Sausage And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about a hearty skillet meal sizzling away on the stovetop. This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet fills your kitchen with the savory aroma of seared sausage, caramelized onions, and golden, crispy potatoes—it's the kind of smell that makes everyone wander in asking, "When’s dinner ready?"

this Recipe

I first whipped this up on a chilly fall evening when I was low on groceries but craving something warm and filling. What began as a throw-together dinner quickly became a family favorite. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and only uses one pan—making cleanup just as easy as the cooking.

Let’s dive into why this simple dish deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

Get ready to fall in love with the rustic charm of this easy, satisfying meal. The Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is more than just a quick fix—it’s the kind of dish that checks every box for a busy cook.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and one large skillet, you’ll have a complete meal on the table in about 30 minutes. There’s minimal prep work involved, and the actual cooking process is beautifully straightforward.

It’s also very budget-friendly. The core ingredients—potatoes, sausage, and onion—are all affordable and widely available. You can feed a hungry family without putting a dent in your grocery budget.

And let's not forget how filling and flavorful it is. The potatoes become crispy on the outside and soft inside, soaking up all the delicious sausage drippings. Every bite is savory, a little smoky, and oh-so-satisfying.

Another bonus? It’s endlessly customizable. Toss in some bell peppers, swap in chicken sausage, or spice it up with a dash of cayenne. This recipe is the definition of flexible.

So whether you're feeding picky eaters, cleaning out the fridge, or just need a no-fuss dinner that delivers big flavor, this skillet's got you covered.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is how basic ingredients come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. Each element plays a crucial role in building bold, comforting flavor.

Potatoes are the heart of this recipe. I recommend using Yukon Golds or red potatoes, as they crisp beautifully while maintaining a creamy center. Make sure to dice them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. A quick parboil or microwave steam can help speed up the process and ensure a tender interior.

Sausage brings the bold flavor. You can go with smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even spicy Italian links, depending on your preference. I usually opt for fully cooked smoked sausage—it’s rich, savory, and browns up beautifully in the skillet without much fuss.

Onions add a sweet and slightly tangy contrast to the rich sausage and starchy potatoes. As they cook, they caramelize slightly and help deglaze the pan, picking up all those delicious browned bits left by the sausage.

Garlic is a must for depth. Even just a couple of cloves, minced and added toward the end of cooking, bring a warmth and aroma that ties everything together. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to double up.

While not required, a cast iron skillet really elevates this dish. It holds heat well, sears ingredients beautifully, and gives you that irresistible crust on your potatoes. A large nonstick or stainless steel skillet works too, but try not to overcrowd it to keep everything nicely browned.

How To Make This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

Making this dish is refreshingly simple, yet it delivers the kind of flavor that tastes like it took all day. Here's how to bring it together step-by-step.

Start by prepping your potatoes. Dice them into bite-sized pieces, then parboil them in salted water for about 5–7 minutes or microwave them with a splash of water until just fork-tender. This step ensures they cook through evenly and crisp up faster in the skillet.

Next, heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and toss in your sausage slices. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side until golden and crispy around the edges. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the diced potatoes. Spread them out into a single layer and let them sit without stirring for several minutes. This helps develop a nice crust. Stir occasionally, cooking until they’re golden and crispy all over.

Add your sliced onion to the skillet with the potatoes. Sauté until soft and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes. The onions will pick up all that flavor left from the sausage and add a touch of sweetness to balance the dish.

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir in the minced garlic. Let everything cook together for another few minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and everything is piping hot and well combined.

In total, this dish comes together in just under 30 minutes. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for those nights when you need dinner fast without sacrificing flavor.

Storage Options

Leftovers? You're in luck—this skillet meal stores beautifully and reheats like a dream.

To refrigerate, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes it a great option for meal prepping a few lunches ahead of time.

You can also freeze it, though the texture of the potatoes may soften slightly. If freezing, allow the dish to cool completely before packing it in freezer-safe bags or containers. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 months for peak flavor and texture.

When you’re ready to reheat, use a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat to restore the crispiness, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. A splash of water or broth can help rehydrate the potatoes if they’ve dried out.

Variations and Substitutions

This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is endlessly adaptable to what you have in your fridge or pantry. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of meal, and that’s half the fun.

Want to make it more colorful and veggie-packed? Add bell peppers, zucchini, or even green beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking. They add freshness, color, and a nice crunch.

Looking to lighten it up? Use chicken sausage or turkey sausage instead of pork or beef. They’re leaner but still packed with flavor, especially when browned properly.

For a spicier version, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. You can also drizzle some hot sauce or sriracha at the end for a little extra kick.

Prefer a Southern twist? Try tossing in some paprika, a touch of cayenne, and a handful of corn kernels for a slightly smoky, down-home flavor profile.

And if you're cooking for picky eaters, keep it simple: just sausage, potatoes, and maybe a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. You’ll still end up with a satisfying, kid-friendly dinner that disappears fast.

No matter how you mix it up, this skillet is a solid base for creativity. Don’t be afraid to tweak it and make it your own—you might just discover your new favorite combo.

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