You know those nights when you just want something hearty, flavorful, and fast, but every recipe seems to need a sink full of dishes? I was right there with you. That’s exactly why I created this Sausage and Sweet Potato Skillet. It’s my ultimate one-pan solution for a busy evening packed with smoky sausage, tender sweet potatoes, and colorful peppers, all finished with a tangy balsamic kick. Best part? It’s on your table in about 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup. Let’s get cooking!
Try my Juicy Skillet Pork Chops recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Seriously, this recipe is about to become your new best friend. Here’s why:
✅ It’s a One-Pan Hero – No juggling multiple pots and pans here. Everything sausage, veggies, potatoes cooks up in a single skillet. That means more flavor in the dish and way less cleanup for you.
✅ Weeknight Dinner Magic – From fridge to table in about 30 minutes. It’s faster than takeout and tastes about a million times better. Perfect for those “what’s for dinner?!” nights.
✅ Flavor That Pops – We’re talking smoky sausage, sweet potatoes, bright peppers, and that tangy balsamic finish. It’s a cozy, savory-sweet combo that just works.
✅ Flexible & Forgiving – No red pepper? Use poblano. No balsamic? A splash of red wine vinegar works. Want to add spinach or kale? Toss it in at the end. Make it your own!
✅ Kind to Your Budget – The whole meal comes together for around $13-$15, which is just over $3 a serving. Hearty, satisfying food that doesn’t break the bank? Yes, please.
✅ Makes Great Leftovers – It reheats like a dream for lunch the next day. Some swear it tastes even better after the flavors hang out overnight.
✅ Looks Fancy, Feels Easy – The colorful peppers and sweet potatoes make it look like you put in way more effort than you actually did. We won’t tell if you don’t!
Try my Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Skillet recipe.
What You’ll Need To Make
Let’s chat about what makes this skillet so good. It’s really about a few simple ingredients that come together like they were meant to be best friends:
→ Smoked Sausage: This is your flavor powerhouse! I love using a good smoked kielbasa or andouille it adds a ton of savory, smoky depth without you having to do a thing. Plus, it gets nice and crispy in the pan, which is basically the best part.
→ Sweet Potatoes: Don’t you just love how sweet potatoes get all tender and slightly caramelized? They add a cozy sweetness that balances the smoky sausage perfectly. Pro tip: Dice them into similar-sized pieces so they all cook evenly.
→ Colorful Bell Peppers: I use both red and green for color and a little sweetness. They soften up and get almost jammy in the pan, which adds a great texture. Feel free to swap in any color you have on hand!
→ The Flavor Boosters: This is where the magic happens. A little minced garlic and dried oregano create that classic, savory base. And the balsamic vinegar at the end? Don’t skip it! It’s not just for salads it adds a tangy, slightly sweet punch that ties the whole dish together.
The best part? This recipe is super flexible. Swap the veggies, use a different sausage, or adjust the seasonings to make it your own. Cooking should be fun, not stressful!
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 30 mins Serves: 4
Alright, let’s get this one-pan wonder going! It all comes together in about 30 minutes, and most of that time is just letting things sizzle while you relax.
1| Brown That Sausage: Grab your largest skillet nonstick is a hero here and heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add your sliced smoked sausage and let it get some delicious color, about 3-4 minutes. Once it’s nicely browned, scoop it out into a bowl and let it hang out on the side. Leave all those tasty drippings in the pan!
2| Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Turn the heat down to medium. Toss your diced sweet potatoes right into that flavorful pan. Give them a good stir and let them sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then. Then, pop a lid on the skillet and let them steam for another 5 minutes, or until they’re perfectly fork-tender. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper, then join them up with the sausage in that waiting bowl.
3| Sizzle the Veggies: Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in your diced red and green bell peppers. Let them sauté for 6-8 minutes, until they’re softened and a bit sweet. Now, stir in the garlic, oregano, and another good pinch of salt and pepper. Ahhh, smell that? Cook for just 30 more seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
4| Bring It All Home: Time for the reunion! Dump the sausage and sweet potatoes back into the skillet with the peppers. Give everything a big, happy stir. Finally, drizzle that balsamic vinegar right over the top and stir it through. This is where the magic happens it adds a little tangy, sweet punch! Give it a taste and add more salt, pepper, or even a tiny bit more vinegar if you like.
