If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s packed with vibrant flavors and delightful textures, the Sautéed Potatoes and Green Beans with Smoked Sausage Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish brings together perfectly browned smoked sausage, tender baby potatoes, and crisp fresh green beans all cooked in one skillet. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day, combining the smokiness of the sausage with the earthy potatoes and fresh crunch of green beans. Plus, it’s so straightforward and quick to make that it easily becomes your go-to weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the table. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe to shine with color, flavor, and texture.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve that perfect golden sear on the sausage and potatoes.
- Smoked sausage: The star protein, packed with smoky flavor that infuses the entire pan.
- Baby potatoes: Their creamy interior contrasts beautifully with a crispy sautéed exterior.
- Fresh green beans: Provide a satisfying snap and vibrant green color for freshness.
- Small onion: Offers sweetness and depth once caramelized.
- Garlic cloves: Impart a rich aroma that elevates every bite.
- Paprika: Sprinkles a mild smokiness and a hint of warmth to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight flavors.
- Water or chicken broth: Gives moisture and aids in steaming the veggies to tenderness.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the final plate.
How to Make Sautéed Potatoes and Green Beans with Smoked Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage and sauté until each side is beautifully browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. This browning not only enhances the sausage’s flavor but also releases some flavorful fat that will enrich the whole dish. Once done, set the sausage aside while you work on the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes
Using the same skillet, toss in the halved or quartered baby potatoes. Let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so they brown evenly and develop a crispy crust. This is the step that creates that amazing contrast between the tender inside and the golden, crispy outside that makes this recipe so addictive.
Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic
Next, add the sliced onions and minced garlic directly to the pan with the potatoes. Cook them together for about 2 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises something delicious is coming.
Step 4: Incorporate Green Beans and Seasonings
Now, toss in the trimmed green beans along with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the water or chicken broth to introduce moisture, then cover the skillet. Let everything steam together for 8 to 10 minutes. This gentle steaming makes the green beans tender yet slightly crisp, perfectly complementing the soft potatoes and smoky sausage.
Step 5: Finish by Combining Everything
Return the browned sausage to the skillet and stir to combine all the ingredients. Cook uncovered for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through thoroughly. If you like, add chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving for a lovely pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Sautéed Potatoes and Green Beans with Smoked Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish is impressive on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes adds brightness and a gentle kick. A little squeeze of lemon juice can also add a zesty twist that contrasts beautifully with the smoky richness.
Side Dishes
This recipe is versatile enough to stand on its own as a complete meal, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread to soak up all those delicious pan juices. A light coleslaw or simple cucumber salad could also bring a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish stuffed inside a warm pita or wrapped in a soft tortilla for a handheld meal. Alternatively, pile it over cooked rice or creamy polenta for extra comfort. The vibrant colors make it a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for sharing family-style at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making your next meal just as delightful. Just be sure to reheat gently to maintain the textures.
Freezing
This sautéed dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that green beans might soften slightly after freezing but will still taste delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the crisp edges on the potatoes and sausage. Adding a splash of water or broth and covering briefly helps prevent dryness. Microwave reheating also works in a pinch but may soften the textures.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! Kielbasa, andouille, or any fully cooked smoked sausage can be swapped in. Each brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to explore and find your favorite match.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose a smoked sausage without gluten-containing fillers. Always check the label just to be sure.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
You can easily make a vegetarian or vegan version by omitting the sausage and incorporating plant-based sausage alternatives or adding hearty mushrooms for umami depth.
How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?
Make sure to cut the baby potatoes into similarly sized pieces and stir occasionally during sautéing so they brown evenly. Starting them in a single layer in a hot skillet helps develop that crispy crust.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Cook, cool, and store it in portioned containers for quick reheating through the week. It tastes great even after a few days in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Sautéed Potatoes and Green Beans with Smoked Sausage Recipe enough if you want a dish that’s simple, full of rustic charm, and packed with comforting flavors. It really delivers that perfect blend of smoky, savory, and fresh elements with minimal fuss. Once you try it, I bet it will quickly become one of your favorite dinners to go back to time and time again. Give it a go—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Sautéed Potatoes and Green Beans with Smoked Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pan dish featuring sautéed baby potatoes, fresh green beans, and smoky sliced sausage. This easy American skillet meal combines tender vegetables with richly browned sausage, enhanced by garlic, onion, and paprika, perfect for a satisfying gluten-free main course.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- ¾ pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Meat
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the potatoes: In the same skillet, add the halved or quartered baby potatoes. Sauté the potatoes for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden brown color and start to soften.
- Cook aromatics: Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the potatoes. Cook together for 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add green beans and spices: Stir in the trimmed green beans along with the paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly with the seasonings.
- Steam vegetables: Pour in ¼ cup water or chicken broth to add moisture, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let the mixture steam for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the green beans and potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Combine sausage and finish cooking: Remove the lid and return the browned sausage slices to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook uncovered for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sausage to heat through and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the sautéed potatoes, green beans, and smoked sausage warm as a satisfying gluten-free main course.
Notes
- You can substitute kielbasa, andouille, or any fully cooked sausage for the smoked sausage.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of apple cider vinegar before steaming.
- This dish works well as a one-pan dinner or a hearty side dish.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of the sausage.
