Hey y'all! Need a hearty, delicious dinner in a flash? This Quick 20-Minute Winter Dinner: Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe for Busy Nights is your answer! Juicy sausage, golden potatoes, and sweet bell peppers come together in one sizzling skillet for satisfying flavors and minimal cleanup. Perfect for family dinners, chilly weeknights, or any time you need a fuss-free meal. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Super quick—ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in one skillet.
- Hearty, cozy flavors that warm you up on cold winter nights.
- Kid-friendly and easily customizable to your family's tastes.
- Uses simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked sausage (beef, pork, or turkey), sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 4 cups baby potatoes, quartered (about 1 lb)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and crispy. Remove sausage and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes and Veggies
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the quartered potatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 3: Add Garlic & Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
Step 4: Steam & Finish
Pour in the chicken broth (or water), cover, and steam for 3-4 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Return the browned sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot!
Notes
- Toss the sausage slices frequently while browning for even crispiness.
- If using larger potatoes, dice into ½-inch cubes for quicker cooking.
- Add a splash more broth if the skillet looks dry during steaming.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot sausage.
- Veggie-Packed: Stir in spinach or kale just before serving.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top and let melt before serving.
Required Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet (12-inch recommended)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Lid for skillet
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
- Freezing is not recommended, as potatoes may become mushy when thawed.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans.
- Add crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up savory juices.
- Top with a fried egg for an extra hearty meal!
Pro Tips
- Preheat the skillet thoroughly before browning sausage for maximal flavor.
- Cut all ingredients into similar-sized pieces for even, speedy cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet for best browning results—if needed, cook in two batches.
FAQ
- Can I use raw sausage instead of smoked? Yes, but cook it fully before beginning the rest of the recipe—add 5-7 minutes cooking time.
- My potatoes aren't softening—what can I do? Add an extra splash of broth, cover tightly, and steam a few more minutes until tender.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap sausage for plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz smoked sausage (beef, pork, or turkey), sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 4 cups baby potatoes, quartered (about 1 lb)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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1Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and crispy. Remove sausage and set aside.
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2In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the quartered potatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
-
3Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
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4Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
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5Pour in the chicken broth (or water), cover, and steam for 3-4 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
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6Return the browned sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
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7Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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