Name: Fried Potatoes and Sausage Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 12 oz smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), sliced into rounds; 1 small onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced (any color); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

A hearty and flavorful one-skillet meal with crispy fried potatoes and savory sausage, perfect for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or quick weeknight dinner. This rustic dish combines the comfort of golden-brown potatoes with the rich taste of smoked sausage and aromatic vegetables, all cooked in one pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fried Potatoes and Sausage Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. With just one skillet needed, you’ll appreciate the easy cleanup almost as much as the delicious flavors. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and colorful vegetables creates a meal that’s visually appealing and packed with different textures and tastes. It’s incredibly versatile – perfect for breakfast alongside eggs, as a hearty lunch, or as a quick, no-fuss dinner. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Fried Potatoes and Sausage Skillet

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes form the foundation of this dish, offering a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture that crisps up beautifully when fried. Their thin skins mean no peeling is required, saving you valuable prep time.

Olive oil and butter create the perfect frying combination – the oil prevents the butter from burning while the butter adds rich flavor to the potatoes as they cook.

Smoked sausage brings hearty protein and deep flavor to the skillet. The smokiness infuses the entire dish, while the edges get deliciously caramelized during cooking.

Onion adds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes alongside the potatoes and sausage. It forms part of the aromatic base that makes this dish so flavorful.

Bell pepper contributes vibrant color, a touch of sweetness, and a slight crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the tender potatoes and sausage.

Garlic introduces that unmistakable aromatic quality that enhances all the other ingredients. When added later in the cooking process, it maintains its robust flavor without burning.

Paprika provides a subtle earthiness and beautiful color to the dish. Its mild, sweet pepper flavor complements both the potatoes and sausage perfectly.

Dried thyme adds an herbal, slightly floral note that elevates the rustic nature of this skillet meal. It’s a classic pairing with potatoes and sausage.

Salt and black pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients. Don’t skimp on proper seasoning!

Fresh parsley finishes the dish with a pop of color and bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the other ingredients.

Directions

Cook the Potatoes: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes in an even layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender.
Add the Sausage: Push the potatoes to the side of the skillet. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Season and Combine: Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 generous servings at approximately 400 calories per serving. It comes together relatively quickly with a prep time of 10 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, bringing the total time to just 35 minutes. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. For larger families, the recipe can be easily doubled as long as you use a large enough skillet or work in batches to ensure the potatoes have enough space to crisp properly.

Variations

Breakfast Skillet: Add 4-6 eggs to the skillet after everything is cooked. Create small wells in the potato-sausage mixture, crack the eggs into them, cover, and cook until the eggs reach your desired doneness.

Spicy Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1-2 diced jalapeños along with the bell pepper for a kick of heat.

Loaded Skillet: Top the finished dish with shredded cheese, let it melt, then finish with a dollop of sour cream and sliced green onions.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a meat-free version.

Mediterranean Twist: Use Italian sausage instead of smoked sausage, add diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of oregano, then finish with crumbled feta cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover potato and sausage skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making for delicious leftovers.

Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating on Stovetop: For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil or butter. This method helps restore some crispness to the potatoes.

Reheating in Microwave: For a quick option, microwave on 70% power, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 2-3 minutes depending on portion size). The potatoes won’t be as crispy but will still be delicious.

Reheating in Oven: Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain some crispness in the potatoes.

FAQs

Why aren’t my potatoes getting crispy?

Overcrowding the pan is often the culprit. Make sure potatoes are in a single layer with some space between pieces. Also, resist the urge to stir too frequently, which prevents browning. Lastly, ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the potatoes.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, though different varieties will yield different results. Russets will be fluffier inside and can get very crispy, red potatoes hold their shape well, and fingerlings offer a nice waxy texture. Avoid using new potatoes, as their high moisture content makes them less ideal for frying.

What’s the best type of sausage to use?

Smoked sausages like kielbasa or andouille work best because they’re fully cooked and develop a nice caramelization when fried. However, you can experiment with Italian sausage (remove from casing first) or even breakfast sausage depending on your preference.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Adding garlic later in the cooking process, as directed in the recipe, prevents it from burning. If you notice your garlic browning too quickly, lower the heat or add a splash of water to the pan to halt the cooking process.

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes! Dice the potatoes up to a day ahead and store them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator (this prevents browning). Just be sure to drain and pat them completely dry before cooking. You can also pre-chop all the vegetables and slice the sausage to save time during cooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your sausage label, as some varieties may contain fillers with gluten. The same goes for spice blends if you’re using any beyond the individual spices listed in the recipe.

Can I make this in the oven instead?

Absolutely! Toss all ingredients with oil and seasonings, spread on a baking sheet, and roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. You won’t get the same controlled browning as the stovetop method, but it’s a hands-off alternative.

What can I serve with this skillet dish?

For breakfast, serve with fried or scrambled eggs. For dinner, a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread makes perfect accompaniments. A dollop of sour cream or applesauce on the side is also delicious.

Why did my potatoes stick to the pan?

This usually happens if the pan wasn’t hot enough when you added the potatoes or if there wasn’t enough fat. Make sure your oil and butter are hot and the pan is well-coated before adding potatoes. Using a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or non-stick pan also helps.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches or use two skillets. Doubling the recipe in a single pan will overcrowd the ingredients, resulting in steamed rather than fried potatoes and uneven cooking.

Conclusion

This Fried Potatoes and Sausage Skillet is the epitome of comfort food simplicity. With just one pan and everyday ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that works for any time of day. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and colorful vegetables makes this dish both visually appealing and deliciously hearty.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend breakfast, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as a quick dinner after a busy day, it always hits the spot. Plus, with so many possible variations, you can adapt it to suit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Don’t be surprised if this humble skillet meal becomes a regular request in your household. Its comforting flavors, simple preparation, and minimal cleanup make it a perfect go-to recipe for both busy weeknights and lazy weekends. Give it a try, and discover why sometimes the simplest dishes are the most beloved.