Every time I make this Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet, I am transported back to those cozy evenings in my kitchen where the warm aroma envelops me like a favorite blanket. There’s something so comforting about the sizzle of sausage mingling with fresh potatoes and colorful peppers, creating a symphony of flavors that truly warms the heart. I remember the first time I made this dish; my grandchildren were visiting, and they couldn’t wait to help out. Little hands eagerly stirred the skillet, and their giggles filled the air. Moments like these remind me that cooking is not just about the food; it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. I’m excited to share this recipe with you because I know that once you try it, it will become a family favorite, just like it has in mine.
How to make Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds: The star of the show! Smoked sausage adds a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
- 4 medium russet potatoes, diced: Potatoes bring heartiness to the dish. You could use red or Yukon gold potatoes if you prefer!
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a sweet undertone and depth to our skillet.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: For a pop of color and a slight sweetness, making the dish visually appealing.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is essential; it elevates all the other flavors beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A good source of heart-healthy fat and it helps everything cook nicely.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: This spice brings a wonderful smokiness that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Doubling down on that garlic flavor!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste as you go for the best results.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Fresh herbs brighten up the dish and add a lovely finishing touch.
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese or hot sauce for serving: If you like a little kick or extra creaminess!
Tips for ingredient substitutions: I love adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if I have them on hand—don’t be afraid to make the recipe your own!
Cooking Steps:
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Prepare Your Ingredients: Before turning on the stove, wash and prepare your veggies, slicing the sausage, dicing the potatoes, and chopping the onion and bell pepper. Having everything ready makes cooking so much smoother!
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Heat the Skillet: Grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Wait until the oil is hot and shimmering before adding in your potatoes.
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Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes into the skillet, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir them well and let them cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. We want these to get golden brown and tender but be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
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Set the Potatoes Aside: Once your potatoes are just right, carefully remove them from the skillet and set aside. We will bring them back later!
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Sizzle the Sausage: Now, in the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in your smoked sausage slices. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them nicely browned, which enhances their flavor.
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Add Your Veggies: To the browned sausage, add in the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook everything together for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll love how the smells come together; it’s pure happiness! The veggies should be softened and start to caramelize just a bit.
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Combine Everything: It’s time to bring back those beautiful potatoes! Return them to the skillet and stir all the ingredients together. Let them cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through, and the flavors meld together.
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Final Touches: Before serving, be sure to garnish with fresh parsley. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some shredded cheese or drizzle hot sauce on top for that extra oomph!
Why I Love Making This Dish For me, cooking is a way to show love and create special moments. The Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of warmth, family, and togetherness. It’s the kind of dish you whip up on a chilly evening when you want something hearty and satisfying. Every bite brings comfort and reminds me why I love to cook for my family.
What You’ll Need You’ll need some basic cooking tools for this recipe: a large skillet, a cutting board, and a sharp knife. Having good knives makes chopping so much easier, trust me!
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the large skillet. Begin with medium heat to avoid burning the ingredients.
- Prepare all your ingredients, washing and chopping as needed.
- Follow the cooking steps as described, making sure to keep an eye on everything to prevent sticking or burning.
Tips for Perfect Results
- If you want your potatoes to be extra crispy, consider parboiling them for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet. This will help them achieve that perfect texture!
- Make sure to season at every step. Don’t wait until the end! Tasting as you go is key.
- If you love a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sausage while it’s cooking.
Serving Suggestions and Sides I love serving this dish alongside a simple green salad or some steamed broccoli. It adds a nice balance to the hearty skillet dish. If you want something a bit more indulgent, serve it with warm, crusty bread to soak up those delicious juices!
Leftovers If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. I always add a splash of water when reheating in the microwave to keep everything nice and moist!
FAQ Section Can I use any type of sausage? Yes, you can! While smoked sausage works beautifully, feel free to experiment with turkey, chicken, or even sausage with different spices. Each will give a unique twist!
Can I make this dish in advance? Absolutely! This dish can be prepped and stored before cooking. When you’re ready to eat, just throw it in the skillet. Just note that the potatoes might absorb some moisture if left overnight, so they won’t be as crispy.
What can I do if I can’t find smoked paprika? If you can’t find smoked paprika, regular paprika will work fine too, but you might miss that smokiness. Alternatively, adding a tiny dash of liquid smoke can give a similar flavor.
Conclusion This Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet has become a cherished recipe in my home. I cannot wait for you to try it yourself! The blend of flavors and comfort it brings is simply unbeatable. It warms the heart and fills the belly, and I can almost guarantee your family will be asking for seconds just like mine does! I’m thrilled to share this dish with you, and I hope you’re as excited to cook it as I am. Please let me know how it turns out when you make it! Your stories and experiences in the kitchen mean the world to me. Happy cooking!