5| Serve & Enjoy: Dish it up hot! A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top makes it look gorgeous, but it’s just as delicious without. Now dig into your incredibly easy, flavor-packed skillet dinner
Glycemic Index: Medium (~55-60) Glycemic Load: Low (~10)
Get Free Cookbooks
Kickstart your keto journey with our FREE Keto Cookbooks! 🎉 Packed with delicious recipes, these print copies are yours for the taking. Don’t wait – order now and start cooking your way to a healthier you! 🚀📚
*Hurry! offer valid till stock lasts.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Here are some easy and delicious swap ideas to make this skillet your own. Think of this recipe as a friendly template play around with what you have or what you’re craving!
Protein Swaps
- Instead of Smoked Sausage: Try Italian sausage (casings removed) for a herby kick, chicken apple sausage for a sweeter twist, or even chopped ham or diced smoked turkey. For a vegetarian version, plant-based smoked sausages or a can of drained and rinsed black beans or chickpeas work great (add beans with the peppers).
Veggie & Potato Swaps
- Instead of Sweet Potatoes: Regular russet or Yukon gold potatoes are a classic choice. For a lower-carb option, try butternut squash or even cauliflower florets (add them with the peppers, as they cook faster).
- Instead of Bell Peppers: Zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, or red onion would all be delicious. Baby spinach or kale can be stirred in at the very end until just wilted.
Flavor & Seasoning Swaps
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning, herbes de Provence, or smoked paprika would add a different but wonderful flavor profile.
- Instead of Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even the juice of half a lemon or lime can provide that needed acidity. For a richer finish, a tablespoon of whole-grain mustard is fantastic.
Quick “Make It a Meal” Add-Ins
- For More Greens: Toss in a couple of big handfuls of spinach or chopped kale right at the end of cooking.
- For Extra Creaminess: Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese or feta just before serving.
- For a Heartier Dish: Serve it over a bed of creamy polenta, quinoa, or rice to soak up all the tasty pan juices.
The main rule? Have fun with it and use what makes you happy. Cooking is all about making the recipe work for you! 😊
Try my One-Pot Creamy Thyme Mushroom Skillet recipe.
Fun Twists & Tweaks for Your Skillet
Want to shake things up? Here are some playful twists to give this reliable recipe a whole new personality. Mix, match, and make it your own kitchen experiment!
🌶️ Spice It Up
- Cajun Vibe: Swap the oregano for 1-2 tsp of Cajun seasoning or creole seasoning. Add a diced jalapeño or andouille sausage with the peppers for a real kick.
- Maple-Sriracha Glaze: Whisk together 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp sriracha. Drizzle it in at the end with the balsamic vinegar for a sweet-heat finish.
- Chimichurri Finish: Top the finished skillet with a few spoonfuls of store-bought or homemade chimichurri sauce for a bright, herby, garlicky punch.
🧀 Make It Cheesy & Creamy
- Cheesy Crust: After the final stir, sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack. Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to let it melt into gooey perfection.
- Creamy Mustard Sauce: Before returning the sausage and potatoes, stir 2 tbsp of Dijon mustard and ¼ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk into the peppers. Let it simmer for a minute to create a luxe sauce.
🌮 Global Flair Twists
- Italian Night: Use sweet Italian sausage, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, and stir in ½ cup of marinara sauce at the end. Top with fresh basil and Parmesan.
- Breakfast-for-Dinner: Swap the smoked sausage for breakfast sausage (crumbled). In the last 2 minutes, make 4 little wells in the hash and crack eggs into them. Cover the skillet until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
- Moroccan-Inspired: Swap oregano for 1 tsp cumin + ½ tsp cinnamon. Add a handful of golden raisins or dried apricots with the peppers, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint and toasted almonds.
