potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe

There’s something magical about hearing the sizzle of potatoes hitting a hot skillet on a busy weeknight. I remember one particular evening when Lila had soccer practice, Jack needed help with his homework, and I had approximately twenty minutes to get dinner on the table. My dad always told me, “When in doubt, grab the potatoes.” That night, I threw together this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe, and it became an instant family favorite.

The kids devoured it, Grace called asking for the recipe, and I realized I’d stumbled onto something special. This potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe combines crispy potatoes, savory protein, and colorful vegetables in one glorious pan. Best of all, cleanup takes less time than cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pan Potato Skillet

This potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe solves the eternal weeknight dinner dilemma. First, it requires just one pan, which means minimal cleanup. Additionally, you can have this hearty meal ready in under 30 minutes. Furthermore, the recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.

The versatility of this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe truly shines. You can customize it based on what’s in your refrigerator. Moreover, it’s budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

The potatoes crisp up beautifully on the outside while staying tender inside. Meanwhile, the seasonings create layers of flavor that satisfy even picky eaters like Jack.

I love how this dish brings everyone to the table. It’s comfort food that doesn’t require hours of preparation. The aroma alone gets my kids excited for dinner. Plus, this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe takes just minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount
Yukon Gold potatoes, diced	1.5 pounds
Smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced	12 ounces
Bell peppers, chopped	2 medium
Onion, diced	1 large
Olive oil	3 tablespoons
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Italian seasoning	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Fresh parsley, chopped	¼ cup

The beauty of this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a purpose. The potatoes provide heartiness, while the sausage adds protein and smokiness. The vegetables contribute color and nutrition.

Substitutions & Variations

This potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. Instead of smoked sausage, try chicken breast, ground beef, or turkey. For a vegetarian version, add chickpeas or white beans.

Swap Yukon Gold potatoes for red potatoes or russets. Each variety offers a slightly different texture. Red potatoes hold their shape well, while russets get extra crispy.

Don’t have bell peppers? Use zucchini, broccoli, or green beans instead. Grace often adds mushrooms to her version. Lila prefers adding corn for sweetness.

Experiment with seasonings too. Try Cajun spices for heat, or add rosemary and thyme for an earthy flavor. This potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe welcomes creativity.

For a breakfast twist, crack eggs directly into wells in the skillet during the last five minutes of cooking. The result is a complete breakfast-for-dinner situation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe couldn’t be simpler. Follow these straightforward steps:

Step 1: Prep your ingredients first. Dice the potatoes into half-inch cubes for even cooking. Slice the sausage into rounds.

Chop the peppers and onion. Mince the garlic.

Step 2: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add two tablespoons of olive oil. Let it shimmer.

Step 3: Add the diced potatoes to the hot skillet. Spread them in an even layer. Season with salt and pepper.

Let them cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes. This creates that gorgeous golden crust.

Step 4: Flip the potatoes and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced sausage. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add the onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir everything together. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 6: Push everything to the sides of the skillet, creating a well in the center. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the well. Let them toast for 30 seconds. Then mix everything together.

Step 7: Continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should be fork-tender and golden.

Step 8: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

This potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe comes together quickly. The key is having everything prepped before you start cooking.

Making this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe couldn’t be simpler. For another delicious option, check out our garlic butter steak and potatoes best easy recipe that pairs perfectly with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Success

After making this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe countless times, I’ve learned several tricks. First, cut your potatoes uniformly. This ensures even cooking throughout.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If your pan is too small, cook in batches. Overcrowding creates steam instead of the crispy edges we love in this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe.

Resist the urge to stir constantly. Let the potatoes sit and develop that golden crust. Patience pays off with better texture and flavor.

Use a cast iron skillet if you have one. It distributes heat evenly and creates superior browning. However, any large skillet works for this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe.

Season in layers. Add salt and pepper at different stages rather than all at once. This builds depth of flavor.

Fresh garlic makes a difference. While garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh garlic elevates this dish considerably.

Don’t skip the parsley. Fresh herbs brighten the entire dish and add a pop of color that makes this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe restaurant-worthy.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe stores beautifully for meal prep. Let the skillet cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.

To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through. This method restores some of the original crispiness.

Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet for best results.

Avoid microwaving if possible. While convenient, it makes the potatoes soggy. If you must microwave, use 50% power and heat in short intervals.

This potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the potato texture. Fresh is always best for this dish.

This potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe stores beautifully for meal prep. If you’re looking for another easy meal to prepare ahead, try our sheet pan chicken pitas with herby ranch slaw recipe for a tasty lunch option.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe is satisfying on its own. However, pairing it with sides creates a complete meal.

A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. I often serve it with crusty bread for soaking up any flavorful bits. Lila loves dipping garlic bread into the skillet.

Roasted green beans or asparagus add elegance. Coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that complements this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe perfectly.

For breakfast service, add toast and fresh fruit. Orange juice or coffee rounds out the morning meal.

Cornbread is Jack’s favorite pairing. The slight sweetness balances the savory elements beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make this potato skillet recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep ingredients the night before. Dice potatoes and store them in water to prevent browning. Chop vegetables and store separately. When ready to cook, drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat dry before adding to the skillet.

What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they crisp up nicely while staying creamy inside. Red potatoes work wonderfully too. Russet potatoes create the crispiest results but may break apart more easily.

Can I make this recipe in a cast iron skillet?

Absolutely! A cast iron skillet is perfect for this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe. It retains heat beautifully and creates excellent browning. Just ensure your skillet is well-seasoned.

How do I prevent potatoes from sticking to the pan?

Use enough oil and let the pan heat properly before adding potatoes. Don’t stir too frequently. Allow a crust to form before flipping. A well-seasoned or non-stick pan also helps.

Can I add other vegetables to this skillet dinner?

Definitely! This potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe is highly adaptable. Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. Add quicker-cooking vegetables toward the end to prevent overcooking.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	385
Total Fat	19g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	890mg
Total Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	5g
Sugars	4g
Protein	15g

This potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe provides balanced nutrition. It offers protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables in one satisfying dish. The recipe makes approximately four generous servings.

Mark always appreciated hearty meals like this after long days. This potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe honors his memory while feeding my family wholesome, delicious food. When Lila and Jack ask for seconds, I know I’ve created something special.

This dish brings people together around the table, sharing stories and creating memories. That’s what cooking is all about—simple ingredients transformed with love into moments worth savoring. Give this potato skillet easy one pan dinner recipe a try tonight, and watch it become a staple in your home too.

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A potato skillet is a versatile dish that combines various ingredients cooked together in a single skillet, making it a convenient option for quick meals. This method of cooking allows for a variety of flavors and textures, often resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, as detailed in this potato article.