There is something truly comforting and satisfying about a warm, one-pan meal that combines bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. The Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is exactly that kind of dish. It brings together smoky, savory sausage, tender baby potatoes, and vibrant veggies in a harmonious medley that will quickly become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor, making it a perfect go-to for cozy family meals or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a wonderful example of how a handful of simple, readily available ingredients can come together to create a memorable dish. Each component plays an important role, from the smoky depth of the sausage to the creamy, golden potatoes, and the fresh, bright notes of the herbs and vegetables.
- Smoked sausage (1 lb): Choose Kielbasa or Andouille for that irresistible smoky flavor that defines the dish.
- Baby potatoes (1 lb): Halved or quartered to cook quickly and add creamy texture to the skillet.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps sauté the veggies and keeps everything from sticking, while adding richness.
- Small onion (1), chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and aroma as it softens.
- Bell pepper (1), chopped: Use any color for sweetness and vibrant color contrast.
- Garlic cloves (2), minced: Brings an essential warm and pungent layer of flavor.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Deepens the smokiness and adds a subtle spicy note.
- Dried thyme (1/2 tsp): Gives an herbal hint that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp), chopped: A fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten the finished dish.
How to Make Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the halved or quartered baby potatoes, stirring occasionally, and cook them for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust to form on the potatoes while ensuring they become tender inside. This gives a wonderful contrast of textures when combined with the other ingredients. When done, transfer the potatoes to a plate and set them aside, keeping that golden goodness ready for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the sliced smoked sausage rounds. Let them cook until they are nicely browned on each side; this caramelization will develop deep flavor. Next, toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the kitchen fills with a delicious aroma. By cooking the sausage and veggies together, their flavors begin to meld into an irresistible base for the dish.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Sprinkle the smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the skillet ingredients. Stir thoroughly, coating the sausage and vegetables evenly with the spices. Pour in the chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the potatoes back into the skillet, stirring occasionally and cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes. This process lets the flavors fully marry while the potatoes absorb the savory broth, resulting in a deeply flavored, hearty meal.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is cooked to perfection and your kitchen smells amazing, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the skillet for a bright, fresh finish. Serve the dish hot, straight from the pan, enjoying the rustic charm and satisfying flavors with every bite.
How to Serve Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is your best friend when it comes to garnishing this dish. It adds a vibrant green color and a slight peppery freshness that cuts through the richness of the sausage and potatoes. For a little extra flair, consider a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar or a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess.
Side Dishes
This skillet is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a simple side salad of crisp greens or a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. Crusty bread or warm cornbread also joins perfectly, allowing you to soak up all the delicious juices from the skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve the sausage and potatoes straight from the skillet at the table, making mealtime interactive and cozy. Alternatively, you can plate individual servings topped with a sunny-side-up egg for an extra special brunch or dinner twist. This recipe also adapts well as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or baked in a casserole dish for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though not common, given how tasty this is), transfer them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but warming slowly on the stove helps maintain the flavors and textures better.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Kielbasa and Andouille sausages provide great smokiness and flavor, you can use any smoked or even fresh sausage you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if using fresh sausage to ensure it is fully cooked.
What can I substitute for baby potatoes?
If you don’t have baby potatoes on hand, small Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and make sure they cook until tender to maintain the dish’s hearty texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the smoked sausage for a plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Use vegetable broth to keep the flavor balanced and add a smoky seasoning to mimic the sausage flavor.
Can I prepare this skillet recipe ahead of time?
Certainly, you can prepare all the ingredients in advance and cook the dish when you’re ready. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but you want a delicious homemade meal.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is mild, primarily coming from the smoked paprika and any spices in your sausage. If you love a kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is a shining example of cozy comfort food that never gets old. With its effortless preparation and incredible flavors, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug any time of year. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen!
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Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and hearty skillet meal featuring smoky sausage, tender baby potatoes, and colorful bell peppers, all cooked together with aromatic spices and a touch of chicken broth. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that brings comforting Southern-inspired flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Kielbasa or Andouille), sliced into rounds
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings and Broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the halved or quartered baby potatoes to a heated skillet with olive oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the potatoes start to brown and become tender. Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced smoked sausage, chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the sausage starts to brown slightly.
- Combine Everything: Sprinkle smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the sausage and vegetables. Stir well to evenly coat everything with the seasonings. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately. This dish is delicious on its own or paired with a fresh side salad or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep this dish vegetarian-friendly if you use plant-based sausage.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when adding paprika and thyme.
- Baby potatoes can be replaced with regular potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces, but cooking time may increase slightly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the smoked sausage does not contain any gluten-based fillers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southern
