Save This
This hearty sausage and sweet potato one-pan meal has saved countless weeknight dinners at my house. The sweet and savory flavors come together in just 30 minutes for a meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters in my family.
I first created this dish when I needed something quick after a long workday. My husband who typically dislikes sweet potatoes cleaned his plate and asked for seconds. Now it appears on our monthly rotation regardless of season.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: provide a nutrient rich base with natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
- Sausage: offers protein and savory flavor choose Italian for spice or chicken for a milder option
- Honey: creates a glossy sauce that clings to everything and balances the savory elements
- Garlic: adds essential aromatic depth use fresh cloves for the best flavor
- Soy sauce: brings umami and saltiness that complements the sweetness
- Olive oil: helps brown the sausage and prevents sticking to the pan
- Paprika: adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the finished dish
- Fresh parsley: brightens the rich flavors with a pop of color and freshness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
- Peel the sweet potatoes completely and cut into 1inch cubes. Try to keep the size consistent so they cook evenly. Smaller cubes cook faster if you're in a hurry.
- Brown The Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sausage breaking it into small chunks with a wooden spoon. Cook for 57 minutes until nicely browned on most sides stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Sweet Potatoes:
- Add the cubed sweet potatoes directly to the browned sausage spreading them evenly throughout the pan. Cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally allowing them to pick up the flavors from the sausage. Some light browning on the potatoes adds extra flavor.
- Create The Sauce:
- In a medium bowl whisk together honey minced garlic soy sauce paprika salt and pepper until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage and sweet potatoes making sure everything gets coated in the glossy sauce.
- Simmer To Perfection:
- Cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid and reduce heat to mediumlow. Simmer for 10 minutes checking halfway through to stir gently. The sweet potatoes should be fork tender but not mushy when done. If needed cook for an additional 23 minutes uncovered to thicken the sauce.
- Garnish And Serve:
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley for a bright contrast to the rich flavors. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
Save This
I always splurge on quality sausage for this recipe as it provides so much of the flavor. The first time I made this was during a particularly busy week of deadlines and my family now associates it with comfort food that appears when life gets hectic.
Perfect Pairings
This dish stands alone as a complete meal but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the sausage and sweet potatoes creating a balanced plate. For special occasions I sometimes add a glass of slightly chilled Pinot Noir which complements the savory sweet flavors without overwhelming them.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Swap chicken sausage for traditional pork to reduce calories or use butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes during fall harvest season. For a spicier version add red pepper flakes to the sauce or choose a hot Italian sausage. Vegetarians can substitute plant based sausage and use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully vegan version that maintains the sweet savory balance.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your sweet potatoes are taking too long to cook try adding 2 tablespoons of water before covering the pan which creates steam to soften them faster. For a thicker sauce simmer uncovered for the final 3 minutes of cooking. If the sauce becomes too thick simply add a splash of chicken broth to thin it to your desired consistency without sacrificing flavor.
Common Queries
- → What type of sausage works best for this dish?
Italian sausage delivers a classic robust flavor, but chicken or turkey sausage are also excellent for lighter options.
- → Can I substitute the sweet potatoes?
Butternut squash or regular potatoes work well; adjust the simmer time if using different root vegetables.
- → How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender and easily pierced, usually after about 10 minutes of simmering.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
- → Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use tamari in place of soy sauce and ensure your sausage is labeled gluten-free.