Potato Sausage Recipe: A Simple and Hearty Dish

Potato sausage is a classic, hearty dish that combines two of the most comforting ingredients—potatoes and sausage—into one simple, flavorful meal. This dish can be prepared with a variety of seasonings, vegetables, and types of sausage to suit your personal taste. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or a dish for a family gathering, it’s sure to satisfy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a basic but delicious potato sausage recipe.

Ingredients

To prepare this potato sausage dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. Feel free to tweak amounts to fit your needs:

• 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold, Russet, or Red)
• 1 lb sausage (any type you prefer; pork, beef, chicken, or a vegetarian alternative)
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bell pepper (optional, for added flavor and color)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (optional, for moistening)

Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients

Potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. You can choose to peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on can add texture and nutrients to the dish. Slice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes, around 1/2-inch pieces, for even cooking.

Sausage: If you’re using sausage links, slice them into rounds or remove the casing to crumble the sausage. If using ground sausage, there’s no need to cut anything—just break it apart during cooking. The type of sausage you use greatly affects the flavor of the dish. Spicy Italian sausage will give a different kick compared to a mild breakfast sausage or smoked sausage.

Onion and Garlic: Peel and dice the onion into small pieces. Finely mince the garlic cloves. These two ingredients form the aromatic base for the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.

Bell Pepper: If you decide to include bell pepper, wash and slice it into strips or cubes. Bell peppers add a pop of color and a slight sweetness that balances the saltiness of the sausage.

Step 2: Start Cooking

Cooking the Potatoes: In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced potatoes in a single layer. Season them with salt, pepper, and half of the paprika. Fry the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. You want the potatoes to develop a golden-brown crust. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the potatoes from sticking or becoming too dry. Once they’re partially cooked and have a crispy exterior, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Cooking the Sausage

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Now, add the sliced or crumbled sausage. Let it cook over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through, usually about 6-8 minutes. If you’re using sausage with a higher fat content, you might not need additional oil, as the sausage will release fat as it cooks.

While the sausage cooks, break it up with a spatula if you’re using ground sausage. If you’re using sausage links, allow them to brown on both sides. Once the sausage is nicely browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside with the potatoes.

Step 4: Cooking the Vegetables

In the same pan, without wiping it clean, add the diced onions and bell peppers (if using). Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

The remnants left from cooking the sausage will add a great depth of flavor to the vegetables. If necessary, you can add a little more olive oil or butter to the pan to help the vegetables cook evenly.

Step 5: Combining Everything

Once the onions, garlic, and bell peppers are cooked, add the partially cooked potatoes and sausage back into the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining paprika, dried thyme, and a little more salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed and well-seasoned.

Allow the mixture to cook together for another 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should become fully tender, and the sausage will infuse the vegetables with its flavor. If the dish seems too dry at any point, add a splash of broth or water.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together, your potato sausage dish is ready to serve. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it hot straight from the skillet.

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes such as a simple green salad, sautéed greens, or even a fried egg on top for extra richness. It’s versatile enough to be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to customize this dish:

1. Use different types of sausage – Italian sausage, chorizo, kielbasa, or bratwurst each bring their own unique flavor. You can also opt for a plant-based sausage if you’re making a vegetarian version.
2. Add vegetables – To make the dish more wholesome, consider adding other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms. These add more nutrition and flavor while also making the dish heartier.
3. Spice it up – If you like a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the dish. You can also use hot sausages like chorizo or spicy Italian sausage for extra kick.
4. Make it cheesy – For a richer dish, sprinkle grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top and cover the skillet for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
5. Use sweet potatoes – For a healthier spin or different flavor profile, you can swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. They add a slight sweetness that pairs nicely with spicy or smoky sausages.
6. One-pan oven method – For an easier clean-up, you can prepare this dish entirely in the oven. Simply toss all the ingredients (potatoes, sausage, onions, garlic, and any vegetables) with olive oil and seasonings, and roast on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Conclusion

Potato sausage is a versatile and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and always delicious. Its simple ingredients—potatoes, sausage, onions, and spices—come together to create a satisfying meal that works for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast with eggs, as a side dish for lunch, or as a hearty dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.