Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's also quick and easy to make? Look no further! This Italian Sausage and Potatoes recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a busy weeknight. It's packed with hearty flavors, requires minimal ingredients, and comes together in under an hour. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. This easy recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, delivering a delicious dish without fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice!)
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or russet work well)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Peel and cube the potatoes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. This simple step saves time later on.
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Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Everything: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the cubed potatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This hearty dish is perfect on its own or served with a side salad for a complete and healthy meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use bone-in Italian sausage.
- Add some vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh oregano and basil, use about 1 tablespoon of each, chopped.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of sausage and potatoes used. However, a serving is generally a good source of protein and fiber, relatively low in carbs compared to other potato dishes, and offers a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. For a precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients.
This easy and delicious Italian Sausage and Potatoes recipe is a perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights. It's a healthy meal option that the entire family will enjoy. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one proves that point perfectly. Enjoy!