When the trail gets long and the day's been rough, you need a meal that comes together fast and fills you up. This One Dish Party is exactly that—a rugged, no-fuss skillet dinner that's been a staple at my camp and in my kitchen for years.
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It's built on simple ingredients you can find anywhere: smoked sausage, potatoes, and bell peppers. Everything cooks in one pan, so you're not juggling pots and pans. Just fire up the stove, get a good sear on the sausage, and let the vegetables do their thing.
I've tweaked this recipe over countless campfires and kitchen stovetops. It's forgiving, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just yourself, this dish delivers.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
Use a good quality olive oil for searing. You can substitute with avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Kielbasa or andouille work great. For a leaner option, use turkey sausage.
1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved
Red or gold potatoes hold up well. If using larger potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks.
1 large onion, diced
Yellow or sweet onion adds a mild sweetness. Red onion gives a sharper bite.
2 bell peppers, sliced
Use a mix of colors for visual appeal. Any color works.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is best, but 1 teaspoon garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor. Regular paprika works if that's all you have.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Thyme pairs well with sausage. Oregano is a fine substitute.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Adjust to taste. If your sausage is salty, you might need less.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Freshly ground is best for flavor.
1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
Low-sodium broth gives you control over salt. Vegetable broth works too.
Tips & Tricks
- Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the sausage—work in batches if needed to get a nice brown crust.
- Cut potatoes into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Halve small potatoes, quarter larger ones.
- If the potatoes aren't tender after the broth evaporates, add a splash more broth and cover until they are.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Heat the Skillet
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F / 175°C). The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
2. Brown the Sausage
Add sausage slices in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes until browned on one side, then flip and cook 2 more minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add onion and bell peppers. Cook over medium heat (325°F / 165°C) for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Potatoes and Spices
Stir in potatoes, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, letting the potatoes get a bit of color.
5. Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release the fond. Bring to a simmer (about 212°F / 100°C).
6. Cover and Cook
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Return Sausage
Add the sausage back to the skillet. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, until the liquid reduces to a light glaze and sausage is heated through.
8. Rest and Serve
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. The potatoes should be golden and the edges of the peppers slightly caramelized. Serve hot.
Delicious Variations
Protein Swap
Use chicken thighs or shrimp instead of sausage. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Add Greens
Stir in a couple handfuls of spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes.
Spice It Up
Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
How to Store One Dish Party
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth, or microwave in 30-second bursts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, just cut them into 1-inch chunks and adjust cooking time as needed.
Q: What can I substitute for smoked sausage?
Any cooked sausage like kielbasa or andouille works. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Q: How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Pierce with a fork—if it slides in easily, they're ready.
Ready to dig in? Try this One Dish Party tonight, and don't forget to share your own trail versions in the comments below. Happy cooking!
One Dish Party
One Dish Party is a hearty one-pan skillet meal with sausage, potatoes, and peppers for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
📋 Instructions
- 1Heat the Skillet — Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F / 175°C). The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- 2Brown the Sausage — Add sausage slices in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes until browned on one side, then flip and cook 2 more minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- 3Sauté Aromatics — In the same skillet, add onion and bell peppers. Cook over medium heat (325°F / 165°C) for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4Add Potatoes and Spices — Stir in potatoes, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, letting the potatoes get a bit of color.
- 5Deglaze and Simmer — Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release the fond. Bring to a simmer (about 212°F / 100°C).
- 6Cover and Cook — Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7Return Sausage — Add the sausage back to the skillet. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, until the liquid reduces to a light glaze and sausage is heated through.
- 8Rest and Serve — Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. The potatoes should be golden and the edges of the peppers slightly caramelized. Serve hot.
Lars writes about outdoor adventure and minimalist gear, focusing on long-distance hiking and camping. He shares route planning tips, gear tests, and lessons from the trail, always emphasizing safety and leaving no trace. His writing is practical and seasoned, but he never claims to be an expert—just a passionate hiker.
