Have you ever stood in front of the fridge at 5 p.m., wondering what on earth you can throw together that’s satisfying, quick, and doesn’t require a trip to the store? That’s where this recipe comes in. Smoked Sausage Hash with Potatoes is a hearty, one-pan meal that’s been a weeknight lifesaver in my house more times than I can count. It’s a simple concept: we’re taking diced potatoes, smoky sausage, peppers, and onions, and pan-frying them until everything is crispy and golden. It’s the kind of humble, comforting food that feels like a big hug in a bowl. Think of it as a deconstructed, skillet version of a baked potato topped with all your favorite fixings. It’s pure, simple, and so, so delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to love this recipe because it’s designed for real life. First off, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick dinner idea for those nights when you’re running on empty. It’s also incredibly forgiving. Don’t have a bell pepper? Use a zucchini. Got some random veggies in the crisper drawer? Toss them in! This flexibility makes it one of those easy meals you can always count on. And let’s talk about flavor. The smoked sausage does most of the heavy lifting, infusing the potatoes and veggies with a rich, savory taste that’s just irresistible. It’s a one-pan wonder, which means cleanup is a breeze. Honestly, what’s not to love about a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and leaves you with only one dish to wash?
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing and getting that perfect crisp.
- 1 pound smoked turkey sausage, sliced into rounds – provides the main smoky, savory flavor.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced – adds a sweet, aromatic base.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced – brings a sweet crunch and pop of color.
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes – these hold their shape and get wonderfully creamy inside.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for an easy, all-over garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – enhances the smoky notes from the sausage.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – for a little kick.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste) – potatoes need a good amount of seasoning!
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – a fresh, bright finish right at the end.
Step by Step Method
- Start by prepping your ingredients. Dice the potatoes, onion, and bell pepper, and slice the smoked sausage. Having everything ready to go makes the cooking process smooth and fast.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it’s nicely browned. You’re not just heating it; you’re building flavor by getting some good color on it. Remove the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, you’ll have some delicious rendered fat from the sausage. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet. Let them cook untouched for about 4-5 minutes to get a good sear on one side before you start stirring.
- After the potatoes have some color, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together so the potatoes and veggies are evenly coated with the spices.
- Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know the potatoes are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
- Once the potatoes are tender, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Give everything a good stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the sausage through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately right from the skillet!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, which is part of its charm. A good, large skillet is key. I’m a big fan of using my trusty 12-inch cast-iron skillet because it gives the potatoes an incredible, even crust. But a large non-stick or stainless steel skillet will work beautifully, too. You’ll also need a sharp knife and cutting board for prepping the vegetables and sausage. That’s really it! A spatula for stirring and a lid for the skillet to help steam the potatoes to tenderness are the only other essentials.
Creative Variations You Can Try
The beauty of a hash is that it’s a perfect canvas for whatever you have on hand. Want to make it a bit spicier? Swap the smoked turkey sausage for an andouille-style chicken sausage. Not a fan of peppers? Try tossing in some chopped broccoli florets or sliced mushrooms during the last 8 minutes of cooking. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle a half-cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack over the top during the last few minutes and pop a lid on it to let it melt. If you’re looking for more healthy dinner ideas, you can easily add a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach at the end, stirring until it wilts. And if you’re feeding a crowd, cracking a few eggs into little wells in the hash and covering the pan until the whites are set turns this into a fantastic brunch dish.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This hash is a complete meal all on its own, but I love rounding it out with a simple side. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is my go-to because it cuts through the richness of the sausage and potatoes. A side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus also works wonderfully. For a real down-home feel, a slice of crusty cornbread or a warm buttered biscuit is just the thing for soaking up any delicious bits left in the bowl. And if you’re looking for easy pasta dinner recipes, this hash makes a fantastic topping for a bowl of creamy polenta. So good.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully! Let the hash cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, I find the stovetop works best to keep the potatoes from getting mushy. Just warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the potatoes will lose a bit of their crispness. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the potatoes can become grainy and watery when thawed.
Quick Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights
We all need a arsenal of fast, reliable dinner dishes for those hectic evenings. My number one tip is to embrace one-pan meals like this smoked sausage hash. They minimize cleanup and maximize flavor. Another lifesaver is to do a little prep on the weekend—chopping an onion and a pepper and storing them in the fridge can shave precious minutes off your weeknight cooking time. And don’t be afraid to use pre-cut vegetables from the produce section; they’re there to make your life easier! Keeping your pantry stocked with staples like smoked sausage, potatoes, and basic spices means a delicious, satisfying meal is never far away. These are the kinds of cheap dinners for a family that don’t taste cheap at all.
FAQs About Smoked Sausage Hash
- Can I use a different type of potato? Absolutely! Yukon Golds are my favorite for their creamy texture, but russet potatoes will work, too. Just be aware they might get a little flakier. For a healthier twist, sweet potatoes are a fantastic alternative and pair wonderfully with the smoky sausage.
- Is this considered a healthy dinner recipe? I think it’s a great balanced option. By using smoked turkey sausage, you keep the fat content lower than with traditional pork sausage. And you’re getting a great serving of vegetables alongside the potatoes. It’s all about balance, and this meal hits the spot without feeling heavy.
- What if my potatoes are taking too long to cook? If your potato cubes are still hard, don’t panic! Just add a couple of tablespoons of water or chicken broth to the pan, put the lid back on, and let them steam for another 5 minutes. The liquid will help soften them up without making them soggy.
- Can I make this in an air fryer? You sure can! Toss all the ingredients together in a bowl, then spread them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and crispy. It’s one of my favorite easy weeknight dinners when I want to avoid turning on the stove.
Honestly, this Smoked Sausage Hash with Potatoes is the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite because it’s just so reliable and satisfying. It proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to put a wonderful meal on the table. I hope it brings as much joy and ease to your kitchen as it has to mine.