Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
As someone who’s made this Sausage and Potatoes Skillet more times than I can count, I can confidently say it’s transformed my weeknight cooking game. There’s something magical about how humble ingredients like potatoes and sausage come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
I remember the first time I made this dish – it was one of those “what do I do with these random ingredients?” moments. My husband had brought home chicken apple sausage from the farmer’s market, and I had some potatoes about to sprout eyes. What started as a desperation dinner became our new favorite meal. Now, my kids actually cheer when they smell it cooking!
Why This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe Works So Well
After perfecting this recipe over dozens of attempts, here’s what makes it special:
The one-pan wonder factor saves my sanity on busy nights. As a mom of two, I appreciate any meal that doesn’t leave me with a mountain of dishes. Everything cooks together in my trusty cast iron skillet, developing incredible flavor while keeping cleanup minimal.
Customization is effortless. Don’t have chicken apple sausage? I’ve used everything from spicy andouille to smoked kielbasa with great results. The vegetables are equally flexible – sometimes I’ll throw in mushrooms or zucchini instead of peppers.
Texture perfection is what really makes this dish shine. The crispy potato edges, juicy sausage pieces, and tender-crisp vegetables create the perfect bite every time. My trick? Leaving the potatoes undisturbed for those first few minutes to develop that golden crust.
My Foolproof Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Here’s exactly how I make it, with all the little tips I’ve learned through trial and error:
Time Breakdown
Prep: 15 minutes
Cooking: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Serves: 6 (or 4 hungry teenagers)
Ingredients That Never Fail Me
The Essentials
1.5 lbs baby gold potatoes, quartered (their creamy texture is perfect)
12 oz chicken apple sausage, sliced (or your favorite variety)
Flavor Builders
1 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
Seasoning Secrets
1 tsp Italian seasoning (my homemade blend works best)
½ tsp garlic powder (or 2 fresh cloves, minced)
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Fats
2 tbsp butter (for that rich potato crust)
1 tbsp avocado oil (my go-to for high heat)
Step-by-Step: How I Make It Perfect Every Time
1. Crisping the Potatoes (The Key Step)
I heat my well-seasoned 12-inch cast iron over medium heat and melt the butter. The potatoes go in a single layer – no crowding! Here’s my secret: I don’t touch them for the first 5 minutes. This creates that perfect golden crust. Total cook time is about 12-15 minutes with occasional stirring.
Pro tip: When I’m really pressed for time, I parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes first. Game changer!
2. Browning the Sausage
Once potatoes are nearly done, I push them aside and add oil to the center. The sausage slices go in next – I let them get nice and caramelized for 5-7 minutes, turning just once or twice.
Family favorite: My kids love when I use smoked sausage for extra flavor.
3. Bringing It All Together
Now come the onions, peppers, and seasonings. I cook everything for 3-5 more minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp. The aroma at this point is absolutely heavenly!
4. Serving It Up Right
While delicious alone, I love serving it with:
A fried egg on top for breakfast
A simple salad for lunch
Crusty bread to soak up juices at dinner
My Favorite Variations (Tested and Approved)
Potato Swaps
Yukon golds work beautifully if I can’t find baby golds
For extra crispiness, I toss potatoes with a bit of cornstarch
Protein Options
Andouille adds a spicy kick
Turkey sausage makes it leaner
Veggie Twists
Mushrooms add earthy depth
Spinach stirred in at the end for green
Storage Tips From My Kitchen
Fridge: Keeps well for 3 days in airtight containers
Reheat: Skillet method preserves texture best
Freeze: Not recommended – potatoes get mealy
Perfect Pairings
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with:
My Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for potato lovers
A simple side salad
Fresh fruit for breakfast
Why This Recipe Never Gets Old
What makes this Sausage and Potatoes Skillet so special?
Minimal cleanup = happy cook
Endlessly adaptable to what’s on hand
Family-approved flavor every time
For more easy skillet meals, try my Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake – another weeknight lifesaver!
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. It’s become such a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it will in yours too!
More One-Pan Recipes I Love
If you enjoyed this skillet meal, here are a few others I swear by:
Garlic Butter Beef and Potatoes – A meat-and-potatoes dream.
Sausage Hashbrown Casserole – Cheesy, hearty, and perfect for brunch.
Breakfast Sausage Casserole – My weekend go-to.
Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs baby gold potatoes quartered
- 12 oz chicken apple sausage sliced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Melt butter in 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add potatoes in single layer and cook undisturbed 5 minutes. Continue cooking 12-15 minutes total, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.
- Brown the Sausage: Push potatoes to sides. Add oil to center and cook sausage 5-7 minutes until nicely browned, turning occasionally.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in onions, bell peppers and all seasonings. Cook 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with suggested sides like fried eggs, crusty bread or fresh salad.
Notes
For crispier potatoes: parboil 5 minutes first or toss with 1 tsp cornstarch before cooking. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in skillet for best texture.
P.S. If you love sausage dishes, don’t miss my Sausage Hashbrown Casserole – perfect for weekend brunches!
