If you’ve ever craved a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly, then you absolutely need to try this Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe. It’s a fantastic one-pan dinner that brings together the smoky richness of sausage, the comforting creaminess of baby potatoes, and the fresh vibrancy of broccoli all in one skillet. The combination creates a satisfying balance of textures and tastes that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that pack a big punch in flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in making this dish both comforting and visually appealing.
- Smoked sausage or kielbasa (1 pound): Provides that smoky, meaty base that adds tremendous depth to the dish.
- Baby potatoes (1 pound), halved: Bring a creamy, tender texture and soak up all the delicious flavors in the skillet.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to brown the sausage and potatoes and adds a subtle richness.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Add a pop of bright green color and a wonderful fresh crunch.
- Small onion (1), chopped: Adds sweetness and a tender bite when cooked down.
- Garlic cloves (2), minced: Infuse the dish with aromatic warmth and a slight kick.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Lends a smoky warmth that complements the sausage beautifully.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Offers subtle herbal notes to round out the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, optional): Sprinkled on top for a salty, savory finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch just before serving.
How to Make Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage rounds and cook them until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it unlocks those rich flavors and creates a hearty base. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm while you work on the veggies.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the halved baby potatoes. These little guys take a bit to become tender and golden, so cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you want to speed things up, you can microwave the potatoes for 3 to 4 minutes beforehand. The goal here is to get a lovely crispness on the outside while maintaining that tender inside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Once the potatoes have started to soften, add the chopped onion and cook together for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and sweet. Stir in the minced garlic along with paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. This step layers in aromatic and savory notes that make every bite irresistible.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
Add the fresh broccoli florets into the skillet, then splash in 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Cover the pan with a lid and let the broccoli steam for 3 to 4 minutes. The steam softens the broccoli just enough so that it stays bright green and tender-crisp, adding a vibrant, healthful crunch to the dish.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat all components through. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley for an herby brightness and a touch of salty creaminess.
How to Serve Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates the dish with extra flavor and visual appeal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the sausage. Grated Parmesan cheese offers a nutty, salty finish that enhances every bite. For some extra kick, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes as a fun spicy twist.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is often so satisfying on its own that it doesn’t need much accompaniment. However, if you want to round it out, a side salad with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty bread works wonderfully. A light coleslaw or even some roasted carrots add additional textures and subtle sweetness that complement the robust flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a bit fancy? Serve the skillet contents over creamy polenta or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious juices. Alternatively, portion the sausage, potatoes, and broccoli into warm pita pockets or wraps for a handheld meal. Presentation with a drizzle of herbed yogurt sauce or a dollop of sour cream can also add a delightful creamy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain the flavors and moisture. When you reheat, the sausage stays juicy, and the veggies retain their texture if warmed gently.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though the texture of the potatoes and broccoli may soften slightly after thawing. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skillet in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to evenly heat all ingredients. Adding a splash of water or broth can help rejuvenate the veggies. Alternatively, a quick microwave session with a cover will do the trick if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage or kielbasa is traditional here, you can swap in chorizo, Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage depending on your preference. Just be mindful of the cooking time as some sausages may cook faster or slower.
Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?
Definitely. Green beans, zucchini, or even asparagus make great alternatives. Just adjust the steaming time slightly depending on the vegetable’s texture to keep that perfect crunch.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes, adding red pepper flakes during the garlic and onion sauté step will add some heat. You can also choose spicy smoked sausage varieties or mix in a dash of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your sausage contains no hidden gluten fillers. Always check labels to be sure!
How can I speed up the cooking process?
Microwaving the potatoes for 3 to 4 minutes before adding them to the skillet helps soften them quicker, cutting down overall cooking time. Also, prepping all ingredients in advance makes the skillet come together even faster.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that feels cozy and satisfying while being incredibly simple to whip up. It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and nutrition, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Give it a try—you might find it becoming one of your favorite reliable meals that everyone loves!
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Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pan sausage potato broccoli skillet that combines smoked sausage, tender baby potatoes, and fresh broccoli florets with savory spices. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be customized with different vegetables or spice levels.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add the halved baby potatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until the potatoes are golden and nearly tender.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, allowing the flavors to combine for about 1 minute.
- Steam the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and 2–3 tablespoons of water to the skillet. Cover with a lid and steam for 3–4 minutes until the broccoli becomes bright green and tender.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the browned sausage to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the skillet with grated Parmesan cheese if using, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Microwave the baby potatoes for 3–4 minutes before cooking to reduce stovetop cooking time.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap broccoli with green beans or zucchini for a different vegetable variation.
- Use smoked sausage or kielbasa based on your preference for flavor intensity.
