Sausage and Potato Skillet | One Pan Dinner, Easy 7-step

If you’re looking for a crispy, filling, one-pan dinner, a “Sausage and Potato Skillet” is perfect. It’s easy to make at home and packed with flavor.

Sausage and Potato Skillet : Crispy, One-Pan Dinner, Filling

This filling, one-pan dinner is a perfect sausage and potato skillet. Made with delicious smoked sausage, golden potatoes, sweet onions, bell peppers, and simple seasonings, this one-pan meal is easy to prepare without complicated ingredients or a lot of dishes in the sink.

The potatoes are crispy on the outside, yet tender on the inside, and the sausage helps add a rich, smoky flavor. Everything comes together in one skillet, making this recipe very convenient and convenient for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re looking for an easy family dinner, a budget-friendly meal, or a delicious way to use ingredients you already have in the kitchen, this sausage and potato skillet is a recipe worth adding to your regular dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love the Sausage and Potato Skillet:

A one-pan recipe
Packed with absolutely simple ingredients
All ingredients found in US groceries
Quickly prepared
Filling and satisfying, family-friendly
Absolutely easy to clean
Easy to customize

All ingredients needed:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 pound smoked sausage, cut into rounds
1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Optional add-ins:

If you prefer more flavor, add these:
Grated cheddar cheese
Zucchini
Mushrooms
Fresh spinach
Parmesan cheese
A little hot sauce
Green onions

Full instructions on how to make a sausage and potato skillet:

1. Preparing the Potatoes

Wash small potatoes thoroughly and cut them into equal pieces.
If the potatoes are large, cut them into quarters.
Keep the pieces consistent in size, which ensures even cooking.
Dry the potatoes thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.
Removing excess moisture results in a much better golden brown crust in the pan.

2. Browning the Sausage

Use a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet.
Preheat over medium-high heat.
Add about a tablespoon of olive oil.
Add a layer of sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausage is browned on the edges.
Remove the sausages to a plate and set aside.
Browning the sausages first gives the pan a delicious brown crust that adds a spicy kick to the potatoes as they cook.

3. Cooking the Potatoes

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan.
Place the potatoes cut-side down in the pan.
Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir the potatoes occasionally until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

4. Adding the Broth

Pour the chicken broth into the pan and stir gently, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
The broth creates steam, allowing the center of the potatoes to cook evenly without excess oil.

5. Adding the Vegetables

Remove the lid and add the chopped onion and chopped bell pepper.
Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make sure the vegetables are soft, then add the finely chopped garlic and the red chili flakes, if using.
Continue cooking for about 50 to 60 seconds, until the garlic becomes fragrant.

6. Adding the Sausage

Return the browned sausage to the pan.
Mix it all together and cook for about 4 more minutes.
The sausage heats up while the potatoes and vegetables absorb the smoky flavor from the pan. Taste it once, then adjust the seasoning if needed.

7. Finishing and Serving

Remove the pan from the heat.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.
If desired, you can add grated cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and green onions.
Serve the sausage and potato pan immediately and enjoy.

Step-by-step quick guide to making a sausage and potato skillet:

Wash and chop the potatoes.
Make sure to slice the smoked sausage.
The sausage should be browned in olive oil.
Remove the sausage and set aside.
Now cook the spiced potatoes in the same pan.
Add the chicken broth and cover.
Continue cooking until the potatoes are tender.
Add the onion and bell pepper.
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and mix well.
Return the sausage to the pan.
Now continue cooking everything together for a few minutes.
Garnish generously with parsley and serve hot.

Tips for making the best sausage and potato skillet:

Be sure to cut the potatoes evenly.
Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Be sure to use a heavy skillet.
Brown the sausage first.
Avoid adding too much liquid.
Be sure to adjust the seasoning level.

Best Sausage to Use:

Smoked sausage is a great choice for making this sausage and potato skillet recipe because it’s flavorful and easy to cut.

You can experiment with different types of sausage—be sure to try these:
Turkey Smoked Sausage
Kielbasa
Chicken Sausage
Spicy Sausage
Italian Sausage
Andouille Sausage
If using raw sausage instead of fully cooked smoked sausage, make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions with Sausage and Potatoes:

Although this skillet works great as a complete meal,
you can also serve it with simple sides.
Green Salad
Steamed Vegetables
Dinner Rolls
Fried or Poached Eggs

Some Variation Suggestions:

To make the sausage and potato skillet even more amazing, try these variations:

Cheesy Sausage and Potatoes: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the skillet during the last few minutes. Cover the skillet until the cheese melts.

Cajun Sausage and Potatoes: Add Cajun seasoning and use Andouille sausage for a spicy Louisiana-style variation.

Sausage, Potato, and Mushroom Skillet: If you prefer a more savory flavor, add sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers.

Sausage and Sweet Potato Skillet: If you prefer a milder sweet flavor, replace some or all of the regular potatoes with sliced sweet potatoes.

Breakfast Sausage and Potato Skillet: Use breakfast sausage and add a scrambled or fried egg at the end to make a great breakfast skillet.

Storage Tip:

Leftover sausage and potato skillet should be cooled to room temperature, then placed in an airtight container.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat the potato skillet, heat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until piping hot. You can also use the microwave, but reheating in a skillet restores some of the potatoes’ crisp texture.

Q. Can I freeze sausage and potatoes?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the skillet, but the potatoes will soften slightly after thawing. Store the cooked skillet in a freezer-safe container until it’s completely cooled.

For best quality, refrigerate for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly in a pan.

FAQ

Q. Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes work best. Cut them into small, evenly sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Q. Can I make a sausage and potato skillet with chicken sausage?
Yes! Chicken sausage is a very mild option and goes great with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers.

Q. Should I peel the potatoes?
No! Baby potatoes and thin-skinned potatoes can be cooked with the skins on. Just wash them thoroughly before cutting.

Q. Can I make the sausage and potatoes ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire pan in advance and refrigerate them. For the best texture, reheat them in the pan before serving.

Q. How can I make the potatoes crispier?
First, make sure to drain the potatoes before cooking. Avoid adding too much to the pan and let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes before adding them.

Q. What cheese can I add?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan all make delicious finishing touches.

Final Thoughts

Sausage and Potato Skillet is a one-pan recipe that’s a very satisfying, effortless homemade dinner. Smoky sausage, crispy potatoes, colorful bell peppers, sweet onions, and delicious seasonings combine in one pan to create a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy.

This recipe is easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet filling enough for a weekend dinner. Once you learn the basic recipe, you can easily customize your favorite version by changing up the sausage, seasonings, vegetables, and toppings.

If you’re looking for an easy sausage and potato recipe, a one-pan dinner, or some comforting skillet food for a busy weeknight, this recipe is a great easy and delicious option, so you should definitely try it.