Sausage And Potatoes Skillet: The Easiest One-Pan Dinner

Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is the weeknight dinner we all wish we had on speed dial. It’s hearty, unfussy, and lands on the table faster than your kids can say “What’s for dinner?” Packed with golden baby potatoes, crispy smoked sausage, and sautéed veggies, this one-pan wonder saves you time, dishes, and sanity.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew after work or looking for something quick before diving into the latest reality TV marathon, this skillet has your back. And did I mention it’s crazy delicious? The smoky paprika, a touch of garlic, and that perfect sear on the sausage bring major flavor without complicated steps. The best part? It all comes together in under 40 minutes, which means you’re not stuck in the kitchen when you’d rather be on the couch—or hiding in the pantry with a spoonful of peanut butter.

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What is Sausage And Potatoes Skillet?

Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is basically comfort food in a cast iron pan. It’s that old-school meets new-school kind of meal: think crispy potatoes (that started off parboiled for speed), browned sausage slices, tender onions, peppers, and maybe a handful of spinach if you’re feeling virtuous. It’s the type of dish you’d imagine your grandma whipping up on a chilly night—but with a shortcut or two because you’re not about to spend hours cooking after work.

You can use whatever kind of sausage floats your boat: kielbasa, turkey, chicken, or classic smoked. The flavors melt together in one sizzling skillet, and what you get is savory, crispy, and comforting. Think of it as the culinary equivalent of your favorite worn-in sweatshirt: warm, reliable, and totally satisfying.

Reasons to Try Sausage And Potatoes Skillet

If your weeknights are a chaotic whirlwind of emails, carpools, or just plain fatigue, this Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is about to become your go-to dinner BFF. First, it’s a one-pan meal. Translation? Less mess and zero Tetris games with your dishwasher. Second, it’s versatile—swap in chicken sausage, sweet potatoes, or different veggies depending on what’s wilting in your fridge.

Got picky eaters? The smoky sausage and crispy potatoes tend to win over even the most suspicious little food critics. And honestly, the leftovers (if you have any) reheat beautifully for lunch the next day. Lastly, this skillet is budget-friendly. No fancy ingredients, no stress. Just simple, satisfying food that actually fills you up and makes your kitchen smell like you know exactly what you’re doing. (Spoiler: you do.)

Ingredients Needed to Make Sausage And Potatoes Skillet

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
• 1½ 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
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color—go wild!)
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional but pretty)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions to Make Sausage And Potatoes Skillet (Step by Step Guide)

Step 1: Parboil the Potatoes

Start by bringing a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your halved or quartered baby potatoes and let them simmer for about 8–10 minutes. You want them just fork-tender, not falling apart. Parboiling is the secret to getting those golden, crispy edges in the skillet without standing over the stove for an hour. Drain the potatoes and let them hang out on the side while you move on.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet (cast iron is king here), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage slices in a single layer and let them cook for about 4–5 minutes, flipping once. You’re aiming for that nice caramelized brown on each side. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t wipe the skillet—you want those flavor bits!

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, just until fragrant and softened. Next, throw in the bell pepper and cook another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften and get some color.

Step 4: Crisp Up the Potatoes

Now add the parboiled potatoes to the skillet with the veggies. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently, then let it sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes to build that crispy crust. Repeat this a few times for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to get that golden, crispy finish.

Step 5: Finish with Sausage and Spinach

Return the browned sausage to the skillet and toss everything together. If you’re adding spinach, stir it in during the last 2 minutes—just long enough to wilt without going limp. Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Serve hot straight from the skillet or plate it up with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for balance. Bonus points if you squeeze a little lemon over the top for brightness.

Want more quick skillet recipes? Check out our 20-minute Turkey Taco Skillet for another fast dinner win.

What to Serve with Sausage And Potatoes Skillet

This dish is basically a meal on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or just feeling fancy, a little something on the side doesn’t hurt. A fresh green salad with a zippy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. Crusty bread? Always a good move—it’s perfect for soaking up those bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. You could also serve it with Easy and Best Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes for a lighter pairing. If you’re brunching instead of dining, throw a fried egg on top and call it a day. Trust me, that runny yolk is magic.

Key Tips for Making Sausage And Potatoes Skillet

Here’s the real talk: this recipe is simple, but a few smart tips make it even better. First, don’t skip the parboil step—it saves you from waiting forever for the potatoes to cook in the skillet. Second, use a large enough pan to let everything crisp instead of steam. Overcrowding = soggy potatoes. Third, let the ingredients sit still now and then—resist the urge to stir constantly. That’s how you get those tasty crispy edges. And lastly, be flexible! Use up bell peppers in any color, swap in kale for spinach, or try sweet potatoes if you’re feeling autumnal. Cooking at home should feel like a win, not a test.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Sausage And Potatoes Skillet

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let everything cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it into a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or olive oil. Cover for a few minutes to warm through, then uncover to crisp things up again. You can also microwave it in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite as crisp. This dish is not a great freezer candidate since the potatoes can get a little mushy once thawed. Better to eat it fresh—or just make it again. It’s that easy.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just skip the sausage and use plant-based sausage or add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for that umami vibe.

What kind of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even turkey sausage all work well. You want something that browns nicely and brings flavor without needing much seasoning.

Can I use regular potatoes?
Yep. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and parboil as directed. Baby potatoes are just cute and cook faster.

Is this spicy?
Not unless your sausage is. If you want a kick, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper or use spicy sausage.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—but use two skillets or cook in batches so the ingredients can crisp instead of steam.

Final Thoughts

Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is one of those back-pocket meals that never lets you down. It’s fast, filling, and packed with flavors that feel way fancier than the effort required. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, trying to use up that pack of sausage, or just need something reliable and satisfying after a long day—this dish is your answer. Bookmark it, share it, and serve it again and again. And if you’re into meals that come together fast without sacrificing flavor, don’t miss our Easy Mongolian Turkey and Rice Bowls for another quick hit.

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