Perfect Potatoes and Sausage Recipe: Simple One-Pan Dinner

The perfect potatoes and sausage recipe combines hearty smoked sausage with tender potatoes in a one-pan meal ready in 45 minutes. You'll need 1.5 lbs smoked sausage, 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, and simple seasonings. This easy potatoes and sausage recipe serves 4-6 people and requires minimal cleanup.

Why This Potatoes and Sausage Recipe Works

This traditional one-pan potatoes and sausage dinner delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Unlike complicated recipes, our method ensures perfectly cooked sausage without drying it out while achieving crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside potatoes. The beauty of this family friendly sausage and potato dish lies in its versatility—you can customize it for weeknight dinners or elevate it for weekend gatherings.

Essential Ingredients for Best Results

Quality ingredients make the difference between ordinary and exceptional. For this homemade potatoes and sausage recipe, choose these specific items:

Ingredient	Quantity	Why It Matters
Smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille)	1.5 lbs	Provides rich flavor foundation; avoid pre-cooked varieties for best texture
Yukon Gold potatoes	2 lbs	Natural buttery flavor and ideal starch content for perfect crispness
Yellow onion	1 large	Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized properly
Fresh garlic	3 cloves	Essential aromatic that transforms the dish (never use powder)
Olive oil	2 tbsp	Creates ideal searing temperature without burning

Equipment You'll Need

12-inch cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet (essential for even heating)
Sharp chef's knife
Wooden spoon or spatula
Colander for potato rinsing
Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prep ingredients: Slice sausage into 1/2-inch rounds. Cut potatoes into 3/4-inch cubes. Thinly slice onion. Mince garlic.
Par-cook potatoes: Place potatoes in microwave-safe bowl with 2 tbsp water. Cover and microwave 5 minutes until slightly tender but still firm.
Sear sausage: Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage in single layer and cook 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Cook aromatics: In same skillet, add onions and cook 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Finish potatoes: Return sausage to skillet with potatoes. Season with 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp thyme. Cook 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are golden and tender.
Rest and serve: Remove from heat. Let sit 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Master this quick sausage and potato meal with these chef-tested techniques:

Dry potatoes thoroughly after microwaving—moisture prevents proper browning
Don't overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if necessary for optimal searing
Resist constant stirring—let potatoes sit 3-4 minutes between turns for maximum crispness
Add fresh herbs at the end for brightness (parsley or chives work perfectly)

Delicious Variations to Try

This basic potatoes and sausage recipe adapts beautifully to different preferences:

Breakfast version: Use maple-flavored sausage and add bell peppers. Top with fried eggs.
Healthy potatoes and sausage recipe: Substitute sweet potatoes and use turkey sausage.
Cajun style: Add 1 tsp cayenne and 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning to the potatoes.
Cheesy twist: Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish stands alone as a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with:

Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Crusty bread for soaking up flavorful drippings
Applesauce for a traditional German-inspired meal
Steamed green beans for added nutrition

For presentation, garnish with fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet for that rustic, home-cooked appeal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers properly to maintain quality:

Cool completely before transferring to airtight container
Refrigerate for up to 4 days
Freeze portions for up to 3 months (thaw overnight before reheating)
Reheat in skillet over medium heat with 1 tsp oil to restore crispness
Avoid microwave reheating which makes potatoes soggy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this potatoes and sausage recipe in the oven?

Yes! Toss all ingredients on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The oven method produces evenly cooked potatoes with excellent crispness on all sides.

What's the best sausage for potatoes and sausage recipe?

Smoked kielbasa provides traditional flavor, but andouille adds nice spice. For milder taste, try smoked turkey sausage. Avoid pre-cooked sausages as they become tough when reheated. Always slice sausage yourself for best texture control.

How do I prevent potatoes from burning?

Par-cooking potatoes in the microwave ensures they finish cooking at the same time as the sausage. Maintain medium-high heat (not high), and stir gently every 3-4 minutes. If browning too quickly, reduce heat slightly and cover skillet for 2-3 minutes to steam potatoes.

Can I add vegetables to this one pan potatoes and sausage meal?

Absolutely! Add bell peppers and onions with the sausage for the last 5 minutes of cooking. For broccoli or asparagus, add during the final 8 minutes. Root vegetables like carrots should be par-cooked like the potatoes. Avoid watery vegetables like zucchini which make the dish soggy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this basic potatoes and sausage recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check your sausage label as some varieties contain fillers with gluten. For certified gluten-free preparation, ensure all seasonings are gluten-free and use a dedicated cooking surface to prevent cross-contamination.