This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is one of those meals I turn to when I want something satisfying and delicious, without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, but also hearty enough for a weekend brunch.
What makes it special is the combination of simple ingredients that create big flavors. We’re talking crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and a touch of seasoning that brings it all together.
Recipe Overview: Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
This dish is essentially a one-pan wonder. Everything cooks together in a single skillet, which means less cleanup for you.
It’s a savory, comforting meal that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients. The potatoes get wonderfully crisp on the outside and stay fluffy inside.
The sausage adds a rich, meaty element. You get that delightful combination of textures and tastes in every bite.
It’s incredibly versatile, too. Enjoy it for dinner with a side salad, or serve it up for breakfast with some eggs.
Detailed Ingredients for Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Potatoes: 1.5 pounds, Yukon Gold or red potatoes. I prefer these because they have thin skins and a creamy texture, but Russets will work too. Just make sure to peel them if using Russets. Cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes.
- Sausage: 1 pound, Italian sausage (sweet or spicy). You can use links or bulk sausage. If using links, remove the casings.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. This is for cooking the potatoes and sausage.
- Onion: 1 medium, yellow or white onion, chopped. This adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is best, but you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon. This adds an herbaceous note. You can also use Italian seasoning blend.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chopped, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and dry your potatoes. Cut them into about 1-inch cubes. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but try to keep them relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron is great if you have one!) over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Cook the Onions: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until it starts to soften and turn translucent.
- Add Potatoes and Seasonings: Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet with the onions. Stir in the salt, pepper, and oregano. Make sure the potatoes are coated in the oil and seasonings.
- Cook the Potatoes: Reduce the heat to medium. Cover the skillet and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly browned. You can test for doneness by piercing a potato cube with a fork – it should slide in easily.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Sausage and Potatoes: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the potatoes and onions. Stir everything together to combine. Heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes. Serve hot, directly from the skillet.
Variations & Tips for Sausage and Potatoes
- Spice it Up: Use spicy Italian sausage, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or stir in some chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Add them along with the onions.
- Make it Cheesy: Sprinkle some shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan) over the top during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make-Ahead: You can cook the sausage and chop the potatoes ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave.
- Serving suggestion: Serve it with a fried egg on top.
Key Details
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Equipment you’ll need: Large skillet (cast iron recommended), cutting board, knife.
Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is one of those meals I turn to when I want something satisfying and delicious, without spending all day in the kitchen. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, but also hearty enough for a weekend brunch. What makes it special is the combination of simple ingredients that create big flavors. We're talking crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and a touch of seasoning that brings it all together.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or spicy, casings removed if using links
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow or white onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley chopped, or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Wash and dry your potatoes. Cut them into about 1-inch cubes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet with the onions. Stir in the salt, pepper, and oregano, ensuring potatoes are coated.
- Reduce heat to medium, cover skillet, and cook potatoes for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Return cooked sausage to the skillet with potatoes and onions. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