🍎 Sweet & Savory Combos
- Apple & Sage: Add 1 diced apple (like Honeycrisp) with the peppers. Swap oregano for 1 tsp dried rubbed sage for a cozy, autumnal flavor.
- Brussels Boost: Halve 8-10 Brussels sprouts and roast them separately. Toss them in at the very end for a nutty, crunchy texture.
🍋 Simple Brightening Tweaks
- Lemon Zest: Finish the plated dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh lemon zest. It cuts through the richness and makes every flavor pop.
- Herb Garden: Don’t just use parsley! Try fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or dill for a totally different aromatic profile.
The best part? You can’t really mess it up. Start with one tweak that sounds good to you, and build from there. Happy experimenting
Try my Protein Packed Shrimp and Egg Skillet recipe.
Helpful Tips for Success
Here are some simple tricks to make sure your skillet comes out perfect every single time.
1. Size Matters: Dice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch chunks. If they’re too big, they won’t cook through in time. Too small, and they might turn to mush. Uniform pieces = even cooking!
2. Don’t Crowd the Pan: When browning the sausage or sautéing the sweet potatoes, give them space! If you pile them in, they’ll steam instead of getting that nice, flavorful sear. Use your largest skillet.
3. Taste as You Go: Season in layers. After cooking the sweet potatoes? Taste and season. After cooking the veggies? Taste again. This builds flavor better than adding all the salt at the end.
4. The Balsamic Moment: Add the balsamic vinegar off the heat or at the very end of cooking. This keeps its bright, tangy flavor intact. If you cook it too long, the flavor mellows and the vinegar can become sticky.
5. Work With What You Have: No lid for steaming the potatoes? No problem! Just add a splash of water or broth (about 2-3 tbsp) to the pan and keep stirring until the potatoes are tender.
6. Meal Prep Friendly: This is a great Sunday cook-up! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheats beautifully in a skillet or microwave.
7. The Ultimate Leftover Upgrade: Turn yesterday’s skillet into today’s breakfast hash! Reheat it in a pan, make a few wells, crack in some eggs, cover, and cook until the eggs are set.
8. Make It Ahead: For a true 15-minute dinner, chop your sweet potatoes and peppers the night before. Store them separately in containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, you’re already halfway done!
Try my Tomato, White Bean and Egg Skillet recipe.
Smart & Budget-Friendly Tips for This Skillet
Here’s how to make this hearty dinner even kinder to your wallet—without skimping on flavor.
1. Smart Sausage Shopping: Look for smoked kielbasa or ring sausage instead of pre-sliced varieties it’s almost always cheaper per ounce. Check the meat clearance section for markdowns, and freeze what you don’t use right away.
2. Seasonal & Sale Veggies: If bell peppers aren’t on sale, swap in a large onion or carrots they’re almost always affordable and add great sweetness. Buy sweet potatoes in bulk bags; they store well and cost less per pound.
3. Spice Swap: No need for expensive small jars! If you don’t have dried oregano, use Italian seasoning (which you might already have) or even a sprinkle of dried parsley or basil.
4. Bulk Bin Boost: If your grocery store has a bulk spices section, buy just a teaspoon or two of oregano or other dried herbs you need. It’s way cheaper than buying a whole jar.
5. Stretch It Further: Serve the skillet over cooked rice, quinoa, or even basic egg noodles. These inexpensive fillers soak up the delicious flavors and make four servings easily feed five or six.
6. Use the Whole Pepper: Don’t toss the tops and seeds! Freeze leftover bell pepper scraps in a bag to use later when making homemade broth or soup.
7. Store-Brand Staples: Opt for the store-brand balsamic vinegar and oil. For a recipe like this where you’re only using a small amount, the difference in quality is minimal, but the savings add up.
8. Batch & Freeze: Double the recipe and freeze half in a sealed container. It reheats beautifully for a future “fast food” night, saving you from takeout later.
9. DIY Spice Mix: Skip pre-seasoned sausages (which often cost more) and use plain smoked sausage. You control the seasoning and the price.
A little planning goes a long way! With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a tight grocery budget.
Try my Healthy Chicken and Gnocchi Skillet recipe.
