Sausage Potatoes Skillet

This down-home skillet with sausage and potatoes has become my go-to dinner savior when I'm craving something filling and tasty without much work. The mix of flavorful sausage, crispy potatoes, and bright veggies makes a meal that looks just as good as it tastes.

I first threw this skillet dinner together during an extra hectic week when I needed something fast but satisfying. It's now our Tuesday night tradition, with my hubby saying it's just what we need to beat the middle-of-the-week cooking blues.

Ingredients

• Smoked sausage: The main player giving tons of taste with minimal effort. Try using kielbasa or andouille for great results
• Baby potatoes: They stay firm during cooking. Try to pick ones about the same size so they cook evenly
• Olive oil: Grab a nice one since it adds to the overall taste
• Onion and garlic: These build your flavor base. Pick onions that feel heavy and have tight skins
• Smoked paprika: Brings amazing smoky depth that works so well with the sausage
• Italian seasoning: This mix saves you from measuring several dried herbs on your own
• Bell pepper: Adds pop of color, crunch and sweetness. Any color works fine
• Fresh spinach: You can skip it, but it adds healthy greens and nice color. Look for bright, perky leaves
• Fresh parsley: Makes the final dish look pretty and taste fresh. Worth the small extra step

Step-by-Step Instructions

Parboil the potatoes:

Put your halved or quartered potatoes in salty water and cook for 8-10 minutes until a fork goes in but they don't fall apart. This key step helps them get crispy in the pan without taking forever to cook. Drain them really well so they don't splatter in the hot oil.

Brown the sausage:

Warm olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat until it looks shiny. Add your sausage slices without crowding them. Let them cook 2-3 minutes each side until they get that yummy brown crust. Set them aside but keep all those tasty bits in the pan.

Sauté the vegetables:

Using that same flavor-packed pan, add the rest of your oil and cook the chopped onion until see-through, about 2 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and stir just until you can smell it, around 30 seconds. Don't let it burn. Add your bell pepper strips and cook until they soften slightly but still have some bite.

Crisp the potatoes:

Toss your pre-cooked potatoes into the pan with all the seasonings. Let them sit without touching for 1-2 minutes, then gently stir to get golden edges all around. Keep cooking for 5-7 minutes total, stirring now and then for even browning. Taking your time here gives you that perfect crunchy outside.

Combine everything:

Put the sausage back in and mix everything gently for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can hang out together. If you're using spinach, add it now and fold it in just until it wilts down. The heat from everything else will cook it perfectly without making it mushy.

Finish and serve:

Scatter fresh parsley over everything right before you serve it for a burst of fresh flavor. Bring the whole skillet to the table for a casual vibe or put everything on a nice platter if you want to fancy it up.

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That smoked paprika is really the hidden gem in this dish. I found out how amazing it was years back when I made this for surprise dinner guests. They all wanted to know my secret trick, thinking I'd done something fancy. Nope, just that spoonful of smoky goodness turning basic ingredients into something special.

Meal Prep Wonder

This pan dinner really shines as a do-ahead meal. Make the whole thing, let it cool down, then stick it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat, warm portions in a pan with a bit of olive oil to bring back those crispy edges. It actually tastes better after sitting overnight as the flavors get to know each other. I often make twice as much just to have easy leftovers for busy nights.

Easy Swaps

This recipe rolls with whatever you've got in your kitchen. Sweet potatoes work great instead of baby potatoes, just know they'll get soft a bit faster. Any kind of meat does the job here, like chicken sausage, turkey kielbasa, or even cut-up chicken thighs. For veggies, feel free to switch it up, toss in zucchini, yellow squash, or mushrooms instead of peppers. If you want heartier greens, try kale or swiss chard in place of spinach.

Perfect Partners

While this skillet stands tall on its own, it plays nice with simple sides too. A fresh green salad with tangy dressing cuts through the richness nicely. Grab some crusty bread to mop up all those tasty pan juices. For fancier nights, add a simple roasted veggie like asparagus or Brussels sprouts on the side. Adults might enjoy a cold beer or medium red wine alongside their plate.

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This simple yet tasty skillet meal will probably become a regular at your dinner table. There's something special about how it brings comfort with so little fuss!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap the sausage type?

Absolutely! Try Italian sausage, spicy chorizo, or plant-based options to suit your taste.

→ What other veggies work here?

Feel free to toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes. Adjust cook time for softer veggies if needed.

→ How should I store extras?

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

→ Can I make parts of it ahead?

Yes, prep ahead by boiling the potatoes, browning sausage, and cooking veggies. Combine and reheat just before serving.

→ What pairs well with this dish?

This skillet is great with crusty bread, fresh salad, or even a side of rice for a filling meal.

→ Is it okay for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as your sausage is gluten-free. Check the labels of all ingredients to be sure.