Sweet & Savory Maple Sausage Skillet (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

Key Takeaways:

• Perfect one-pan dinner that serves 4 people
• Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients
• Sweet and savory flavor combination that kids love
• Great for meal prep – stays fresh for 3 days

This maple sausage recipe turns basic ingredients into a cozy dinner that screams comfort food. When you need a quick weeknight meal that everyone will love, this skillet dinner delivers with its perfect blend of sweet maple and savory sausage.

Time Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 people

Equipment Needed

• 12-inch cast iron skillet or large frying pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork sausage links, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
• 2 sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredient Substitutions

• Turkey sausage for a lighter option
• Regular pancake syrup if maple syrup unavailable
• Butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes
• Coconut aminos for soy sauce (gluten-free option)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase (10 minutes)

1. Cut sausage links into 1-inch pieces
2. Peel and cube sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks
3. Dice onion and mince garlic
4. Measure out maple syrup and other liquids

Cooking Phase (20 minutes)

1. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat
2. Add sausage pieces to hot pan

• Cook 5-7 minutes until browned
• Stir occasionally for even cooking

1. Remove sausage and set aside
2. In same pan, add sweet potatoes

• Cook 8-10 minutes until starting to soften
• Stir every 2-3 minutes

1. Add onion and garlic

• Cook 3-4 minutes until onion turns translucent

1. Return sausage to pan
2. Pour in maple syrup and soy sauce

• Stir everything together
• Cook 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens

Finishing Steps

1. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
2. Let rest 2-3 minutes before serving
3. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired

Troubleshooting Tips

• If sweet potatoes aren’t softening: Cover pan for 5 minutes
• If sauce is too thin: Cook 2-3 minutes longer
• If sauce burns: Lower heat and add 2 tablespoons water
• If sausage sticks: Add more oil to pan

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• Veggie-Loaded: Add bell peppers and Brussels sprouts
• Breakfast Style: Top with fried egg
• Asian Fusion: Add ginger and sesame oil

Storage & Reheating

• Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in microwave 1-2 minutes
• Reheat in skillet over medium heat 5-7 minutes
• Not recommended for freezing

Safety Notes & Tips

• Check sausage internal temperature reaches 160°F
• Don’t overcrowd pan – cook in batches if needed
• Use oven mitt when handling hot skillet
• Let cool 5 minutes before storing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using pancake syrup instead of real maple syrup
• Cutting pieces unevenly
• Cooking at too high heat
• Not preheating pan properly