This skillet 5-ingredient smoked sausage Ellsworth is the kind of thrifty, filling supper that earns a permanent place in a family recipe box. It leans on a handful of affordable ingredients to make something rich, hearty, and comforting, with browned smoked sausage, tender potatoes, onion, and plenty of creamy melted cheese all cooked together in one pan. It is especially handy on busy nights when you want a hot meal on the table without much fuss or a long grocery list.
Serve this with a simple green salad, buttered green beans, or canned corn if you want to round out the meal without spending much more. Warm dinner rolls or toasted bread are nice for scooping up the cheesy bites, and for a little brightness, a side of pickles or a spoonful of coleslaw balances the richness really well.
Skillet 5-Ingredient Smoked Sausage Ellsworth
Servings: 6
Ingredients
14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into thick rounds
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced small
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Directions
1. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning now and then, until the edges are browned and the skillet has a little flavor built up on the bottom.
2. Stir in the diced potatoes and sliced onion. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the potatoes start to soften and pick up color from the sausage drippings.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the onions are fully soft.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Cover again for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
5. Spoon onto plates and serve hot while the cheese is still stretchy. If you like, scrape up a few of the browned bits from the skillet for extra flavor in each serving.
Variations & Tips
For picky eaters: Cut the onion very thin so it softens right into the skillet, or leave it out and add a little extra potato. You can also use mild cheddar instead of sharp if your family likes a gentler cheese flavor.
Make it stretch farther: If you need to feed a few extra people, serve smaller portions alongside eggs, toast, or a pot of beans. It is one of those practical suppers that feels generous even when the budget is tight.
Use a different cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar blend all melt nicely here. If you want a richer finish, stir in a small splash of milk right before adding the cheese to help it melt extra creamy.
Get the potatoes tender faster: Dice the potatoes fairly small and keep the skillet covered during the second part of cooking. If your potatoes are taking longer than expected, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water and cover again to steam them a bit.
Add a little color: A handful of chopped parsley or green onions scattered over the top makes the skillet look fresh and bright. That little finishing touch can make a simple budget meal feel special enough for company.