Hearty, rustic, and incredibly satisfying, this Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is the ultimate one-pan wonder. It’s packed with crispy golden potatoes, juicy sausage, sautéed onions, and your favorite herbs and spices — all coming together in under 30 minutes. Whether you need a quick dinner, a weekend brunch, or a cozy weeknight meal, this simple skillet delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Bonus: it’s budget-friendly, endlessly customizable, and requires just one pan for easy cleanup!
1. Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
There are so many reasons this dish might become your go-to comfort food:
🥔 Easy & Satisfying
With just a few humble ingredients, this dish transforms into something rich and comforting — crispy on the outside, tender in the middle.
🔥 One-Pan Simplicity
It’s a one-skillet meal, which means fewer dishes and a faster cleanup.
⏱️ Quick and Budget-Friendly
Ready in about 30 minutes, using affordable ingredients you likely have on hand.
🔁 Versatile & Customizable
Use your favorite sausage and throw in extra veggies or spices to keep things fresh and exciting.
2. Ingredients for Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavorful skillet to life:
🧾 Basic Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (or Italian, kielbasa, chorizo — your choice), sliced
- 3–4 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold, red, or Russet)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
💡 Optional add-ins: bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, shredded cheese, or eggs (for a brunch version).
3. How to Make Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
This recipe is all about simple steps and big flavor. Let’s cook!
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Par-Cook the Potatoes
Boil the diced potatoes in salted water for 5–6 minutes or until just fork-tender. Drain and set aside. (You can skip this step, but par-boiling speeds things up and helps achieve that perfect crisp.)
2. Brown the Sausage
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and toss in the onions. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then add the drained potatoes. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden and crisp.
4. Combine and Finish
Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat everything through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve and Garnish
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot. Add hot sauce or ketchup if that’s your thing!
4. Serving Suggestions
This dish stands strong on its own, but pairing it with sides can elevate the meal.
🥗 Fresh Pairings:
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or broccoli for a veggie boost
🍳 Breakfast or Brunch Style:
- Top with fried or poached eggs
- Serve with toast or biscuits on the side
🍞 For Dinner:
- Add crusty bread or cornbread for soaking up the delicious oil and sausage drippings
5. Variations and Flavor Boosts
Make this skillet your own with these tasty twists:
🔥 Spicy Kick:
- Use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes
🧀 Cheesy Version:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan over the skillet in the final 5 minutes of cooking
🌶️ Veggie Packed:
- Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms with the onions
- Stir in baby spinach at the end for a healthy touch
🐔 Meat Swaps:
- Try with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter version
6. Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish keeps well and makes a great meal prep option.
🧊 Storing Leftovers:
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container
- Keeps in the fridge for 3–4 days
🔁 Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil over medium heat
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring between each round
- Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes
✅ FAQs – Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
1. Can I use raw sausage instead of pre-cooked?
Yes, just cook the raw sausage fully before adding it to the skillet. Slice it after cooking or use ground sausage and brown it at the beginning.
2. Can I skip parboiling the potatoes?
You can, but it will take longer for the potatoes to cook through. Parboiling speeds things up and ensures tender insides with crispy outsides.
3. What kind of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and crisp up nicely. Russet potatoes work too but may break apart more.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your sausage is gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything and store it in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet when ready to serve.
6. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, though the texture of the potatoes may soften. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
7. How do I make it vegetarian?
Use plant-based sausage or substitute with beans or tofu. Add extra veggies to make it hearty and flavorful.
8. Can I add eggs to the skillet?
Yes! Crack eggs directly into the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cover the pan to help the eggs set.
9. Can I make this in the oven instead?
Definitely. Toss all ingredients on a sheet pan and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
10. What sauces go well with this dish?
Try it with sriracha, hot sauce, aioli, or spicy ketchup for extra flavor!
Simple, hearty, and bursting with savory goodness, this Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is your new weeknight MVP.
Craving a specific sausage type or want to turn this into a brunch bake? Just ask — I’ve got ideas! 🍳🥔🔥