When you’re short on time but still want a hearty, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup, a one-pan sausage and potatoes recipe is your best friend. This classic comfort dish is as flavorful as it is simple—juicy sausage, golden crispy potatoes, and a few veggies or herbs all cooked together in one skillet.
Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a no-fuss dinner option, this recipe is a total winner. It’s rustic, comforting, customizable, and ready in about 30 minutes.
🧑🍳 Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Recipe
- Minimal Cleanup: One skillet, one cutting board, and you’re done.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry and fridge staples.
- Customizable: Swap sausages, add veggies, or spice it up.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Great for Meal Prep: Makes amazing leftovers.
🛒 Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 lb sausage (smoked, kielbasa, Italian, or chicken sausage work great)
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered (or any thin-skinned variety)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- Handful of spinach or kale, added at the end
- Grated parmesan or sharp cheddar for serving
🔥 Best Sausages to Use
You can use almost any type of sausage for this recipe, depending on your flavor preference:
- Smoked sausage or kielbasa for a smoky, rich taste.
- Italian sausage (hot or sweet) for a bold, herby kick.
- Chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner version.
- Plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly option.
👨🍳 How to Make One-Pan Sausage and Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Wash and dry the potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized chunks. Baby potatoes are ideal, but you can use russets or Yukon golds too.
- Slice the sausage into rounds (about ½ inch thick).
- Slice the onion and mince the garlic.
Tip: If using vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, prep those as well and set them aside to add later.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
In a large skillet (preferably cast iron or non-stick), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re golden brown and almost fork-tender. If they begin to stick, add a splash of water and cover with a lid for a few minutes to steam.
Step 3: Add Onions and Garlic
Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add a little more oil to the empty space. Add the sliced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Brown the Sausage
Add the sausage slices to the pan and cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they’re browned on both sides and heated through.
Mix everything together in the skillet so the flavors blend.
Step 5: Optional Veggies
If you’re adding bell peppers or zucchini, stir them in now and cook for another 5 minutes, or until just tender. If using spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking to let it wilt.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired. Serve hot, directly from the skillet, with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can round it out with:
- A side salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted green beans or asparagus
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- A fried or poached egg on top (great for brunch vibes!)
- A dollop of sour cream or drizzle of hot sauce
🥗 Customization Ideas
Want to mix things up? Here are some variations:
Flavor Boosters:
- Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
- Smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika or add a dash of liquid smoke.
- Cheesy finish: Stir in shredded cheese during the last few minutes.
Veggie Additions:
- Mushrooms
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cauliflower florets
- Brussels sprouts (halved)
Swap the Potatoes:
- Sweet potatoes
- Butternut squash
- Pre-cooked gnocchi (pan-fried for crispiness)
🧊 Storing & Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil.
- Microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
Pro Tip: Leftovers make a great filling for breakfast burritos or wraps!
💬 Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Sausage and Potatoes Recipe is everything a weeknight meal should be: simple, fast, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s hearty enough to serve on its own but easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Plus, the one-pan method means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying dinner.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just want something cozy without much effort, this skillet meal delivers every time. Add it to your recipe rotation—you won’t regret it.
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