Potatoes And Sausage Skillet

This Potatoes and Sausage Skillet has become an absolute staple in our household. Weeknights can be hectic, and finding a dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare is always a win. This recipe checks all the boxes! The combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and flavorful vegetables, all cooked together in one skillet, is simply irresistible. Even my picky eaters devour this meal, and the best part? Clean-up is a breeze! The aroma that fills the kitchen while it’s cooking is enough to get everyone excited for dinner. Honestly, if you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing, and fuss-free meal, look no further than this incredible Potatoes and Sausage Skillet. It’s become a regular in our rotation, and I’m confident it will be in yours too.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), cubed: Potatoes form the hearty base of this skillet. Yukon Golds offer a creamy texture, while Russets become beautifully fluffy. Choose your favorite or a mix for varied texture.
• 1 lb Italian Sausage (Sweet or Hot), removed from casings: Italian sausage provides a robust and savory flavor. Opt for sweet sausage for a milder dish or hot sausage for a spicy kick. Removing the casings allows the sausage to crumble and distribute evenly throughout the skillet.
• 1 Large Onion, sliced: Onion adds a foundational aromatic layer and sweetness as it caramelizes during cooking. Yellow or white onions work best for this recipe.
• 2 Bell Peppers (any color), sliced: Bell peppers contribute sweetness, color, and a slight crunch. Use a mix of colors for visual appeal and a variety of flavors.
• 2-3 Cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for flavor depth and pungency. Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the best taste.
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing and helps to prevent sticking. It also adds a subtle fruity flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs: Italian herbs blend together classic flavors like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika (Smoked or Sweet): Paprika adds a touch of smokiness or sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Smoked paprika is particularly delicious for a deeper flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Red pepper flakes provide a hint of heat. Omit if you prefer a milder dish or add more for extra spice.
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Salt and pepper are crucial for seasoning and balancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust to your preference.
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous finish and visual appeal when sprinkled over the finished skillet.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Vegetables

Begin by thoroughly washing and scrubbing your potatoes. Whether you choose Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, or a combination of both, ensure they are clean before proceeding. Now, using a sharp knife, carefully cube the potatoes into approximately ¾-inch to 1-inch pieces. Uniformity in size is key for even cooking, ensuring that all the potato pieces become tender at the same time. Set the cubed potatoes aside.

Next, prepare the onion and bell peppers. Peel the large onion and slice it into thin crescents or half-moons. Slicing the onion allows it to cook down evenly and caramelize beautifully in the skillet, releasing its natural sweetness and adding depth of flavor to the dish. For the bell peppers, wash them thoroughly. Remove the stems, seeds, and membranes from the bell peppers. Slice them into strips or bite-sized pieces, mirroring the size of the potato cubes for a cohesive texture and cooking time. You can use any color of bell pepper – red, yellow, orange, or green – or a mix of colors for visual appeal and a variety of flavors.

Finally, peel and mince the garlic cloves. Mincing the garlic finely ensures that its pungent aroma and flavor are released evenly throughout the skillet as it cooks. Set aside the minced garlic along with the prepared potatoes, onion, and bell peppers, ready to be used in the cooking process. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready to go streamlines the cooking process and allows you to focus on building the flavors in the skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Place a large skillet, preferably cast iron or another heavy-bottomed skillet, over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is heated through, add the Italian sausage that has been removed from its casings. Crumble the sausage into the skillet using a spoon or spatula. Breaking up the sausage into smaller pieces ensures that it cooks evenly and disperses its flavorful rendered fat throughout the skillet, which will contribute to the overall richness of the dish.

Cook the sausage, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. As the sausage cooks, it will release its flavorful fat. Continue to cook until no pink remains in the sausage and it is nicely browned. Browning the sausage is crucial as it develops a deeper, more complex flavor that forms the foundation of the skillet.

Once the sausage is fully cooked and browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Set the cooked sausage aside. Leave the rendered sausage fat in the skillet. This flavorful fat is liquid gold and will be used to sauté the vegetables, infusing them with the savory sausage essence. If there is an excessive amount of fat in the skillet (more than 2-3 tablespoons), you can carefully pour off the excess, leaving just enough to coat the vegetables and prevent them from sticking.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

With the flavorful sausage fat remaining in the skillet (add olive oil if needed to ensure there’s about 2 tablespoons of fat), reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become softened and translucent. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Sautéing the onions first allows them to release their initial flavors and begin to caramelize, adding a layer of sweetness to the dish.

