There’s something undeniably comforting about the sizzle of sausage hitting a hot skillet, especially when it’s joined by golden, crispy potatoes. This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table with big appetites.
I first made this on a chilly Sunday evening with a fridge full of odds and ends. A few potatoes, a pack of smoked sausage, and some onions turned into a one-pan wonder that’s since become a regular in our rotation. It’s quick to make, easy to clean up, and full of cozy, savory flavor.
Let’s dig into why this skillet meal deserves a spot on your weekly menu.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that works hard for your weeknight sanity. This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet checks all the right boxes—flavor-packed, budget-friendly, and so simple, even beginner cooks will feel confident tackling it.
First, let’s talk convenience. This is a true one-pan meal, meaning less mess and fewer dishes. Everything cooks in the same skillet, from the seared sausage to the crispy potatoes, making clean-up a breeze after a long day.
It’s also incredibly budget-conscious. With just a few humble ingredients—potatoes, sausage, onion, and some pantry staples—you’ve got a complete meal that feeds a family without stretching your wallet.
Need something fast? This dish comes together in about 35 minutes, start to finish. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just straightforward cooking with big flavor payoffs.
And perhaps best of all, it’s endlessly customizable. Swap in whatever sausage you love, toss in veggies from your fridge, or spice it up to your liking. This recipe is a canvas for your cravings, which makes it a dinner you can reinvent again and again.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen for flavor, texture, and how well it holds up in the skillet. Here’s a closer look at the core components that make this dish shine.
Smoked sausage is the star of this recipe. I prefer using kielbasa or andouille for their bold, smoky profiles. They caramelize beautifully in the pan and infuse every bite with savory depth. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage if you're looking for a lighter option.
Potatoes bring substance and that golden, crispy edge we all love. Yukon Golds are my top choice—they hold their shape when cooked and have a buttery flavor. Red potatoes or even russets will work in a pinch, but aim for uniform cubes so everything cooks evenly.
Yellow onions add a touch of sweetness and help build flavor as they soften and brown. If you have red onions or even shallots, they’ll work well too—just know the flavor will vary slightly, with a more subtle sweetness.
Garlic and spices make all the difference here. A couple of minced cloves go a long way, especially when paired with smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat. These seasonings bring out the sausage’s smoky notes and complement the richness of the potatoes.
As for equipment, all you need is a large, heavy-bottomed skillet—cast iron is ideal for that crisp sear and even heat. A spatula and a sharp knife round out the essentials.
How To Make This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

Bringing this skillet supper to life is as easy as chopping, sizzling, and stirring. Here’s exactly how I like to make it.
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and adding a drizzle of oil. Once it’s shimmering, add the sliced sausage in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for a few minutes to develop those crisp, golden edges. Flip and cook until both sides are nicely browned, then remove the sausage and set it aside.
In the same skillet, toss in your cubed potatoes. You might need to add a little more oil to prevent sticking. Spread them out and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to build a crisp base. Stir occasionally after that, cooking for 10-12 more minutes, or until fork-tender with plenty of golden color.
Add the sliced onions and cook until they’re soft and just starting to caramelize—about 5 more minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. The garlic should be fragrant within 30 seconds, and you’ll see the spices begin to bloom in the oil.
Return the sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. Let it all cook for another 2-3 minutes, just enough for the flavors to meld and the sausage to reheat. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a pinch of salt or more red pepper if you want extra kick.
The total time should land around 35 minutes, with the bulk of the work happening right in the skillet. Expect a mix of crispy potatoes, juicy sausage, and tender onions with just enough spice to keep it interesting.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this skillet are just as satisfying the next day, and they store beautifully. Let everything cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.
In the fridge, this dish will keep well for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping or tossing into a lunchbox with a side of greens or fruit.
If you want to freeze it, go right ahead. Just note that potatoes can get a bit mealy after freezing. For best results, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven to help maintain texture.
To reheat, you can warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. A quick microwave zap also works, though you’ll lose a bit of that crispy potato texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is built for flexibility, and it’s easy to make it your own with whatever you’ve got on hand.
If you’re not a fan of smoked sausage, try using Italian sausage (either sweet or spicy) for a different flavor. Just be sure to cook it fully before adding the other ingredients.
Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms all work beautifully. Add them after the potatoes so they don’t get overcooked.
You can also play with the seasoning. A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce can take the spice level up a notch, while fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten things up at the end.
Trying to keep it lower-carb? Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets or turnips—they’ll roast up similarly and still soak up all the flavor from the sausage and seasonings.
Whatever you try, don’t be afraid to experiment. That’s part of the fun—and you might just land on your own perfect skillet combo.
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Sausage And Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy sausage and potatoes skillet recipe combines smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and savory spices in one pan. A flavorful and filling dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
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1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
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4 medium potatoes, diced
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add diced potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and tender.
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Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in sausage slices and seasonings. Cook for 6-8 minutes until sausage is browned and heated through.
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Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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You can use any kind of sausage (turkey, chicken, or plant-based) for this recipe.
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For extra crispiness, parboil the potatoes first.
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Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
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