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20-Minute Smoked Sausage and Potato Skillet recipe


  • Author: Olivia

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound Smoked Sausage, sliced: Smoked sausage is the star of this skillet, providing a rich, savory flavor and satisfying protein. Andouille sausage, kielbasa, or even chorizo (for a spicier kick) all work wonderfully. Pre-cooked smoked sausage is essential for this quick recipe, as it just needs to be heated through and browned, not fully cooked. Sausage Selection: Choose your favorite type of smoked sausage based on your preferred flavor profile. Consider the spice level and meat type (pork, beef, chicken, or even plant-based smoked sausage alternatives for a vegetarian/vegan version). Slicing the sausage into rounds or half-moons allows it to cook quickly and evenly in the skillet.
  • 1.5 pounds Potatoes, diced: Potatoes are the hearty backbone of this skillet, adding substance and a creamy, comforting texture. Yukon Gold or red potatoes are excellent choices because they hold their shape well during cooking and become wonderfully tender and slightly creamy. Russet potatoes will also work but may become a bit more fluffy. Dicing the potatoes into roughly ½-inch cubes ensures they cook quickly and evenly alongside the sausage and vegetables. Potato Prep is Key: Consistent dice size is important for even cooking. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skins on adds extra nutrients and a rustic touch. Make sure to rinse the diced potatoes in cold water and pat them dry to remove excess starch, which helps them brown better in the skillet.
  • 1 large Onion, sliced: Onion provides a foundational savory flavor base and aromatic depth to the skillet. Yellow or white onions are ideal, caramelizing beautifully as they cook and adding sweetness and complexity. Slicing the onion into half-moons or wedges allows them to cook evenly and soften alongside the other ingredients. Onion Flavor Builder: Don’t underestimate the importance of onions! They release their natural sugars and create a delicious caramelized flavor that enhances the entire dish. You can also use red onion for a slightly sharper flavor or shallots for a more delicate taste.
  • 2 Bell Peppers (any color), sliced: Bell peppers add vibrant color, sweetness, and a slightly crisp-tender texture to the skillet. Any color bell pepper works – red, yellow, orange, or green – or a mix for visual appeal and varied flavor notes. Slicing the bell peppers into strips or wedges similar in size to the onions and potatoes ensures even cooking. Bell Pepper Versatility: Bell peppers not only add flavor and color but also boost the nutritional value of the dish with vitamins and antioxidants. Feel free to use your favorite colors or whatever you have on hand.
  • 23 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is a flavor amplifier, adding pungency and aromatic richness to the skillet. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the most vibrant flavor. Adding the garlic towards the end of the sautéing process prevents it from burning and allows its flavor to infuse the dish beautifully. Garlic Powerhouse: Garlic is a must-have for savory skillet dishes! If you’re not a fan of strong garlic flavor, start with 2 cloves or use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or other cooking oil): Olive oil is my go-to for its flavor and health benefits, but you can use avocado oil, canola oil, or any other cooking oil you prefer. The oil prevents sticking and helps the vegetables and sausage brown beautifully in the skillet. Oil for Browning and Flavor: A good cooking oil is essential for preventing sticking and promoting browning, which is key to developing flavor in skillet dishes.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked or sweet): Paprika adds a warm, slightly smoky (if using smoked paprika) or sweet (if using sweet paprika) flavor and a beautiful reddish hue to the skillet. It complements the smoked sausage and vegetables perfectly. Paprika Punch: Paprika enhances the savory notes of the dish and adds a touch of warmth and color. Smoked paprika will intensify the smoky flavor profile, while sweet paprika offers a milder, more subtle sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Dried oregano provides a classic Mediterranean herb flavor that pairs wonderfully with sausage, potatoes, and bell peppers. Its slightly peppery and earthy notes add depth and complexity to the skillet. Herbaceous Oregano: Oregano is a fantastic herb for savory skillet meals, lending a warm, aromatic, and slightly peppery flavor. You can also use Italian seasoning blends that often include oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the skillet. Adjust the amount to your preference and taste as you go. Sea salt or kosher salt are great choices. Salt – The Flavor Enhancer: Salt is crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of all the ingredients. Seasoning in layers throughout the cooking process is key to a well-balanced dish.
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the overall flavor profile. Pepper’s Kick: Freshly ground black pepper provides a more aromatic and flavorful experience than pre-ground pepper.
  • Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor and visual appeal. Garnish for Freshness: Fresh herbs and garnishes add a final touch of freshness and brightness to the finished skillet.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the potatoes into ½-inch cubes, slice the smoked sausage, slice the onion and bell peppers, and mince the garlic. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go is key to the 20-minute timeframe. Mise en Place Matters: Getting all your chopping done before you start cooking will make the process smooth and efficient.
  2. Sauté Potatoes: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron or non-stick works well) over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the potatoes evenly with the oil and spices. Potato Browning Power: Cooking the potatoes first allows them to start browning and softening, which is essential for achieving that skillet-roasted texture.
  3. Cook Potatoes Partially: Cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are starting to soften and lightly brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will continue to cook with the other ingredients. Partial Cooking is Key: Don’t aim for fully cooked potatoes yet. Just get them started and nicely browned on the edges.
  4. Add Sausage and Onion: Add the sliced smoked sausage and sliced onion to the skillet with the potatoes. Stir everything together and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is heated through and starting to brown, and the onions are softened and translucent. Layering Flavors: Adding the sausage and onion at this stage allows their flavors to meld together with the potatoes and build upon the savory base.
  5. Add Bell Peppers and Garlic: Add the sliced bell peppers and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender-crisp and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be cooked just until aromatic. Final Veggie Touch: Bell peppers are added last to maintain some of their crispness and vibrant color. Garlic is added near the end to prevent burning and maximize its aromatic punch.
  6. Check Potato Doneness: At this point, the potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork. If they are still a bit firm, cover the skillet and cook for a few more minutes until they reach desired tenderness. Potato Perfection Check: Ensure the potatoes are fully cooked through and tender before serving.
  7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the skillet mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or paprika to taste. Final Flavor Fine-Tuning: Taste and season to perfection! A final check and adjustment of seasoning is crucial for a well-balanced and delicious dish.
  8. Serve Hot: Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or red pepper flakes, if desired. Enjoy your quick and delicious 20-Minute Smoked Sausage and Potato Skillet! Serve Immediately for Best Flavor: Skillet dishes are best enjoyed fresh and hot right out of the pan.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 400-550 kcal
  • Sugar: 5-8 grams
  • Sodium: 800-1200 mg
  • Fat:  25-35 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 8-12 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15-20 grams
  • Carbohydrates:  30-40 grams
  • Fiber: 4-6 grams
  • Protein: 20-25 grams
  • Cholesterol: 60-80 mg