Sweet potato and sausage recipes are a staple in our household and have remained one of our favorite meal prep dishes over the years. The secret to this dish lies in the sausage: juicy, flavorful, and versatile enough to complement almost any meal. We’re big fans of Hillshire Farm Smoked Uncured Polska Kielbasa, which we often stock up on during our Costco trips. However, you can easily find this brand at most local grocery stores in a variety of delicious flavors—all of which pair perfectly with this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for meal prepping your lunches or dinners for the week.
- Healthy & Delicious: Sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and sausages create a balance of nutrients and flavors that work for any diet.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Whether you bake or boil the sweet potatoes, you can adapt the recipe to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes or Yams: 2 large or 3 medium
- Salt: 1/4 tablespoon for boiling sweet potatoes, plus more to taste
- Butter: 1/2 tablespoon
- Cinnamon: A dash for garnish
Sausage and Vegetables
- Yellow Onion: 1/2, sliced
- Green Bell Pepper: 1, sliced
- Red Bell Pepper: 1, sliced
- Salt and Pepper: 1/4 tablespoon each, to taste
- Smoked Sausage: 1 packet (recommended: Hillshire Farm Smoked Uncured Polska Kielbasa)
Directions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by boiling water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes in half, then into quarters to speed up cooking. Boil the sweet potatoes for about 20 minutes or until tender. You can also bake them, either wrapped in foil for a softer texture or unwrapped for a crispier skin.
2. Cook the Sausage
Slice the sausages into rounds and cook them in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. This step allows the sausages to brown slightly, enhancing their flavor.
3. Add the Vegetables
Slice the bell peppers and onion, then add them to the skillet with the browned sausages. Cook everything together for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and develop a golden-brown color.
4. Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and slightly cooled, mash them in a bowl. Add the butter and salt to taste. For a creamier consistency, you can optionally add a splash of milk. Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon for a touch of sweetness.
5. Assemble the Meal Prep
Divide the mashed sweet potatoes and sausage-vegetable mixture into glass meal prep containers. This makes reheating easy and keeps your meals fresh for the week.
6. Store and Serve
Store the meal prep containers in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Choose Your Cooking Method: Boiling sweet potatoes saves time, but baking them enhances their natural sweetness.
- Glass Containers: Use glass meal prep containers for safer reheating and longer-lasting freshness.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to add additional vegetables like zucchini or broccoli for even more variety.
So Good
Smoked Sausages & Bell Peppers with Sweet Potatoes is a tried-and-true meal prep favorite that’s healthy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re new to meal prepping or a seasoned pro, this dish will save you time and keep you excited about your weekly meals. Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out!
