Grilled Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans: A Flavorful Summer Feast

Summer is the perfect time for grilling, and what’s better than a complete meal cooked entirely on the grill? This recipe for grilled sausage, potatoes, and green beans is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The combination of smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and crisp-tender green beans creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into how to create this delightful grilled masterpiece.

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **One-Pan Wonder:** Everything cooks together on the grill, minimizing cleanup.
* **Flavorful and Balanced:** The smoky sausage infuses the potatoes and green beans with its savory goodness.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by using different types of sausage, potatoes, or vegetables.
* **Quick and Easy:** It’s a relatively quick meal to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Nutritious:** This meal provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start grilling, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:

* **Sausage:** 1.5 – 2 pounds of your favorite sausage (Italian, bratwurst, kielbasa, or chorizo all work well). Consider a variety pack for added interest.
* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds of small potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, halved or quartered depending on their size.
* **Green Beans:** 1 pound of fresh green beans, trimmed.
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons, for tossing with the vegetables.
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves, minced.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, sliced.
* **Lemon:** 1, cut into wedges (optional, for serving).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Herbs and Spices:** 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes (for extra flavor).
* **Optional Toppings:** Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

## Equipment Needed

* **Grill:** Gas or charcoal grill.
* **Large Bowl:** For tossing the vegetables with oil and seasonings.
* **Aluminum Foil or Grill Basket:** For easy cooking and preventing vegetables from falling through the grates. A cast-iron skillet also works well.
* **Tongs:** For flipping the sausage and vegetables.
* **Instant-Read Thermometer:** To ensure the sausage is cooked through.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get grilling! Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect grilled sausage, potatoes, and green beans.

**Step 1: Prepare the Grill**

Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for even heat distribution. Ensure the grill grates are clean. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

**Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables**

While the grill is preheating, prepare the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the halved or quartered potatoes, trimmed green beans, sliced onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and any optional herbs and spices you’re using. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated.

**Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packet (or Prepare the Grill Basket/Cast-Iron Skillet)**

* **Foil Packet Method:** Tear off a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 18×24 inches). Fold it in half to create a double layer. Place the seasoned vegetables in the center of the foil. Create a pouch by folding the edges of the foil together tightly, leaving some room for steam to circulate. Ensure all seams are well-sealed to prevent any leaks.
* **Grill Basket Method:** Simply place the seasoned vegetables directly into the grill basket. Make sure the basket is heat-safe and won’t melt or warp on the grill.
* **Cast-Iron Skillet Method:** Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the cast-iron skillet and preheat on the grill for a few minutes. Then, carefully add the seasoned vegetables to the skillet, spreading them out in an even layer.

**Step 4: Grill the Sausage**

Place the sausage directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for most sausages (check specific guidelines for different types). If the sausage is browning too quickly, move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.

**Step 5: Grill the Vegetables**

Place the foil packet (or grill basket/cast-iron skillet) with the vegetables on the grill alongside the sausage. Grill for about 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the green beans are crisp-tender. If using a foil packet, carefully open it partway through grilling to allow some of the steam to escape and the vegetables to brown slightly. If using a grill basket or cast-iron skillet, stir the vegetables occasionally to ensure even cooking.

**Step 6: Combine and Serve**

Once the sausage and vegetables are cooked through, remove them from the grill. Let the sausage rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Carefully open the foil packet (or remove the vegetables from the grill basket/cast-iron skillet) and transfer the vegetables to a serving platter. Add the sliced sausage to the platter.

**Step 7: Garnish and Serve**

Garnish the platter with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the sausage and vegetables. Optional toppings include grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

## Tips for Grilling Success

* **Choose the Right Sausage:** The type of sausage you choose will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Italian sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor, while bratwurst offers a milder, sweeter taste. Kielbasa provides a smoky, garlicky flavor, and chorizo brings a fiery kick.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Overcrowding the grill can lower the temperature and prevent the sausage and vegetables from browning properly. If necessary, cook in batches.
* **Control the Heat:** Keep a close eye on the grill temperature and adjust as needed. If the sausage or vegetables are browning too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.
* **Use an Instant-Read Thermometer:** To ensure the sausage is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. This is especially important for raw sausages.
* **Pre-Cook the Potatoes (Optional):** If you want to speed up the cooking process, you can pre-cook the potatoes by boiling or microwaving them for a few minutes before grilling. This will help them become tender more quickly.
* **Add Some Smoke:** For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips (such as hickory or mesquite) to your charcoal grill.
* **Vary the Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the grill, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or onions. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
* **Marinate the Sausage (Optional):** For even more flavor, marinate the sausage for a few hours before grilling. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works well.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to your liking.

* **Sausage:** Try different types of sausage, such as chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or vegetarian sausage.
* **Potatoes:** Use different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or fingerling potatoes.
* **Green Beans:** Substitute other green vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, or smoked paprika.
* **Cheese:** Add some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese to the vegetables for a tangy flavor.
* **Spicy:** Add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet:** Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
* **Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette:** Instead of just olive oil, toss the vegetables in a lemon-herb vinaigrette for added brightness and flavor.
* **Different Cooking Methods:** If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook this dish in the oven or on the stovetop. For the oven, roast the sausage and vegetables at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes. For the stovetop, sauté the sausage and vegetables in a large skillet until cooked through.

## Serving Suggestions

This grilled sausage, potatoes, and green beans dish is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments.

* **Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with grilled vegetables.
* **Bread:** Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.
* **Dips:** Offer a variety of dips, such as aioli, mustard, or chimichurri sauce.
* **Corn on the Cob:** Grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that complements this meal perfectly.
* **Coleslaw:** A refreshing coleslaw adds a crunchy and tangy element.
* **Drinks:** Pair with a cold beer, a glass of wine, or a refreshing lemonade.

## Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe can be partially prepared ahead of time to save you time on the day of grilling.

* **Chop the Vegetables:** Chop the potatoes, green beans, and onion ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the Seasoning:** Mix the olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs in a small bowl and store it in the refrigerator.
* **Marinate the Sausage:** Marinate the sausage for a few hours or overnight for added flavor.

On the day of grilling, simply toss the vegetables with the seasoning and grill as directed.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover grilled sausage, potatoes, and green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave.

## Nutritional Information (approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* **Calories:** Approximately 400-500 per serving
* **Protein:** 25-30 grams
* **Fat:** 25-35 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 20-30 grams
* **Fiber:** 5-7 grams

## Conclusion

This grilled sausage, potatoes, and green beans recipe is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for summer grilling. With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So fire up the grill and enjoy this delicious one-pan wonder!

## Recipe Card

**Grilled Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans**

A flavorful and easy grilled meal with sausage, potatoes, and green beans.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 35-45 minutes
**Total Time:** 50-60 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 – 2 pounds sausage (Italian, bratwurst, kielbasa, or chorizo)
* 2 pounds small potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes), halved or quartered
* 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional herbs and spices: 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes
* Optional toppings: Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, balsamic glaze

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat grill to medium heat (350-400°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, green beans, onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional herbs and spices. Toss to coat.
3. Place vegetables in a foil packet, grill basket, or cast-iron skillet.
4. Grill sausage directly on the grill grates for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through (160°F internal temperature).
5. Grill vegetables alongside sausage for 20-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and green beans are crisp-tender.
6. Slice sausage and combine with vegetables on a serving platter.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges and optional toppings.

Enjoy!