We absolutely love smothered potatoes and sausage – it’s that hearty Southern classic that warms the soul on chilly evenings. Hailing from the rich culinary traditions of the American South this comforting dish layers tender potatoes with savory sausage in a flavorful gravy making it a go-to for family meals.
We’re excited to guide you through our simple version that’s packed with bold flavors and easy prep so you can whip it up anytime. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out this recipe promises to deliver delicious results every time.
Ingredients
For our smothered potatoes and sausage recipe, we gather fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring out the hearty, comforting flavors of this Southern classic. Below, we list them in the order they are typically used, with prep specifics noted for accuracy and ease.
- Potatoes: 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds (these form the base and should be prepped first for even cooking).
- Sausage: 1 pound smoked sausage, such as andouille, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces (we recommend slicing it diagonally for better browning and flavor release).
- Onion: 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (this adds sweetness and is often the first aromatic to hit the pan).
- Bell Pepper: 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced (provides a subtle crunch and is prepped alongside the onion for quick sautéing).
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced just before use to preserve its pungent aroma).
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (use this to create the rich gravy, and measure precisely for the right consistency).
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons, for thickening (sift if clumpy to ensure a smooth roux).
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika (combine these in a small bowl beforehand for even distribution and enhanced taste).
These ingredients combine to deliver the signature smothered texture, where potatoes absorb the savory juices from the sausage and veggies for a truly satisfying meal.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our smothered potatoes and sausage recipe seamlessly after gathering the ingredients, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure efficient chopping, cooking, and stirring for that perfect smothered texture and flavor infusion.
We organize these tools by their sequence of use in the recipe process:
- Cutting board and sharp knife: A sturdy cutting board paired with a sharp chef’s knife allows us to quickly slice the medium russet potatoes into even pieces and chop the smoked sausage, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. This step is crucial for uniform cooking and maximizing the savory juices that define our dish.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our recipe’s success, so we use standard measuring cups for ingredients like low-sodium chicken broth and spoons for seasonings and all-purpose flour to avoid over- or under-seasoning.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: This is the star tool for our smothered potatoes and sausage, providing ample space to brown the sausage and vegetables while allowing the potatoes to simmer and absorb flavors. Opt for a 12-inch cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and that authentic Southern sear.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: We prefer a heat-resistant wooden spoon for stirring the mixture without scratching the pan, ensuring the potatoes and sausage blend smoothly as they cook in the broth for optimal tenderness and taste.
By having these tools ready, we streamline the process and achieve the hearty, comforting results that make this Southern classic irresistible.
Instructions
With our fresh ingredients and essential tools ready from the previous steps, we’re thrilled to walk you through creating this comforting smothered potatoes and sausage dish. Our straightforward instructions ensure you achieve a flavorful, hearty meal that’s perfect for any gathering.
Prep
Before we start cooking, we’ll prepare our ingredients in the order they’ll be used to ensure even cooking and enhance the dish’s rich flavors. Begin by washing and peeling 4 medium russet potatoes, then dice them into 1-inch cubes for quick and uniform absorption of savory juices. Next, slice 1 pound of smoked sausage into ½-inch thick rounds to allow for even browning and flavor release. Follow this by chopping 1 large onion and 1 bell pepper into fine pieces—aim for ½-inch dice to blend seamlessly with the potatoes.
mince 3 garlic cloves for a potent aroma that infuses the dish. In a small bowl, measure and mix 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth to create a smooth slurry, which will thicken our smothered sauce. Finally, gather and measure your seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika, setting them aside to add depth and warmth to the final product.
Cook
Once prepped, we’ll move to cooking in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, building layers of flavor for that signature smothered texture. First, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet until it shimmers, then add the sliced smoked sausage and Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until it browns and releases its fragrant, savory fats that form the base of our dish.
Next, incorporate the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing them for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release a sweet, aromatic scent that mingles with the sausage. Stir in the minced garlic and seasonings (1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika), cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices and create a robust flavor profile. Now, add the diced potatoes and the flour-broth slurry, stirring well to coat everything evenly, then pour in an additional 1 cup of chicken broth to cover the mixture.
Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and have absorbed the rich, savory juices, resulting in a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that makes this Southern classic irresistible. Finally, uncover and Cook for another 5 minutes to thicken the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with comforting, hearty goodness.
Conclusion
We’ve shared the joy of this Southern classic and hope you’ve found it as irresistible as we do. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers big on comfort and flavor. Let’s make smothered potatoes and sausage a go-to for cozy nights—it’s sure to satisfy us every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is smothered potatoes and sausage?
Smothered potatoes and sausage is a classic Southern comfort dish featuring tender potatoes cooked in savory juices from smoked sausage, onions, bell peppers, and seasonings. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal ideal for cold evenings, offering a creamy texture as the potatoes absorb the rich flavors.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You’ll need medium russet potatoes, smoked sausage, onion, bell pepper, garlic, low-sodium chicken broth, all-purpose flour, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs. These ingredients create the dish’s signature smothered texture, with everything prepared in sequence for even cooking and maximum flavor.
How do I make smothered potatoes and sausage?
Start by prepping ingredients: wash and peel potatoes, slice sausage, and chop veggies. Brown the sausage in a skillet, sauté onions and peppers, add garlic and seasonings, then incorporate potatoes and broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20-30 minutes, for a creamy result.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s beginner-friendly! The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, like browning sausage and simmering veggies, with clear instructions for even cooking. With basic tools and minimal prep, even new cooks can create this comforting Southern dish easily.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely, you can swap smoked sausage for turkey or kielbasa, use sweet potatoes instead of russet for a twist, or add extras like mushrooms. Keep the core elements for flavor balance, and adjust seasonings to taste—it’s flexible while maintaining the hearty, smothered essence.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
Prep takes about 15 minutes, and cooking around 30-40 minutes on the stove. The simple steps, like chopping and simmering, make it quick for a comforting meal, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing that rich, Southern flavor.