Next, add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the softened onions. Continue to sauté, stirring occasionally, until the bell peppers are slightly softened but still retain a bit of their crispness. This usually takes another 3-5 minutes. Cooking the bell peppers alongside the onions allows their flavors to meld together and creates a flavorful base for the skillet.

Once the onions and bell peppers are softened, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can become bitter. Sautéing the garlic briefly at the end preserves its pungent flavor and aroma without overpowering the other vegetables.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Seasoning

Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring that the potatoes are coated with the flavorful sausage fat and vegetable mixture. This coating helps to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the skillet and also infuses them with flavor as they cook.

Season the mixture generously. Sprinkle the dried Italian herbs, paprika (smoked or sweet), and red pepper flakes (if using) over the potatoes and vegetables. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with about ¾ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and adjust seasoning to your preference later in the cooking process. Stir well to distribute the spices and seasonings evenly throughout the skillet.

Step 5: Cook Until Potatoes are Tender

Pour about ½ cup of water or chicken broth into the skillet. Adding liquid helps to create steam, which aids in cooking the potatoes through and preventing them from drying out. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently.

Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potato cubes and the type of potatoes used. Check for tenderness by piercing a potato cube with a fork. If the fork slides in easily without resistance, the potatoes are cooked through. Stir the skillet occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. If the skillet becomes too dry during cooking, add a little more water or broth, about ¼ cup at a time, to maintain moisture.

Step 6: Combine Sausage and Finish

Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid from the skillet. Increase the heat slightly to medium and allow any excess liquid to evaporate. This will help to slightly brown the potatoes and vegetables and intensify the flavors. Return the cooked and browned sausage to the skillet with the potatoes and vegetables. Stir gently to combine everything thoroughly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sausage to heat through and its flavors to meld with the potatoes and vegetables.

Taste the skillet and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired, according to your taste preferences. Once the flavors are balanced and the skillet is heated through, remove it from the heat.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Garnish the Potatoes and Sausage Skillet generously with freshly chopped parsley. The fresh parsley adds a vibrant green color and a bright, herbaceous finish that complements the richness of the dish. Serve the skillet hot directly from the skillet or portion it out onto plates. This hearty and flavorful Potatoes and Sausage Skillet is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s a complete and satisfying meal on its own, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
Servings: 6

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

This Potatoes and Sausage Skillet is a relatively quick and straightforward meal to prepare. The active cooking time is around 35 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes dedicated to prepping the vegetables and sausage. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. You can easily have a flavorful and satisfying dinner on the table in under an hour, from start to finish. The majority of the cooking time is hands-off simmering, allowing you to attend to other tasks while the skillet works its magic.

How to Serve

This versatile Potatoes and Sausage Skillet can be served in various delicious ways. Here are some ideas:

• As a Complete Meal:
  • Serve it as is! This skillet is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, providing a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
  • Garnish with extra fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
• With Side Dishes:
  • Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the flavorful skillet juices.
  • Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the skillet.
  • Steamed Green Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus offer a healthy and vibrant side to complement the dish.
  • Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread for a comforting and classic pairing.
• Breakfast or Brunch Options:
  • Skillet Hash: Transform leftovers into a delicious breakfast hash by topping with a fried egg.
  • Breakfast Burritos: Use the skillet mixture as a filling for breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs and cheese.
• Variations and Toppings:
  • Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella cheese over the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking and let it melt for a cheesy finish.
  • Spicy Kick: Serve with hot sauce or a side of pickled jalapeños for those who like extra heat.
  • Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for garnishing and adding unique flavor notes.

