Looking for a simple, satisfying dinner that brings bold flavors and minimal cleanup? This Italian Sausage and Potatoes skillet is everything you need in a one-pan meal. It’s hearty, rustic, and deeply savory—perfect for busy weeknights or weekend comfort food cravings.
Packed with crispy potatoes, juicy sausage, caramelized onions, and just the right blend of seasoning, this skillet meal comes together in under an hour and is easily customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re a fan of classic Polish sausage and potatoes skillet recipes or love playing around with ground sausage recipes, this one hits every note.
And the best part? It’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and full of flavor—much like our fan-favorite Pumpkin Chicken Chili or Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry.
Table of Contents
What Is Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet?
The Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is a rustic, one-pan dish featuring browned sausage links or ground sausage cooked alongside tender potatoes, onions, and garlic. Often finished with fresh herbs and sometimes peppers, it’s a staple across many homes due to its flavor and simplicity.
Think of it as a cousin to sausage hash brown skillet recipes or sausage potato onion skillet combinations. It’s flexible, filling, and checks all the boxes for a cozy, home-cooked dinner.
You can even elevate it by adding greens like kale or serve it with a dollop of sour cream for a Polish twist.
Ingredients for Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
Here’s everything you need to make this bold and hearty meal:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage links (or ground Italian sausage)
- 1 ½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before cooking and dry thoroughly.
Tools & Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need much to pull off this skillet dinner. Just the basics:
- Large non-stick or cast-iron skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Colander (if soaking potatoes)
Want more ideas that only need a pan or two? Check out our easy Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken or Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Potatoes – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep the ingredients
Cut your potatoes into even ½-inch pieces. Slice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley. If using sausage links, cut them into thick rounds.
Step 2: Brown the sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the potatoes
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the diced potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fork-tender.
Step 4: Add onions and garlic
Add the sliced onions to the skillet and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and starting to caramelize. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Combine and finish
Return the sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3–4 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This process is just as simple and satisfying as preparing our Vegetable Casserole or Crack Breakfast Casserole.
Tips for a Flavor-Packed Sausage and Potato Skillet
- Don’t rush the browning – Let the sausage and potatoes get a good sear. That golden crust equals flavor.
- Deglaze the pan – If bits stick to the pan, splash in a bit of water or broth to lift all that flavor into your dish.
- Season in layers – Add salt and spices gradually to build bold, balanced flavor.
- Use waxy potatoes – Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape better than russets.
For more tips on elevating simple meals, check out the techniques used in our Creamy Mushroom Pasta.
Recipe Variations & Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe is flexible and welcomes creativity:
- Ground Italian sausage – A great alternative to links. Break into crumbles for a hash-style dish.
- Hash browns – Replace diced potatoes with frozen hash browns for a shortcut.
- Polish sausage – Kielbasa brings smoky depth—perfect for a Polish sausage and potatoes skillet version.
- Add veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or kale make great additions.
- Make it spicy – Use hot Italian sausage and more chili flakes for heat lovers.
Love tweaking classic meals? You’ll enjoy other twists like our Pumpkin Chicken Chili or Sweet Chili Meatballs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the skillet – This leads to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cutting potatoes unevenly – This causes uneven cooking. Stick to consistent sizes.
- Burning the garlic – Add it last to avoid bitterness.
- Overcooking sausage – Cook just until browned and cooked through to retain juiciness.
Avoiding these pitfalls ensures you get a skillet meal with that perfect balance of texture and taste—just like you’d expect from our Stuffed Acorn Squash.
How to Serve Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
This dish is a full meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to complete your plate:
- Serve with a side salad or Cucumber Dill Salad
- Add a slice of Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread
- Top with a fried egg for breakfast-style vibes
- Pair with roasted veggies or Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans
Presentation tip: sprinkle with fresh herbs or scallions and serve in a rustic skillet at the table.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze for up to 2 months. Store in a flat layer for faster reheating.
Reheating:
Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to refresh texture. You can also microwave in short bursts, covered.
If you like meals that store well, you’ll also love our Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls and Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches.
More Ground Sausage Recipes to Try
Love sausage-based meals? Try these other comforting dishes:
- Pumpkin Chicken Chili
- Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry
- Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon
- Crockpot Fajitas
- Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole
Each one delivers big flavor with simple ingredients—perfect for busy days and cozy nights alike.
FAQs About Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet
Can I use ground sausage instead of links?
Yes! Ground Italian sausage works beautifully. Just brown and break into crumbles.
What potatoes are best for this dish?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal—they hold their shape and crisp nicely.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. Store and reheat as needed—it holds up well for meal prep.
Is it spicy?
Not unless you use hot sausage or add extra chili flakes. It’s easy to adjust the heat.
Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your sausage is gluten-free and avoid any dairy-based toppings.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
This Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet is the ultimate comfort food—savory, satisfying, and ready to make any weeknight feel like a weekend. With just one pan, a few pantry staples, and endless customization, it’s no wonder this recipe is a crowd favorite.
Tried it? Loved it? We’d love to hear how you served it! Leave a comment, share with a friend, and subscribe to our blog for more delicious skillet dinners, one-pan wonders, and weeknight winners.
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Bold & Hearty Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet : The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Meal
Description
A bold, hearty, one-pan Italian Sausage and Potatoes Skillet packed with crispy potatoes, juicy sausage, caramelized onions, garlic, and savory herbs. Rustic, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage links (or ground Italian sausage)
- 1 ½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Cut potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Slice onion, mince garlic, and chop parsley. If using sausage links, slice into thick rounds.
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook 6–8 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the potatoes: Add more oil if needed, then add potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.
- Add onions and garlic: Add sliced onions. Sauté 5–6 minutes until softened and caramelized. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine and finish: Return sausage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook 3–4 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Soak potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Deglaze the skillet with a splash of broth or water for more flavor.
- Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes—they hold shape and crisp well.
- Add bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or kale for extra veggies.
- Use hot Italian sausage for a spicy version.
