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Smothered Potatoes and Sausage

Best 3-Step Smothered Potatoes and Sausage

This smothered potatoes and sausage recipe is pure comfort food, born from a rainy Portland evening when I needed cozy vibes fast. Think tender potatoes soaking up savory broth, crispy sausage, and a hint of cumin for warmth—all in one pan, done in 30 minutes. It’s forgiving, gluten-free friendly for my partner Jamie, and perfect for busy weeknights. Your kitchen’s gonna smell incredible! If you love one-pan meals, try my garlic butter steak bites and potatoes next.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: soul food, Southern
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz smoked sausage kielbasa or andouille; use gluten-free if needed
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic or a generous shake of garlic powder—my guilty pleasure
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for extra richness
  • 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin my go-to for depth
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or more for a kick
  • Salt to taste start with 1/2 tsp
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley optional, for garnish—I’m team cilantro
  • Squeeze of lime juice optional, for brightness

Method
 

  1. Sauté the Sausage: Slice sausage into 1/4-inch rounds. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron’s my fave) over medium heat. Cook sausage for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy. Remove to a plate, keeping drippings in the pan.
  2. Pro Tip: If sausage sticks, let the pan heat up longer before adding it.
  3. Cook the Veggies: Chop potatoes into 1-inch chunks (no peeling needed). Thinly slice onion and mince garlic (or use garlic powder). Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to skillet, then cook onions for 5 minutes until caramelized. Add garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in potatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat.
  4. Kitchen Hack: Uniform potato chunks prevent mushy disasters. Love spuds? Try my parmesan smashed potatoes.
  5. Smother and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and stir. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender. Add sausage back for the last 5 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt or lime juice. Garnish with cilantro or parsley. Serve from the skillet.
  6. Mistake to Avoid: Don’t crank the heat too high—low and slow keeps it saucy.

Notes

  • Substitutions: Use russet potatoes (starchier, may break down more), veggie broth, or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist. My vegan chicken noodle soup is another meat-free fave. No cumin? Try chili powder, but use less.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it moist. Or, make a breakfast hash with an egg!
  • Make Ahead: Chop potatoes and onions in advance for even faster prep. Check out my power bowl with lemon dill salmon and quinoa for more meal prep ideas.
  • Troubleshooting: If potatoes aren’t tender after 20 minutes, add a splash more broth and cook 5 minutes longer.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g
Nutrition is approximate and depends on specific ingredients used.