Smoked Sausage with Potatoes and Green Beans is a classic, comforting, and easy one-pan meal that’s packed with bold flavors, hearty textures, and wholesome ingredients. This dish brings together smoky, juicy sausage, tender potatoes, and crisp green beans, all seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a touch of spice.
This recipe is quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning minimal prep and cleanup while delivering maximum flavor!
Smoked sausage with potatoes and green beans is the ultimate one-pan meal that’s both hearty and delicious. The smoky sausage pairs perfectly with tender potatoes and fresh green beans, creating a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe delivers both flavor and convenience. Let’s explore how to make this simple yet flavorful smoked sausage dish that’s sure to please the entire family.
1. Why You’ll Love This Smoked Sausage with Potatoes and Green Beans
✔ Easy and fast – Ready in 30 minutes with minimal effort.
✔ One-pan meal – Fewer dishes, less cleanup!
✔ Smoky, savory, and satisfying – The sausage infuses the entire dish with bold flavor.
✔ Budget-friendly – Simple, inexpensive ingredients.
✔ Versatile – Works for meal prep, potlucks, or a casual family dinner.
If you love quick and hearty meals, this smoked sausage, potatoes, and green beans dish will become a staple in your kitchen!
2. Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 1 lb baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red), halved
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- A squeeze of lemon juice
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the halved potatoes, season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, and sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Remove the potatoes from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
- Add another 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy.
- Remove the sausage and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Green Beans and Aromatics
- In the same pan, melt butter (if using) and add the sliced onion. Sauté for 3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the green beans and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Combine Everything and Finish Cooking
- Return the potatoes and sausage to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Cover and let cook for 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or a simple side salad.
4. Tips for the Best Smoked Sausage with Potatoes and Green Beans
✔ Use smoked sausage for the best flavor – Kielbasa, andouille, or chorizo add extra depth.
✔ Pre-cook potatoes slightly – This helps them cook faster in the skillet.
✔ Brown the sausage first – This allows it to develop a crispy, caramelized crust.
✔ Don’t overcook the green beans – Keep them slightly crisp for the best texture.
✔ Adjust the spice level – Add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
5. Variations and Substitutions
Want to change things up? Try these delicious variations:
- Cheesy Version – Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan before serving.
- Spicy Cajun Style – Use Andouille sausage and season with Cajun spices.
- Sheet Pan Version – Toss everything with olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
- Vegetarian Option – Replace sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
- Low-Carb/Keto Version – Swap potatoes for cauliflower or zucchini.
6. What to Serve with Smoked Sausage, Potatoes, and Green Beans
This dish is filling on its own, but pairs well with:
Side Dishes:
✔ Garlic bread or cornbread
✔ Steamed rice or quinoa
✔ Creamy mashed potatoes
✔ Coleslaw or a fresh green salad
Sauces & Condiments:
✔ Honey mustard or Dijon mustard
✔ Hot sauce or Cajun aioli
✔ Garlic butter drizzle
Wine & Drink Pairing:
🍷 A dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) balances the smoky sausage.
🍷 Prefer red? Try a light-bodied Pinot Noir.
🥤 Iced tea or lemonade pairs well for a refreshing contrast.
7. Storing and Reheating
Refrigerating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, adding a splash of oil if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each
Smoked Sausage with Potatoes and Green Beans: A Hearty One-Pan Meal
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 1 lb baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red), halved
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the halved potatoes, season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, and sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Remove the potatoes from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
- Add another 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
- Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crispy.
- Remove the sausage and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Green Beans and Aromatics
- In the same pan, melt butter (if using) and add the sliced onion. Sauté for 3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the green beans and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Combine Everything and Finish Cooking
- Return the potatoes and sausage to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Cover and let cook for 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or a simple side salad.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes! Just thaw them first or add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. What’s the best sausage for this recipe?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, andouille, or even Italian sausage all work great!
3. Can I make this dish in the oven?
Yes! Toss everything together, spread on a sheet pan, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?
Use a well-heated pan with enough oil, and avoid moving them too much while cooking.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything in advance and store in the fridge. When ready to cook, just heat and serve.
6. What potatoes work best?
Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes hold their shape well and don’t get mushy.
7. Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes! Sweet potatoes add a sweet-savory contrast to the smoky sausage.
8. How do I make it extra crispy?
Use high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan so everything roasts instead of steaming.
9. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add extra cayenne, hot sauce, or spicy sausage.
10. Can I add cheese?
Yes! Sprinkle Parmesan, cheddar, or feta on top before serving.