Skillet Sausage and Potatoes Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Smoked Sausage and Potato Skillet

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1 pound small gold potatoes (such as Potato Inspirations Honey Gold potatoes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
• 1 (12-ounce) package fully-cooked smoked beef sausage, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced vertically
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced vertically
• 1 red onion, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 1 golden delicious apple - peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup frozen petite peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned on both sides, about 3 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.
3. Quarter the cooked potatoes. In the same skillet, add the potatoes, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and apple. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes start to brown, about 8-10 minutes. Add oil as needed to prevent sticking.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the frozen peas and dried thyme, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the peas are heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Cook's Notes:

• Feel free to use other types of potatoes. Gold potatoes are great because they hold their shape well and do not require peeling.
• A firm apple like Granny Smith can be used as a substitute for the Golden Delicious apple.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 553
• Fat: 36g
• Carbs: 41g
• Protein: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 71mg
• Sodium: 790mg
• Dietary Fiber: 6g
• Total Sugars: 10g
• Vitamin C: 86mg (95% DV)
• Calcium: 64mg (5% DV)
• Iron: 4mg (21% DV)
• Potassium: 1063mg (23% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Consult a registered dietitian if following a medically restrictive diet.

The Story Behind Skillet Sausage and Potatoes

Skillet Sausage and Potatoes is a classic American comfort dish with roots tracing back to the mid-20th century, when simple, one-pan meals became popular for busy households. Originally, families would use whatever meats and vegetables were on hand, making it a versatile and practical option. The combination of sausage and potatoes was particularly favored because both ingredients were affordable, filling, and easy to cook together, creating a hearty, satisfying meal in minimal time.

Regional Variations

While this dish is widely enjoyed across the United States, regional interpretations bring unique flavors. In the Midwest, smoked sausages or bratwursts are commonly used, often paired with onions and bell peppers. In the South, you might find the addition of paprika, cayenne, or other spices for a bolder flavor. Some coastal regions include apples or other fruits, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the savory sausage. Each variation highlights local ingredients and culinary traditions, making the dish a reflection of the region it comes from.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

At first glance, Skillet Sausage and Potatoes may seem similar to dishes like hash, breakfast skillets, or sausage casseroles. However, it is distinguished by its one-skillet cooking method that allows the flavors to meld while maintaining the distinct textures of each ingredient. Unlike a baked casserole, the potatoes retain a slight crispness, and the sausage keeps its smoky richness. The addition of fresh vegetables and sometimes fruit, like apples, sets it apart from simpler potato-and-meat combinations.

Where Youll Typically Find It

This dish is popular in casual home settings and is often served for family dinners or weekend brunches. Its also common at diners, small-town cafs, and comfort-food restaurants across the United States. Because it is easy to scale, it appears in gatherings like potlucks, picnics, and holiday breakfasts, where its combination of hearty flavors appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• The dish is highly adaptable: you can swap sausage types, add seasonal vegetables, or even include fruits for a sweet-savory twist.
• Cooking everything in one skillet not only saves time and cleanup but also helps the flavors blend naturally, creating a richer taste experience.
• Historically, one-pan meals like this were considered economical and efficient during wartime and in post-depression households.
• Golden potatoes are often preferred because they hold their shape during cooking and provide a creamy interior without the need for peeling.
• Many modern chefs experiment by finishing the skillet with fresh herbs, cheese, or a drizzle of mustard to elevate the simple, classic flavors.

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