Savory Sausage Potato Skillet

This hearty sausage and potatoes skillet has become my go-to dinner solution on busy weeknights when I need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and colorful vegetables creates a complete meal in just one pan.

I first created this recipe when my family was craving comfort food but I didn't want to deal with multiple pots and pans. The magic happens when the sausage flavors infuse the potatoes during cooking, creating a dish that even my pickiest eaters request regularly.

Ingredients

• Smoked sausage: sliced into rounds adds rich flavor as its oils release during cooking
• Baby potatoes: their waxy texture holds up well to parboiling and crisping
• Olive oil: helps create that perfect golden crust on the potatoes
• Onion and garlic: create an aromatic base that elevates the entire dish
• Smoked paprika: provides a subtle smokiness that complements the sausage
• Italian seasoning: a time-saving blend that adds herbaceous depth
• Bell pepper: adds bright color and sweet crunch to balance the meal
• Fresh spinach: incorporates leafy greens that wilt down beautifully
• Fresh parsley: brightens the finished dish with color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Parboil the potatoes:

Add the halved potatoes to a pot of salted water and boil for 8-10 minutes until just fork tender but not falling apart. This crucial step ensures they'll crisp beautifully in the skillet while remaining creamy inside. Drain them well and let them steam dry for a minute.

Brown the sausage:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the sliced sausage in a single layer and let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and brown the other side for another 2 minutes. The goal is to develop caramelization which builds flavor. Remove sausage to a plate.

Sauté the aromatics:

In the same skillet with all those delicious sausage drippings, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir frequently to prevent burning the garlic. After about 2 minutes when they become fragrant and translucent, add the bell pepper slices and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Crisp the potatoes:

Add the parboiled potatoes to the vegetable mixture along with the seasonings. Arrange them in a single layer as much as possible and let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before stirring. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes total, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden brown exterior with crispy edges.

Combine and finish:

Return the browned sausage to the skillet and gently toss everything together to combine. If using spinach, add it now and stir until it just wilts into the hot mixture, about 1-2 minutes. The residual heat will perfectly cook the tender greens without making them soggy.

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the entire skillet just before serving. The bright herb provides both visual appeal and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich, savory components of the dish.

Save This

The smoked paprika is absolutely essential in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power when I ran out of regular paprika one night and substituted the smoked variety. The depth it adds to the potatoes as they crisp is remarkable, creating a restaurant-quality flavor profile from just one simple ingredient.

Best Potato Options

Waxy varieties like red potatoes, fingerlings, or baby Yukon golds work best in this recipe because they hold their shape after parboiling and develop crispy exteriors while maintaining creamy interiors. Russet potatoes tend to fall apart and become mushy in this cooking method. For the fastest cooking time, ensure you cut larger potatoes into consistent sizes so they cook evenly.

Meal Prep Magic

This sausage and potato skillet is perfect for meal prepping. Make a double batch and portion it into containers for quick lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator as the spices meld together. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or toss in a hot skillet for a few minutes to restore some of the crispiness to the potatoes.

Seasonal Variations

Spring Version Use asparagus instead of bell pepper and add fresh herbs like dill

Summer Version Add zucchini and yellow squash with a handful of cherry tomatoes

Fall Version Incorporate diced butternut squash and sage

Winter Version Add hearty greens like kale and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes

Serving Suggestions

While this skillet is a complete meal on its own, you can elevate it for company by serving it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. For brunch, top each portion with a fried egg and let the runny yolk create a luxurious sauce. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creamy richness, while hot sauce provides a welcome kick for those who enjoy some heat.

Common Queries

→ Can I use different types of sausage in this skillet dish?

Yes, this skillet is extremely versatile! While the recipe calls for smoked sausage, you can substitute kielbasa, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or Italian sausage. Each variety will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish. Just be aware that some sausages may release more fat during cooking, which you can drain if desired.

→ Why do I need to parboil the potatoes first?

Parboiling the potatoes is a crucial step that partially cooks them before they hit the skillet. This ensures they'll cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. Without parboiling, you'd need to cook the potatoes much longer in the skillet, which might lead to burned exteriors and undercooked centers.

→ What other vegetables can I add to this dish?

This skillet is perfect for using up vegetables you have on hand. Great additions include zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, or corn kernels. For leafy greens beyond spinach, try kale or Swiss chard (though these may need slightly longer cooking time than spinach). Just add firmer vegetables earlier in the cooking process and tender ones toward the end.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic. You could also include a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper, use spicy sausage varieties like andouille or chorizo, or drizzle with hot sauce before serving. A dash of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder in the seasoning mix will also add a warming kick.

→ Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?

Yes! To save time on busy weeknights, you can parboil the potatoes, slice the sausage, and chop all vegetables up to two days ahead. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, bring the ingredients to room temperature for about 15 minutes before following the recipe instructions for a quick assembly.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

For the best texture when reheating, use a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. This will help restore some crispness to the potatoes. Stir occasionally until heated through (about 5-7 minutes). Microwaving is faster (2-3 minutes) but may make the potatoes softer. The flavors often develop and improve overnight, making this dish excellent for planned leftovers.