Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that won’t keep you chained to the stove? I’ve got just the recipe for you. This smoky, savory one-pan wonder has become my go-to dinner solution for busy weeknights, combining the rich flavors of smoked sausage with tender potatoes and colorful vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
After years of perfecting quick-and-easy meals, I can confidently say this skillet dish hits all the right notes. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and comfort food, requiring minimal prep while delivering maximum flavor. The best part? It all comes together in a single pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Key Features:
- One-pan preparation
- Ready in 20 minutes
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Customizable to taste
- Perfect for meal prep
- Kid-friendly
Ingredients
For the Base Recipe (4 servings):
- 1 package (14 oz) smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 4 medium potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Iron | 2.5mg |
| Vitamin C | 85mg |
Equipment Needed
- 12-inch cast-iron skillet or large heavy-bottomed pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Timer
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation (5 minutes):
- Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch rounds
- Dice potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes
- Chop onion and bell peppers
- Mince garlic
- Measure out spices
Cooking Process (15 minutes):
- Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering
- Add diced potatoes, spreading them in a single layer
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Season with half of the salt and pepper
- Add sliced sausage to the skillet
- Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Look for light browning on both sides
- Add onions and bell peppers
- Cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently
- Add garlic, paprika, and thyme
- Season with remaining salt and pepper
- Final cooking phase
- Cover and cook for 3 minutes until potatoes are tender
- Remove from heat
- Garnish with fresh parsley
Pro Tips From My Kitchen
After making this dish countless times, I’ve discovered several tricks that take it from good to great:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches if needed
- Keep potato pieces uniform for even cooking
- Pat potatoes dry before cooking for better browning
- Use cast iron for the best crust on potatoes
- Don’t stir too frequently – let those beautiful brown bits develop
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting ingredients in irregular sizes
- Cooking on too high heat
- Overcrowding the pan
- Underseasoning
- Not allowing proper browning time
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Options:
- Turkey sausage
- Chicken sausage
- Plant-based sausage
Vegetable Add-ins:
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Brussels sprouts
- Green beans
- Cherry tomatoes
Seasoning Variations:
- Cajun seasoning
- Italian herbs
- Mexican spice blend
- Greek seasoning
Storage and Reheating
Storage Guidelines:
- Refrigerator: 3-4 days in airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (potatoes may change texture)
Reheating Methods:
- Stovetop (Preferred):
- Heat in skillet over medium heat
- Add 1-2 tablespoons water
- Cover and heat 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Microwave:
- Heat in 1-minute intervals
- Stir between intervals
- Add splash of water if needed
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh green salad
- Crusty bread
- Steamed broccoli
- Sautéed green beans
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Hot sauce selection
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Smoked Sausage | $4.99 |
| Potatoes | $2.50 |
| Bell Peppers | $2.00 |
| Onion | $0.75 |
| Garlic | $0.30 |
| Olive Oil | $0.40 |
| Herbs & Spices | $0.50 |
| Total | $11.44 |
| Cost per serving | $2.86 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! It reheats beautifully and can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: What’s the best type of potato to use?
A: I prefer Yukon Gold potatoes for their buttery flavor and ability to hold shape, but russet potatoes work well too.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply substitute the smoked sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables.
Q: My potatoes aren’t cooking evenly. What am I doing wrong?
A: The key is cutting the potatoes into uniform sizes, about ½-inch cubes. Larger or uneven pieces will cook unevenly.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes! This recipe is very versatile. Just be mindful of cooking times – add harder vegetables earlier and softer ones later.
Success Tips
- Temperature Control
- Start with medium-high heat
- Adjust as needed to prevent burning
- Look for golden-brown color
- Timing Matters
- Don’t rush the potato cooking process
- Allow proper browning time
- Keep ingredients prepped before starting
- Seasoning
- Season in layers
- Taste and adjust
- Don’t forget final garnish
This recipe has become a staple in my household, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too. The combination of smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and colorful vegetables creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Remember, the key to success is proper preparation and patience during the cooking process. Enjoy!
