There's something undeniably comforting about a sizzling Sausage and Potatoes Skillet — the sound of it cooking, the smell of garlic and herbs wafting through the kitchen, and the golden edges of potatoes crisping to perfection. This one-pan wonder is hearty, filling, and full of rustic charm that makes it a favorite in my house, especially on cooler evenings when we crave something warm and satisfying.
I first threw this together on a lazy Sunday afternoon, digging through the fridge for whatever I could toss into a hot skillet. What started as a throw-it-together meal turned into a full-blown obsession. Now it’s a go-to weeknight staple: quick, budget-friendly, and always a hit with the whole family.
Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible, and why it deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite no-fuss dinner. This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet packs in bold flavor with minimal effort, making it a dream for busy weeknights.
First off, it’s a one-pan meal. That means fewer dishes to wash, and who doesn’t love that? Everything comes together in a single skillet, from the crispy potatoes to the sizzling sausage, making cleanup an absolute breeze.
It’s incredibly budget-friendly. With just a handful of affordable pantry and fridge staples, you can feed a whole family for just a few bucks. Think of it as comfort food that doesn’t hurt your wallet.
This dish is wildly versatile. You can switch up the sausage, toss in different veggies, or add a handful of shredded cheese on top. It’s a great way to clean out the fridge or cater to picky eaters without making multiple meals.
And the flavor? Out of this world. Between the caramelized onions, golden potatoes, and juicy sausage, every bite is layered with savory goodness and a hint of spice. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like you spent hours cooking — when really, it takes just about 30 minutes.
Ready to get started? Let’s break down the ingredients that make this skillet so satisfying.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this Sausage and Potatoes Skillet lies in its simplicity. A few humble ingredients come together to create a meal that’s comforting, filling, and full of flavor.
The potatoes are the heart of this dish. I like to use baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes, cut into bite-sized chunks. Their natural creaminess contrasts perfectly with their crispy, golden-brown edges once sautéed. Just make sure to keep the pieces evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.
For the sausage, go with what you love. Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even spicy andouille all work beautifully here. I usually reach for pre-cooked sausage to save time — just slice and sear until browned and sizzling. If you’re using raw sausage, make sure it’s fully cooked before moving on to the next step.
Onions and garlic add depth and aroma. I prefer yellow onions for their natural sweetness, which balances the richness of the sausage. A couple of minced garlic cloves go in toward the end for a punch of flavor without burning.
Bell peppers bring color and freshness. I love using a mix of red and green for a pop of visual appeal and a hint of sweetness. You can also throw in zucchini, mushrooms, or whatever you have on hand that needs using up.
You don’t need anything fancy in terms of equipment — just a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Cast iron works wonders here, getting everything nice and crisp while locking in heat for even cooking.
How To Make This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
Creating this cozy Sausage and Potatoes Skillet couldn’t be easier. Here’s exactly how to make it, step by step.
Start by heating a generous splash of oil in your skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the diced potatoes in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop that golden crust. Stir occasionally and continue cooking until they’re fork-tender and crispy on the outside — about 12 to 15 minutes total.
While the potatoes are cooking, slice your sausage into thick coins. Once the potatoes are nearly done, push them to one side of the skillet and add the sausage. Let it brown for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping once so each side gets a little crisp and caramelized.
Next, stir in your sliced onions and bell peppers. Let them cook down with the sausage and potatoes, softening and sweetening as they soak up all that savory flavor. This step brings the whole dish together — the colors, the smells, everything starts to really come alive in the pan.
Add the minced garlic last so it doesn’t burn. Just 30 to 60 seconds is all it needs before it becomes fragrant and delicious. At this point, I like to season everything with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a little kick.
Give everything a final stir to make sure it’s well combined, then let it cook for another 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30–35 minutes — quick enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough for a weekend.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this Sausage and Potatoes Skillet reheat beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
To store, let everything cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to press out as much air as possible if you’re stacking multiple containers.
For longer storage, you can freeze it. Portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (label them with the date!) and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the potatoes may soften a bit when thawed — still tasty, but the texture changes slightly.
When it’s time to reheat, you can pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway through. For best texture, though, I recommend reheating in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil or broth to help it crisp back up.
This dish is just as good the next day — maybe even better, as the flavors deepen overnight.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts about this Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is how easy it is to make it your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative with what you have on hand.
Try swapping out the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more nutrient-dense twist. They cook up just as well in the skillet and add a gorgeous orange hue to the dish.
You can also play with the type of sausage you use. Spicy Italian sausage adds a bold kick, while chicken sausage keeps it leaner. Even vegetarian sausage works — just make sure to brown it well for added texture.
Add some greens for extra nutrients. A handful of spinach or kale stirred in at the end wilts down beautifully and adds a pop of color.
If you're in the mood for a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the skillet before serving. Let it melt for a gooey, indulgent finish.
And don’t forget the seasonings — toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or kick it up a notch with a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
PrintSausage And Potatoes Skillet Recipe
This sausage and potatoes skillet recipe is a delicious one-pan meal that's quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. With crispy potatoes, juicy sausage, and flavorful seasonings, it's a comforting dish made with simple ingredients. Great for families and meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
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4 medium russet potatoes, diced
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add diced potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and tender.
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Add onions and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Add sliced sausage and cook for another 5-7 minutes until browned and heated through.
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Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
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You can use any type of sausage like kielbasa, andouille, or chicken sausage.
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Add bell peppers or other veggies for more color and nutrition.
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Great for reheating and meal prepping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
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