If you are craving a one-pan wonder that brings together comforting flavors and vibrant veggies, then the Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need on your table tonight. This dish combines tender baby potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and crisp-tender broccoli all coated in a luscious layer of melted cheddar cheese, seasoned with a lively blend of Cajun spices. It’s rustic, hearty, and bursting with warmth, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each one playing a vital role in taste, texture, and color. From the creaminess of butter to the spicy kick of paprika, every element works together to create a harmonious and hearty meal.
- Baby potatoes: Quartered for quick cooking and a tender, creamy bite that soaks up all the spices.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Add a burst of vibrant green color and a pleasant crunch to balance the dish.
- Smoked sausage: Sliced into rounds, providing smoky depth and meaty satisfaction.
- Garlic: Finely minced to infuse its aromatic flavor throughout the skillet.
- Olive oil: Divided use for browning sausage and sautéing potatoes for perfect texture.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps potatoes cook to golden perfection.
- Cajun seasoning: Brings a warm, zesty spice that lifts all the flavors.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the mix.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Give a gentle heat that’s just right.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, irresistible topping.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of freshness and color at the end.
How to Make Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage rounds and cook them for about 6-8 minutes until they develop a golden caramelized crust. This step locks in the smoky flavor and adds a wonderful texture. Once browned, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside—your skillet is about to get even more flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter along with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the quartered baby potatoes and let them cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning, and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender. This step creates a buttery, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Spices and Broccoli
Next, add the finely minced garlic to the skillet, followed by Cajun seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir everything together and sauté for about a minute to awaken those fragrant spices. Then, add the fresh broccoli florets. Cook the mixture for 5-6 minutes until the broccoli turns a rich green color and softens slightly, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors in one pan.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Return the browned sausage back to the skillet, nestling it in with the potatoes and broccoli. Remove the pan from the heat and generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes. During this time, the cheese melts into a creamy blanket that ties all the ingredients together in cheesy, savory goodness.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Once the cheese has melted beautifully, it’s time to serve this dish piping hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like, and get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors and satisfying textures of this incredible skillet meal.
How to Serve Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely fresh bite and bright green color, balancing the richness of the cheese and sausage. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a hint of zing or a few extra red pepper flakes if you love more heat.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a fantastic main dish on its own, but if you want to serve it alongside something, a crisp green salad or a simple side of steamed rice complements it beautifully. For a touch of indulgence, garlic bread on the side is an absolute crowd-pleaser that completes the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in the skillet it was cooked in for a rustic, homey vibe that will delight your guests. Alternatively, portion it into individual bowls or plate it with a garnish of extra cheese and parsley for an elevated presentation. You can even layer it with some dollops of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce to customize each plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after a day, making it an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
If you wish to freeze, cool the dish completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To preserve the texture, avoid overheating. Adding a splash of water when reheating in the skillet helps keep the broccoli and potatoes tender and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a wonderful flavor, you can substitute with Italian sausage, kielbasa, or even chorizo depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the sausage with hearty plant-based sausage or extra mushrooms for a similar umami punch. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli is best for texture and color, but if you are using frozen, thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Cheddar melts wonderfully, but feel free to try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses to create your own signature twist on this skillet recipe.
Is this dish spicy?
This Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe has a moderate level of heat from the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amounts to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
The Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe is truly one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Quick to make but loaded with comforting flavors and textures, it’s perfect for busy evenings or anytime you want an all-in-one dish that satisfies both the heart and the taste buds. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to skillet supper.
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Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage Potato Broccoli Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender baby potatoes, savory smoked sausage, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese. Enhanced with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, each sliced into quarters
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Proteins
- 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into rounds
Fats & Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
Dairy
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown Sausage: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage rounds and cook for 6-8 minutes until they start to caramelize and develop a rich brown color. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Potatoes: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter along with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the quartered baby potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fork-tender and golden on the edges.
- Add Spices and Broccoli: Stir in the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the fresh broccoli florets and sauté for 5-6 minutes, until the broccoli deepens in color and starts to soften, blending flavors nicely with the potatoes and spices.
- Melt Cheese: Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve the sausage potato broccoli skillet immediately while warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- To vary the dish, try using different types of smoked sausage such as kielbasa or Andouille.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make sure the skillet is covered during the cheese melting step to help the cheese melt evenly and thoroughly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute butter with additional olive oil and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
