Sweet Potato Sausage & Kale Skillet
A covered skillet softens sweet potatoes quickly before the lid comes off for browning. Fully cooked chicken sausage and kale turn the vegetables into a hearty meal, with apple cider vinegar to balance their sweetness.
Serves: 4 | Estimated total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 1/4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup water, plus extra as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 packed cups chopped kale, tough stems removed
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
How to make it
- Heat oil in a large lidded skillet over medium heat. Brown sausage slices 3–4 minutes, then transfer to a clean plate.
- Cook onion in the skillet 3 minutes. Add sweet potatoes, water, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice.
- Check that potatoes are nearly tender. Add a splash of water if the pan dries early. Remove lid and cook 3–5 minutes to evaporate remaining water.
- Add kale and 2 tablespoons water. Cover for 2–3 minutes, then stir in sausage. Cook until kale is tender and sausage reaches 165°F, or its package's higher requirement.
- Stir in vinegar and taste. Serve hot.
Helpful tips
Dry kale leaves after washing so you control the amount of liquid. Baby spinach can replace kale; stir it in at the end and cook only until wilted.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in shallow covered containers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if the room is above 90°F. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below and use leftovers within 3–4 days. Reheat to 165°F throughout. These storage guidelines follow USDA guidance.
Common question
Why are my potatoes taking longer? Cube size and skillet heat matter. Keep cooking with a little water and the lid on until fork-tender before finishing.
More recipes to try
Keeping everyday seasonings within reach makes prep easier. If your spice jars need a home, see the Spiceo four-piece wall-mounted rack set, supplied with mounting hardware. Jars and spices are not included.
Recipe image is AI-generated for illustration. Results will vary with ingredients and equipment; this recipe has not been kitchen-tested.