If you’re searching for a wholesome, vibrant, and deeply satisfying meal, this Sweet Potato and Sausage Quinoa Bowl Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s bursting with warm, comforting flavors from savory chicken apple sausage, sweet roasted sweet potato cubes, and a hearty base of fluffy tri-color quinoa, all mingling with fresh kale and a touch of fragrant herbs. This dish balances protein, veggies, and grains effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even a cozy weekend lunch. Once you try it, it might just become your new favorite meal to crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to create this bowl is easier than you think because the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully selected to build incredible taste, texture, and color. Each element plays a special role in making this dish shine, from the sweet notes of the potato to the savory depth of the sausage and the wholesome crunch of kale.
- Olive oil: The perfect healthy fat to sauté and bring out all the flavors in the dish.
- Chicken apple sausage: Adds savory, slightly sweet meatiness that pairs beautifully with sweet potato.
- Sweet onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation for the sauté.
- Garlic cloves: Enhances every bite with a fragrant, savory note.
- Medium sweet potato: Cubed for tender, caramelized bites that add a lovely color and natural sweetness.
- Tri-color quinoa: Rinsed and ready to soak up flavors while offering a nutrient-packed grain base.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the quinoa moist and infuses the dish with depth and warmth.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smoky touch and vibrancy to the bowl.
- Ground sage: Brings an earthy, herbal note that harmonizes with the sausage and sweet potato.
- Kale: Finely chopped for a nutritious hit and fresh green contrast in texture.
How to Make Sweet Potato and Sausage Quinoa Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and adding the bite-sized chicken apple sausage pieces. Let them sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden crust. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This step ensures your sausage is perfectly browned and flavorful without being greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
With the sausage removed, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the finely diced sweet onion. Sauté over medium heat until the onions soften and become translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then stir in the crushed garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute, letting the aromas fill your kitchen. This forms a deliciously fragrant base that elevates every bite of your Sweet Potato and Sausage Quinoa Bowl Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potato
Push the sautéed onions and garlic to one side of your skillet, and add the cubed sweet potatoes to the empty space. Cook them over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes until they start to soften and develop a tender exterior. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet; they will continue to finish cooking with the quinoa. This step allows the sweet potatoes to pick up that light caramelization which adds incredible texture and flavor.
Step 4: Add Quinoa and Simmer
Now it’s time for the star of the bowl — the tri-color quinoa! Stir it into the skillet along with chicken broth, salt, paprika, and ground sage. Bring everything to a gentle boil, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the quinoa cook for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s fluffy, tender, and has absorbed all those lovely savory-spiced broth flavors. This method locks in moisture and infuses the grains with delicious seasoning.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
For the grand finale, add the browned sausage pieces back to the skillet along with the finely chopped kale. Cook everything together over medium heat for another 2 to 3 minutes, just enough time for the kale to wilt slightly and the sausage to reheat perfectly. This final step pulls all the flavors together, making each mouthful comforting, colorful, and full of satisfying layers.
How to Serve Sweet Potato and Sausage Quinoa Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Sweet Potato and Sausage Quinoa Bowl Recipe truly pop, consider garnishing with some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a vibrant green touch and fresh flavor. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds also adds delightful crunch and a nutty note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, tender ingredients.
Side Dishes
This bowl is so hearty and balanced that it stands well on its own, but if you want to complement it, opt for light, fresh sides such as a crisp garden salad or a tangy cucumber and tomato salad. These refreshing sides provide brightness and a bit of acidity to balance the richness of the sausage and sweet potato.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Sweet Potato and Sausage Quinoa Bowl Recipe in hollowed-out sweet potato halves or inside bell pepper “bowls” to add visual interest and a naturally edible bowl. You can also arrange individual components neatly in separate sections for a grain bowl-style presentation that lets everyone mix and match as they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it easy to reheat and enjoy later without losing any of the dish’s satisfying texture or taste.
Freezing
This Sweet Potato and Sausage Quinoa Bowl Recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just pack cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating can help maintain the dish’s moisture and keep the quinoa fluffy instead of drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken apple sausage adds a lovely sweet and savory element, you can swap it out for pork, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage to suit your preferences. Just be sure to cook it properly to bring out the best flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this Sweet Potato and Sausage Quinoa Bowl Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as quinoa is a gluten-free grain and none of the other ingredients contain gluten. Just double-check that the sausage you use is labeled gluten-free to be safe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To adapt it for vegetarian or vegan diets, replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or add extra hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the dish filling and flavorful.
How do I know when quinoa is fully cooked?
Quinoa is done when it looks fluffy and the tiny germ little “tails” have separated from the seed. It should absorb all the liquid and have a tender texture but still a slight bite. This recipe’s 20 to 25-minute simmer time is perfect for that.
Can I prepare components ahead of time to speed up cooking?
Yes! You can cook the quinoa and roast or sauté the sweet potatoes ahead, refrigerate them separately, and quickly assemble and heat everything together when you’re ready to eat. This shortens your active cooking time significantly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Sweet Potato and Sausage Quinoa Bowl Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. Its vibrant colors, comforting textures, and rich flavors come together so effortlessly. Whether you’re making a family dinner or meal prepping for busy days, this recipe is a fantastic go-to that’s healthy, tasty, and mighty satisfying. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Sweet Potato and Sausage Quinoa Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Potato and Sausage Quinoa Bowl is a hearty and nutritious one-pan meal combining flavorful chicken apple sausage, tender sweet potatoes, protein-packed quinoa, and nutrient-rich kale. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, this recipe offers a balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors with aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 6 ounces chicken apple sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 medium sweet potato, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 cups kale, finely chopped
Grains
- 1 ¼ cups tri-color quinoa, rinsed and drained
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
Spices
- ¾ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground sage
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the cut chicken apple sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the sausage is nicely seared. Remove the sausage from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the diced sweet onion and sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to release the aroma.
- Cook the Sweet Potato: Push the onion and garlic mixture to one side of the skillet, then add the cubed sweet potato. Cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes start to soften but are not fully cooked yet.
- Add Quinoa and Simmer: Gently mix in the rinsed tri-color quinoa, chicken broth, salt, paprika, and ground sage. Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the finely chopped kale. Cook everything together over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the sausage is heated through and the kale has wilted slightly. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful quinoa bowl!
Notes
- Be sure to rinse quinoa well before cooking to remove its natural bitterness.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- You can swap kale with spinach or Swiss chard if desired.
- For added crunch, garnish with toasted nuts or seeds.
- This dish stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
