone looking to feed their family well without the fuss. Whether you serve it straight from the skillet or dress it up for company, one thing’s for sure: everyone will come back for seconds.

So go ahead, add this to your meal plan rotation. It’s destined to become one of your favorite go-to dinners, flavorful, filling, and fuss-free.