If you’re craving a feel-good dinner that’s equal parts comforting and spectacularly simple, you’ll love this Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet. Imagine golden potatoes and vibrant bell peppers mingling with savory smoked sausage, all sizzling together in one pan—the kind of cozy, flavor-packed meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone running to the table. This dish is a weeknight lifesaver and a weekend treat rolled into one, with hardly any dishes to wash and flavors that only get better with time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is its down-to-earth ingredient list. Each item works together to deliver bold taste, beautiful color, and irresistible texture—a little magic from each component!
- Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness to the skillet and helps everything brown perfectly.
- Smoked Sausage (14 oz): Sliced into rounds for maximum browning and flavor in every bite—use your favorite variety for a personal touch.
- Baby Potatoes (1½ pounds): Halved or quartered so they cook quickly and provide satisfying heartiness.
- Small Onion: Brings a gentle sweetness to complement the sausage’s smokiness.
- Red Bell Pepper: Boosts color and natural sweetness in every forkful.
- Green Bell Pepper: Offers a slight bitterness that balances the dish.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced for a subtle, aromatic kick right at the end.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth; smoked paprika if you want even more smokiness!
- Dried Thyme (½ teaspoon): Earthy flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for drawing out and balancing all the flavors.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: A fresh, colorful finishing touch that wakes everything up.
How to Make Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in your favorite large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced smoked sausage and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes—tossing occasionally—until the edges are beautifully browned. This first step builds amazing flavor as the sausage caramelizes, and those little browned bits at the bottom will infuse the whole skillet with savory goodness. Remove the sausage to a clean plate so it stays juicy.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
In the same skillet (no need to clean it—those flavors are gold!), add the baby potatoes. Let them cook, stirring from time to time, for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want them to soften and develop a crisp, golden crust. If you want to speed things up, try parboiling the potatoes for 5 minutes ahead of time—the result is extra-tender centers with crunchy edges.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Peppers
Toss in the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Let everything cook together for another 5 to 6 minutes. The goal is tender, just-caramelized veggies that still keep their color and bite. This step layers a touch of sweetness and a rainbow of color that makes your Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet so inviting.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the minced garlic, paprika, and dried thyme, followed by a big pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and let everything mingle for about a minute. This is when your kitchen will smell heavenly! The paprika warms things up and the thyme adds that home-cooked, comforting flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the golden sausage slices to the skillet. Give everything a thorough stir and let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, just until the sausage is heated through and all the flavors have blended into a hearty, harmonious tangle. Right at the end, shower the skillet with chopped fresh parsley for a brilliant finishing touch. Serve it warm, straight from the skillet for full effect!
How to Serve Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley makes an enormous difference—it brightens the dish, adds a pop of color, and brings a fresh, herby note to cut the richness. You could also try thinly sliced green onions, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. For extra flair, a squeeze of lemon over the finished Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet lifts all the flavors.
Side Dishes
While this skillet easily stands on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or buttery corn on the cob rounds out the meal beautifully. If you want an extra dose of vegetables, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus are delicious sides. And don’t forget a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the savory juices—always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet straight from the pan for family-style charm, or spoon portions into individual mini cast iron skillets for a rustic dinner party. For brunch, top each bowl with a fried egg. Or, turn leftovers into breakfast hash by reheating in the skillet and serving with toast—just one more reason to make extra!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet keeps beautifully! Simply transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen with time, making it a tempting choice for lunchboxes or quick reheating during a busy week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well—just make sure to cool everything down completely first. Portion the skillet into individual freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To bring your refrigerated or thawed skillet back to life, reheat gently in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep things moist. Microwaving works in a pinch, just cover the container loosely and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! The Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet works with kielbasa, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based smoked sausage if you’re keeping things lighter or vegetarian. Just pick one with plenty of flavor and a nice bite.
Do I have to parboil the potatoes?
It’s not required, but parboiling your potatoes for about 5 minutes will speed up the skillet process and guarantee creamy, tender centers with crispy edges. Skip this step if you’re not in a rush or if you want a firmer bite.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the whole dish, let it cool, and refrigerate. It reheats beautifully, and the flavors meld even more as it stands. Just wait to garnish with fresh parsley until you’re ready to serve, so it stays bright and fresh.
What if I don’t have baby potatoes?
No worries—just use regular Yukon Gold or red potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. The important thing is to make sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly in your Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a bit of a kick, add a chopped jalapeño or a shake of crushed red pepper flakes when you stir in the garlic and seasonings. You can also use a spicy variety of smoked sausage to turn up the heat!
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about a meal that’s as uncomplicated as it is satisfying, and this Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is a prime example. I can’t wait for you to try it—whether it’s a weeknight dinner, meal prep hero, or quick weekend comfort. Grab your favorite skillet and get ready to create some happy forks and smiling faces!
Print
Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and colorful bell peppers come together with flavorful seasonings for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 oz smoked sausage (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the potatoes and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and brown. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook for another 5–6 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Return the sausage to the skillet and cook everything together for another 3–5 minutes, until heated through and flavors are combined.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For faster cooking, parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
- You can also use turkey sausage or kielbasa for a lighter option.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day lunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
