Sausage and Potatoes Skillet: A One-Pan Wonder for Easy Weeknight Meals

Cooking meals that are both delicious and easy brings immense satisfaction. One of my favorite go-to recipes for weeknight dinners is a sausage and potatoes skillet. This dish combines hearty ingredients that create a comforting and flavorful experience. The sizzling sausage pairs perfectly with tender, crispy potatoes, making every bite a joy.

In my kitchen, versatility reigns supreme. This sausage and potatoes skillet stands out as a perfect example of a dish that can adapt. You can easily modify it with your favorite veggies or spices, ensuring each preparation is a new adventure. The fragrance of sautéing onions and garlic fills the air, immediately inviting everyone to the table.

When the day feels long and busy, this dish shines. It is not only quick to prepare, but it also requires minimal cleanup. The one-pan aspect means you can enjoy a relaxing evening without being overwhelmed by dishes. Follow me as we explore the fundamentals of making this fantastic skillet dish that will become your family’s weeknight favorite.

Understanding the Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

Fundamentals

The foundation of a good sausage and potatoes skillet lies in its ingredients. Using high-quality smoked sausage provides a rich flavor that permeates the entire dish. The tender baby potatoes serve as the perfect base, allowing them to absorb the savory juices. The combination produces a satisfying meal that can stand on its own or be complemented with a simple side salad.

Another essential aspect is seasoning. Smoked paprika and Italian seasoning elevate the dish, adding depth without overpowering the core flavors. Using just the right amount of salt and pepper ensures every bite bursts with flavor. The balance of these ingredients ensures something comforting and exciting in each forkful.

Preparation/Setup

Starting with the right preparation sets the tone for making your sausage and potatoes skillet a success. Begin by halving or quartering the baby potatoes. This step is crucial as it allows them to cook evenly and develop the desired crispy texture later on.

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need smoked sausage, baby potatoes, olive oil, diced onion, minced garlic, sliced bell pepper, and optional spinach. Having everything prepped and ready to go will simplify your cooking process, making it enjoyable and efficient.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s ensure you have everything you need at your fingertips:

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

These ingredients create a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also brings warmth and comfort to the table.

Directions

Start by placing the halved or quartered potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold, salted water. Bring the water to a boil before lowering the heat. Let the potatoes simmer for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender, ensuring they are not fully cooked. This parboiling step is vital, as it helps develop a crispy exterior in the skillet.

Once parboiled, drain the potatoes thoroughly and set them aside. It’s essential to avoid any excess moisture, which could lead to steaming rather than crisping. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until golden brown on both sides, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes. This step renders some fat and adds flavorful depth to your dish.

After browning the sausage, remove it from the pan, keeping the rendered fat for flavor. In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil if needed and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for around 2 minutes until fragrant. Next, add sliced bell peppers and cook them for an additional 3-4 minutes. As they soften and begin to caramelize, the sweet, aromatic flavors will emerge.

Finally, combine the parboiled potatoes with the sausage, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring the potatoes are well-coated. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. If using spinach, fold it in during the last two minutes of cooking to allow it to wilt perfectly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, adding a touch of color and freshness.

Techniques for Perfecting Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

Technique

Using a cast iron skillet is highly recommended for optimal cooking results. The pan retains heat well and provides a lovely sear on the sausage and potatoes. Ensure you preheat your skillet properly before adding the ingredients, allowing for that magic golden crust to form.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you have a large batch, consider cooking in batches to maintain that perfect crispness. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of the desired browning. Flipping the potatoes regularly helps achieve even coloring on all sides.

Tips and Tricks

1. Feel free to customize your sausage choice. Whether you prefer turkey sausage or chicken sausage, experimenting with different types can adjust the flavor profile of your dish.
2. Adding vegetables can boost nutritional content. Consider incorporating zucchini, carrots, or corn for added color and taste.
3. Don’t hesitate to adjust seasonings to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne can introduce a playful kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
4. If you want to save time, consider choosing pre-sliced or diced ingredients. Many grocery stores offer pre-prepared vegetables, which can streamline your cooking process.

Perfecting the Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

Perfecting Results

For a truly exquisite dish, focus on the textures. Aim for crispy potatoes while keeping the sausage tender and juicy. Regular attention while cooking will help you maintain control over the results. When finished, the dish should look vibrant and appetizing, inviting everyone to dig in.

Consider using fresh herbs in addition to the parsley garnish. Fresh basil or thyme could also enhance the flavor profile, adding more layers of freshness to each bite.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If you find your potatoes are not browning as expected, try increasing the skillet heat slightly. Remember to stir frequently, ensuring that heat surrounds them equally. If they begin to stick, you might need to add a little extra olive oil for lubrication.

For a vegetarian version, simply replace the sausage with a meat alternative and adjust the seasonings for a similarly satisfying outcome. A hint of liquid smoke can replicate that smoky flavor typically associated with sausage.

Serving and Enjoying Your Creation

Serving/Presentation

Serve your sausage and potatoes skillet hot, directly from the pan. The one-pan presentation makes it easy and appealing for family-style dining. Consider placing the skillet on a trivet or a decorative board for an inviting tabletop centerpiece.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds visual appeal but enhances the flavor profile as well. Adding cotija cheese or fresh grated Parmesan over the top provides an excellent counterpoint to the hearty ingredients.

Pairings/Storage

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad. Alternatively, feel free to serve it alongside crusty bread for mopping up any delicious juices remaining on the plate.

The leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop to maintain that delicious crispy texture, making it just as satisfying the next day.

A sausage and potatoes skillet delights with its comforting flavors and uncomplicated preparation. It brings warmth and satisfaction on busy weeknights, showcasing how simple ingredients can create culinary magic. With each bite, you’ll find joy in both the flavors and the memories created around the table.

Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

---

• Author: emma
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring sausage and crispy potatoes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Place the halved or quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Remove sausage from the pan, keeping the rendered fat.
3. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in the skillet for around 2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the sliced bell pepper and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine the parboiled potatoes with the sausage, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
5. If using, fold in the spinach during the last two minutes of cooking. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with a meat alternative. Customize with your choice of vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: skillet, sausage, potatoes, weeknight meals, one-pan dish