Skillet Sausage and Potatoes: A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal!

Looking for a hearty, satisfying, and easy-to-clean-up dinner? Look no further than skillet sausage and potatoes! This classic combination is a crowd-pleaser, endlessly customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights. The smoky sausage, crispy potatoes, and flavorful seasonings come together in one pan for a complete meal that’s both delicious and convenient. This recipe provides detailed steps and instructions to ensure your skillet sausage and potatoes turn out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Sausage and Potatoes Recipe

* One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a win! This recipe uses a single skillet, reducing the time spent washing dishes.
* Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight meals.
* Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences by swapping out the type of sausage, adding different vegetables, or adjusting the seasonings.
* Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like sausage and potatoes makes this recipe a budget-friendly option for feeding a family.
* Hearty and Satisfying: This meal is packed with protein and carbs, providing a filling and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients. This recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* 1 pound Sausage: Choose your favorite type of sausage. Italian sausage (sweet or hot), kielbasa, smoked sausage, or even breakfast sausage all work well. Remove the sausage from its casing if necessary.
* 2 pounds Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes are excellent choices for their creamy texture and ability to crisp up nicely. Russet potatoes can also be used, but they may require a bit more cooking time.
* 1 Large Onion: A yellow or white onion adds flavor and sweetness to the dish.
* 2 Bell Peppers: Use any color bell pepper you prefer (red, green, yellow, or orange), or a combination for visual appeal.
* 2-3 Cloves Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
* 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to cook the sausage and vegetables evenly and prevent them from sticking to the skillet.
* 1 teaspoon Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
* 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Provides a savory and earthy aroma.
* 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle herbal flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat.
* Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
* Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish.

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Skillet (preferably cast iron): A large skillet is essential for cooking all the ingredients evenly. A cast-iron skillet is ideal for its excellent heat retention and ability to create crispy potatoes, but any large, oven-safe skillet will work.
* Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables.
* Chef’s Knife: For chopping vegetables and sausage.
* Measuring Spoons: For measuring spices.
* Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and flipping the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and perfectly cooked skillet sausage and potatoes:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

* Wash and dry the potatoes. Cut them into 1-inch cubes. Smaller cubes will cook faster.
* Peel and slice the onion into half-moons.
* Remove the seeds and membranes from the bell peppers and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
* Mince the garlic.

Tip: Cutting the vegetables into uniform sizes will ensure they cook evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
* Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet; this will add flavor to the vegetables.

Tip: If using sausage links, slice them into 1/2-inch thick pieces before cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. If there’s a lot of fat remaining from the sausage, you may need to drain some of it off.
* Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder. Stir to coat the potatoes evenly with the spices.
* Cook the potatoes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and browned, about 15-20 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan. You want the potatoes to brown, not steam. If necessary, cook the potatoes in batches.

Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, avoid stirring them too frequently. Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes between stirs to allow them to brown on one side.

Step 4: Add the Onions and Bell Peppers

* Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the potatoes.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and the bell peppers are slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Garlic and Sausage Back In

* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
* Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the potatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
* Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 6: Season and Serve

* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Skillet Sausage and Potatoes

* Choose the Right Sausage: The type of sausage you use will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Experiment with different types to find your favorite. Italian sausage (sweet or hot) adds a classic Italian flavor, while kielbasa provides a smoky, savory taste. Smoked sausage is another great option. You can even use breakfast sausage for a sweeter, more breakfast-inspired meal.
* Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Overcrowding the skillet will cause the vegetables to steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the potatoes and sausage in batches.
* Use Enough Oil: The oil helps the potatoes and vegetables to cook evenly and prevents them from sticking to the skillet. Make sure to use enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet.
* Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the potatoes and vegetables generously. Salt, pepper, and other spices are essential for creating a flavorful dish.
* Preheat the Skillet: Preheat the skillet before adding the oil and ingredients. This will help the potatoes and sausage to brown properly.
* Control the Heat: Maintain a medium heat to ensure the potatoes and vegetables cook through without burning. Adjust the heat as needed.
* Consider an Oven Finish: For even crispier potatoes, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes after cooking on the stovetop. This step is optional but can enhance the overall texture of the dish.
* Add a Touch of Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar at the end of cooking can brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.

Variations and Additions

This skillet sausage and potatoes recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are some variations and additions to try:

* Add Different Vegetables: Get creative with your vegetable additions. Carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli florets, or Brussels sprouts would all be delicious additions. Add them along with the onions and bell peppers.
* Add Greens: Stir in some chopped kale, spinach, or chard during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
* Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier dish. You can also use hot Italian sausage.
* Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or Parmesan cheese over the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Let the cheese melt before serving.
* Top with a Fried Egg: A fried egg adds richness and protein to the dish. Fry an egg for each serving and place it on top of the skillet sausage and potatoes.
* Add Beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or black beans for added protein and fiber.
* Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or marjoram, to create a unique flavor profile.
* Make it a Breakfast Skillet: Use breakfast sausage and add scrambled eggs for a hearty and satisfying breakfast skillet.

Serving Suggestions

Skillet sausage and potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides:

* Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the skillet sausage and potatoes.
* Bread: Crusty bread or rolls are perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices from the skillet.
* Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.
* Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors of the sausage and potatoes.
* Grilled Vegetables: Grilled asparagus, corn on the cob, or zucchini make healthy and delicious side dishes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* Storage: Leftover skillet sausage and potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* Reheating: Reheat the skillet sausage and potatoes in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.

Recipe Card

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Calories: [Insert Estimated Calories per Serving] * Fat: [Insert Estimated Fat per Serving] * Protein: [Insert Estimated Protein per Serving] * Carbohydrates: [Insert Estimated Carbohydrates per Serving]

Please note that the nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Conclusion

Skillet sausage and potatoes is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal!