There's something undeniably comforting about a sizzling skillet filled with golden potatoes and juicy sausage. This one-pan wonder brings together crispy edges, savory flavor, and a hint of garlic that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma.

I first whipped this up on a chilly evening with just a few odds and ends from the fridge. Since then, it’s become our go-to when we want something hearty, budget-friendly, and ready in under 40 minutes. Let’s dive into what makes this skillet dish so crave-worthy.

Why You'll Love This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

Get ready to meet your new favorite dinner shortcut. This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is rustic, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to throw together on even your busiest nights.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you can have dinner on the table with minimal cleanup. Perfect for weeknights when you don’t want to think too hard.

It’s also friendly on your wallet. The combination of hearty potatoes and affordable sausage stretches beautifully to feed a hungry crowd without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget how family-friendly it is. Picky eaters tend to gobble this one up thanks to the mild sausage and crispy potatoes. You can even sneak in some veggies like peppers or spinach if you want to boost the nutrition.

This recipe is endlessly adaptable too. Whether you like smoky kielbasa, spicy chorizo, or even plant-based sausage, the skillet serves as a blank canvas for whatever flavors you’re craving. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose, working together to create a meal that’s cozy, savory, and full of texture.

Potatoes are the true backbone of this recipe. I prefer using Yukon Golds or red potatoes because they hold their shape well and crisp up beautifully. Cut them into bite-sized cubes so they cook quickly and evenly in the skillet.

Smoked sausage brings all the flavor. Kielbasa or andouille work wonderfully here, delivering that slightly spicy, deeply savory punch. Slice it into rounds and let it brown in the pan—those crispy edges are everything.

Onions are more than just aromatics in this recipe. As they cook down, they caramelize slightly and blend into the dish, adding just the right amount of sweetness to balance the salty sausage and earthy potatoes.

Garlic is optional but highly recommended. Minced fresh garlic added toward the end of cooking gives the whole skillet a warm, savory boost that makes it taste like it’s been simmering for hours.

You don’t need any fancy tools—just a large, heavy-bottomed skillet with a lid if you want the potatoes to soften a bit faster. A good nonstick or cast iron pan will help everything cook evenly without sticking.

How To Make This Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

This meal couldn’t be simpler to throw together. With a few smart steps and a little patience while things crisp, you’ll have a delicious one-pan dinner in no time.

Start by prepping your ingredients. Wash and dice your potatoes into small, even cubes—about half an inch works well. Slice the sausage into coins, chop the onion, and mince the garlic if you’re using it.

Heat a splash of oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sausage slices in a single layer and let them sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes. Flip them to get both sides browned, then transfer to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the diced potatoes. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to get a nice golden crust, then stir and cover with a lid. Let them continue cooking for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.

Next, stir in the chopped onions and garlic. Let them cook with the potatoes for 3–4 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant. If anything’s sticking, a splash of water or broth can deglaze the pan.

Finally, return the sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. Let it all cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and maybe a sprinkle of smoked paprika if you're feeling fancy.

Start to finish, the whole dish takes about 35 minutes. The result is a sizzling skillet full of crispy, golden potatoes and juicy sausage with caramelized bits that make every bite irresistible.

Storage Options

Leftovers are just as tasty the next day, making this skillet meal a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches. Let everything cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.

In the fridge, your Sausage and Potatoes Skillet will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just make sure it's sealed well to maintain texture and flavor.

You can also freeze it if needed. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and label with the date. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, pop a portion into a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a tiny splash of water or oil, cover, and let it warm through gently while re-crisping the potatoes. A microwave works in a pinch, but the skillet method preserves the best texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize based on what you have—or what you’re craving.

Try switching up the sausage. Kielbasa, spicy Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even a smoky vegan version all work beautifully. Just keep the slices the same size to ensure even cooking.

You can also mix in more veggies. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini go great with the base flavors. Just add them toward the end so they don’t get too soft.

Looking to make it more breakfast-friendly? Crack a few eggs on top during the last few minutes of cooking and cover with a lid. The steam will cook the eggs to perfection—runny yolks and all.

For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving. Smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning are also great for dialing up the flavor.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whether you want to clean out your fridge or cater to a specific diet, this skillet gives you plenty of room to play around and get creative in the kitchen.