Sausage and Potato One-Pan Bake: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

Ever have one of those nights where you just need dinner to be easy? You want something hearty and delicious that the whole family will eat, but you’re also secretly hoping you only have one pan to wash. I get it. That’s why this Sausage and Potato One-Pan Bake is such a lifesaver. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug, and it comes together with minimal fuss. Plus, who can argue with a recipe that lets you walk away from the stove? Not me!

Why You’ll Love This

This recipe is the whole package. First, it’s incredibly easy, making it a perfect candidate for your weeknight dinner rotation. All you do is chop, toss, and roast. The oven does all the heavy lifting, freeing you up to tackle the rest of your evening. Second, the flavors are so, so comforting. You get the savory sausage, the earthy potatoes, and those sweet, caramelized peppers and onions, all melding together into one incredible dish. And cleanup? A total breeze. So good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound smoked turkey sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds (adds that classic smoky flavor without the pork)
• 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved (they get perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside)
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped (for a sweet, colorful crunch)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (caramelizes beautifully in the oven)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (helps everything roast up golden brown)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that essential savory note)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (brings it all together with herby goodness)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a hint of depth and warmth)
• Salt and black pepper to taste (the fundamentals for making all the flavors pop)
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (a pretty and fresh finishing touch)

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large, rimmed baking sheet—no need to grease it yet.
2. In a very large bowl, combine the sliced sausage, halved potatoes, chopped bell pepper, and onion.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over everything in the bowl. Then sprinkle on the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Now, get your hands in there! Toss everything together until all the pieces are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Honestly, this is the most fun part.
5. Spread the mixture out in a single layer on your baking sheet. This is key for getting those crispy edges instead of steam.
6. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes. You’ll want to give everything a good stir halfway through the cooking time to make sure it browns evenly.
7. It’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the sausage has some nice browned spots. Garnish with that fresh parsley right before serving.

One-Pan Bake Tips For Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pan! If your baking sheet is looking a little too full, use two. Giving everything space is the secret to getting that delicious caramelization instead of steaming.
• Cut your potatoes into similar-sized pieces. This ensures they’ll all cook through at the same rate. No one wants a mix of overcooked and undercooked spuds.
• Feel free to use your favorite pre-cooked sausage. I love the smoked turkey, but chicken or plant-based sausages work wonderfully, too.
• For extra crispy potatoes, you can give the pan a little shake about 20 minutes in. But no stress if you forget.
• And my number one tip? Taste and adjust the seasoning right after it comes out of the oven. A little extra pinch of salt can make all the difference.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. If you need a gluten-free meal, you’re already there—just double-check your sausage labels. For a lower-carb option, try swapping half the potatoes for cauliflower florets. They roast up just as nicely. Not a fan of bell peppers? Toss in some broccoli florets or sliced zucchini instead. And if you’re looking for a flavor twist, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings will add a gentle, welcome heat.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This Sausage and Potato One-Pan Bake is a complete meal all on its own, but it also plays well with others. For a super simple dinner, just serve it straight from the pan with a side of crusty bread to soak up any juices. If you’re craving something green, a quick arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. It’s also fantastic next to some steamed green beans or asparagus. It truly is one of those versatile dinner dishes that makes planning easy.

Storage & Reheating

Any leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I find the oven or air fryer work best to bring back that crispiness. Spread the leftovers on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for a couple of minutes if you’re in a serious hurry, just know the potatoes will be softer. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the potatoes can become a bit grainy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of potato? Absolutely! Yukon Golds or red potatoes are my other go-tos for this recipe. Just cut them into 1-inch chunks so they cook evenly.
• Is this recipe considered a healthy dinner idea? I think so! It’s packed with protein and veggies, all roasted with a moderate amount of heart-healthy olive oil. It’s a balanced and satisfying meal.
• What are some other cheap dinners for a family that are this easy? Sheet pan meals are my favorite for budget-friendly and quick dinner ideas. You might also love a simple one-pot pasta or a big pot of chili. They’re all easy weeknight dinners that don’t break the bank.
• Do I have to stir it halfway through? It’s highly recommended! Stirring helps everything cook and brown evenly, ensuring you don’t have one corner of burnt potatoes and another of undercooked onions. It only takes a second and makes a big difference.