Serving Ideas to Complete Your Meal
Take your skillet from “great” to “WOW, what a meal!” with these easy and delicious serving suggestions.
🍞 For Soaking Up the Goodness:
- Crusty Bread: A must! Grab a loaf of French bread, ciabatta, or dinner rolls to sop up every last bit of flavor from the pan.
- Garlic Bread: Elevate it with some toasted garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks on the side.
🥗 To Keep It Light & Fresh:
- Simple Side Salad: A quick mix of mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
- Sliced Tomatoes: In the summer, nothing beats fresh tomato slices with a little salt and pepper.
- Quick Slaw: A vinegar-based coleslaw (not mayo-heavy) adds a delicious crunchy contrast.
🌾 To Make It Heartier (Great for Feeding a Crowd):
- Over Grains: Serve it spooned over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, couscous, or creamy polenta. This stretches the skillet and makes it extra filling.
- Egg Topping: Serve it for brunch or breakfast-for-dinner with a fried or poached egg on top. The runny yolk is the best sauce!
- In a Wrap: Pile it warm into large flour tortillas with a drizzle of sour cream or hot sauce for a hearty burrito.
🧂 Finishing Touches That Make a Difference:
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions adds color and a fresh bite.
- A Dollop: A spoonful of cooling sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or a zesty aioli is fantastic with the smoky flavors.
- Extra Crunch: Top with toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or chopped nuts for a fun texture.
- Cheese, Please: A final shower of crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded Parmesan never hurts.
✨ Pro-Serve Tip:
Let everyone dig family-style right from the skillet in the center of the table. It feels cozy, inviting, and means less dishes for you! Enjoy
Try my Mac and Cheese Pepperoni Pizza Skillet recipe.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Keep your skillet tasty for days with these easy storage and reheating tricks.
❄️ Storing It Right:
- Let It Cool: Don’t seal it up hot! Let the skillet cool to room temperature first (about 30-45 minutes) to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Airtight is Key: Store leftovers in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Fridge Life: It will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing for Later: This dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep for 2-3 months. Label with the date!
🔥 Reheating for Best Results:
- Skillet Method (Best for Texture): Reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or broth. Stir often until piping hot. This helps revive the texture and prevent drying.
- Microwave Method (Fast & Easy): Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel (this adds steam and keeps it moist). Heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results, then reheat using either method above. You can reheat from frozen in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a couple tablespoons of liquid and stirring frequently.
💡 Pro Leftover Ideas:
- Breakfast Hash: Reheat in a skillet, make wells, crack in eggs, cover until eggs are set.
- Stuffed Omelet: Chop leftovers finely and use as a hearty omelet or scrambled egg filling.
- Grain Bowl Base: Reheat and serve over fresh greens or grains for a quick lunch bowl.
A quick reheat, and it’s like you made it fresh all over again!
Try my Japanese Soboro Don recipe.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it my go-to skillet that never lets me down. I hope this recipe finds a cozy spot in your weekly rotation like it has in mine. It’s the kind of simple, satisfying meal that just makes a weeknight better. If you give it a spin, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Drop a comment below and tell me what twists you added! Now, go enjoy that delicious dinner… and relish the fact that you only have one pan to wash. Happy cooking!
Recipe Card
Sausage and Sweet Potato Skillet
I make this easy Sausage and Sweet Potato Skillet all the time! It’s a flavor-packed, one-pan wonder that’s ready in 30 minutes and makes cleanup a breeze. Your whole family will love this cozy, affordable dinner. 😋🍳
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Brown the Sausage:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, reserving the drippings in the pan.
-
Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Cover the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to the bowl with the sausage.
-
Sauté the Bell Peppers:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the diced red and green bell peppers and sauté for 6–8 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and additional salt and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds more, until fragrant.
-
Combine Ingredients:
Return the reserved sausage and sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir in the balsamic vinegar until evenly distributed. Adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar to taste.
-
Serve:
Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
-
Serving Suggestion:
This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 380kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23g36%
- Cholesterol 50mg17%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Total Carbohydrate 27g9%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 9g
- Protein 17g34%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