Additional Tips for the Best Potatoes and Sausage Skillet

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Yukon Golds offer a creamy texture and hold their shape well during cooking, while Russets become wonderfully fluffy. You can also use a mix of both for a varied texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they may not become as tender in a skillet.
2. Evenly Sized Potato Cubes: Cut the potatoes into uniformly sized cubes, about ¾-inch to 1-inch in size. This ensures that they cook evenly and become tender at the same time. Larger or unevenly sized pieces may result in some potatoes being undercooked while others are overcooked.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the sausage and vegetables in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, resulting in less flavorful and less caramelized ingredients. Ensure there’s enough space for the ingredients to brown properly.
4. Use Quality Sausage: Choose a good quality Italian sausage, either sweet or hot, depending on your preference. The sausage is a key flavor component of this dish, so using a flavorful sausage will significantly enhance the overall taste. Consider using sausage from a local butcher for optimal quality.
5. Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and paprika are essential for bringing out the flavors of the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process. Undersalted food can taste bland, while properly seasoned food is much more enjoyable.
6. Control the Heat: Maintain a medium to medium-high heat for browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables, and then reduce to low heat for simmering the potatoes. Controlling the heat prevents burning and ensures that the ingredients cook evenly and develop optimal flavor. Adjust heat as needed throughout cooking.
7. Add Liquid for Tender Potatoes: Adding a little water or chicken broth to the skillet and covering it while simmering helps to steam the potatoes and ensures they become tender without drying out. The steam helps to cook the potatoes from the inside out.
8. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: While you want the potatoes to be tender, avoid overcooking the onions and bell peppers to the point of mushiness. They should be softened and flavorful but still retain some texture. Sautéing them to the right point ensures they contribute to the overall texture and flavor profile of the skillet.

FAQ: Potatoes and Sausage Skillet

Q1: Can I use different types of sausage?
A: Absolutely! While Italian sausage is classic and flavorful in this recipe, you can definitely experiment with other types of sausage. Consider using kielbasa, chorizo, or even chicken or turkey sausage for variations in flavor and fat content. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as some sausages may require slightly longer or shorter cooking times. Pre-cooked sausages like kielbasa will need less time to cook through, primarily needing to be heated and browned.

Q2: Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?
A: Yes, this recipe is very adaptable to adding other vegetables! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, or spinach. Mushrooms and carrots can be sautéed along with the onions and bell peppers. Zucchini can be added a bit later in the sautéing process as it cooks quickly. Spinach should be added at the very end, just before serving, and wilted into the hot skillet mixture. Adding more vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and customize the skillet to your liking.

Q3: Can I make this skillet ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Potatoes and Sausage Skillet ahead of time. It actually reheats very well, and the flavors often meld together even more overnight. Allow the skillet to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating can help to keep it moist.

Q4: Can I freeze Potatoes and Sausage Skillet?
A: Freezing is possible, although the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. Potatoes tend to become a bit softer after freezing. To freeze, let the skillet cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat as mentioned above, in a skillet or microwave.

Q5: What if I don’t have Italian herbs?
A: If you don’t have dried Italian herbs blend, you can create a substitute using a combination of individual dried herbs. Good substitutes include oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Use equal parts of each to approximate the flavor of Italian herbs. If you only have one or two of these herbs on hand, you can still use them – oregano and basil are particularly important for the Italian flavor profile.

Q6: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and add a vegetarian protein source if desired. You could add cannellini beans or chickpeas for protein and heartiness, sautéed with the vegetables. To make it vegan, ensure you are using olive oil and not any animal-based fats, and omit the sausage and any dairy garnishes like sour cream or cheese. The skillet will still be flavorful with the potatoes, vegetables, and seasonings.

Q7: How can I make this skillet spicier?
A: To increase the spice level, you can use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet sausage. You can also add more red pepper flakes, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the skillet. Another option is to add a diced jalapeño pepper or serrano pepper along with the bell peppers for a fresh spicy kick.

Q8: Can I use different types of potatoes besides Yukon Gold or Russet?
A: While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are highly recommended for this skillet, you can technically use other types of potatoes. However, consider the texture. Red potatoes or other waxy potatoes will remain firmer and may not become as tender and fluffy as Yukon Golds or Russets. If using waxy potatoes, you may need to cook them slightly longer to ensure they are tender. Starchy potatoes like Yukon Golds and Russets break down slightly during cooking, contributing to a creamier texture in the skillet, which is often preferred for this type of dish.

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