What is Sausage and Potatoes Skillet?
Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is a comforting and versatile one-pan dish that combines savory sausage with crispy potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend brunch. You can use any type of sausage—pork, turkey, or chicken—making it customizable to your tastes.
The simplicity of the dish, combined with hearty ingredients, makes it a family favorite, and it’s easy to tweak based on what you have in your pantry.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
This meal is full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. Here’s why it’s a go-to recipe:
•Quick to Prepare: It comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
•One-Pan Wonder: Minimal clean-up, just cook everything in one skillet.
•Hearty and Filling: Sausage and potatoes make for a satisfying and comforting dish.
•Customizable: Add in your favorite veggies or seasonings to make it your own.
It’s a well-balanced meal that doesn’t require any fancy ingredients—just simple, fresh items that create a deliciously filling meal.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
To make this hearty meal, you’ll need a few basic ingredients:
•Sausage: Choose your favorite sausage—breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage works well.
•Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal, offering a creamy interior and crisp exterior when cooked properly.
•Onion: Yellow onions add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory sausage.
•Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers give a vibrant color and slightly sweet taste to the dish.
•Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a savory punch that enhances the flavors.
•Seasonings: A simple blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme works perfectly, but feel free to experiment with other spices like oregano, basil, or cumin.
How to Make Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Step-by-Step
Here’s how you can make this satisfying one-pan dish:
Ingredient List and Measurements
•1 lb sausage (your choice of type)
•4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
•1 onion, diced
•1 bell pepper, diced
•3 cloves garlic, minced
•1 tsp paprika
•1 tsp thyme
•Salt and pepper to taste
•Olive oil for cooking
Cooking Process
1.Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2.Sauté Potatoes: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add diced potatoes, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside (about 10-12 minutes).
3.Add Veggies: Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4.Combine and Serve: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix everything together. Continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Flavorful and Crispy Potatoes
•Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Give the potatoes room to cook evenly and crisp up. You may need to cook them in batches.
•Let them sit: Once you add the potatoes to the pan, let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. This will help them develop a crispy crust.
•Use a cast-iron skillet: A heavy skillet, like a cast iron pan, ensures even cooking and better browning.
Variations and Add-Ins
This dish is highly customizable. Here are a few variations and add-ins:
•Cheese: Top with shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
•Spinach: Add a handful of spinach towards the end of cooking for some extra greens.
•Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the veggies for added flavor.
•Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil can be added at the end to bring some fresh, herby flavor to the dish.
How to Serve Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
This dish is hearty enough to be a main meal but can also be served alongside other dishes for a larger spread:
•Breakfast: Top with a fried egg or scrambled eggs for a filling breakfast.
•Brunch: Serve with toast or a side of fruit to balance the savory flavors.
•Dinner: Pair with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storing and Reheating Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:
•Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
•Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm it through.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options
This dish is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but if you choose to add cheese, simply skip it to keep the recipe both gluten and dairy-free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
•Under-cooking the potatoes: Make sure to cook the potatoes until crispy and tender—this is the key to a delicious skillet.
•Not seasoning enough: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings as you go, especially for the potatoes.
•Crowding the pan: If you overcrowd the skillet with too many potatoes, they’ll steam instead of crisping up.
Pairing Ideas: What Goes Well with Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
Here are a few ideas to serve alongside this skillet meal:
•A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette.
•Fruit like sliced apples or oranges to balance the savory meal.
•Biscuits or cornbread for a more comforting, carb-heavy option.
FAQs About Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes work fine. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the skillet.
2. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Try adding zucchini, carrots, or even broccoli for a more colorful dish.
3. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts: Why This Skillet Meal is a Must-Try
Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is the perfect blend of savory, hearty ingredients all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. It’s quick, satisfying, and easily customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this skillet meal is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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Sausage and Potatoes Skillet: Easy One-Pan Meal for Busy Weeknights
Description
Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is a comforting and versatile one-pan dish that combines savory sausage with crispy potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend brunch. You can use any type of sausage—pork, turkey, or chicken—making it customizable to your tastes.
Ingredients
•1 lb sausage (your choice of type)
•4 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
•1 onion, diced
•1 bell pepper, diced
•3 cloves garlic, minced
•1 tsp paprika
•1 tsp thyme
•Salt and pepper to taste
•Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
Cooking Process
1.Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2.Sauté Potatoes: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add diced potatoes, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside (about 10-12 minutes).
3.Add Veggies: Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4.Combine and Serve: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix everything together. Continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Flavorful and Crispy Potatoes
•Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Give the potatoes room to cook evenly and crisp up. You may need to cook them in batches.
•Let them sit: Once you add the potatoes to the pan, let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. This will help them develop a crispy crust.
•Use a cast-iron skillet: A heavy skillet, like a cast iron pan, ensures even cooking and better browning.
Variations and Add-Ins
This dish is highly customizable. Here are a few variations and add-ins:
•Cheese: Top with shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
•Spinach: Add a handful of spinach towards the end of cooking for some extra greens.
•Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the veggies for added flavor.
•Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil can be added at the end to bring some fresh, herby flavor to the dish.
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
