Name: Smothered Potatoes with Onions and Peppers
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 Russet potatoes, sliced into ¼ inch slices; 1 tablespoon Olive oil; 1 green Bell pepper thinly sliced; ½ large Onion, thinly sliced; 1 ½ tablespoon Seasoned salt (more or less to taste); 2 teaspoons Garlic powder; 2 teaspoons Onion powder; 1 teaspoon Black pepper; ½ cup Water

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Smothered potatoes with onions and peppers are generously seasoned and sauteed on the stovetop until fork-tender. Enjoy this quick and easy Southern side dish with a hearty main dish for a satisfying meal.

Looking for more potato side dishes? Then try my Roasted Cheesy Ranch Potatoes, The Best Candied Sweet Potatoes, and Smothered Green Beans and Potatoes next.

a small bowl full of smothered potatoes beside a pot containing more with a wooden spoon

Just when you thought you knew all the potato recipes, here comes smothered potatoes! Create this delightful comfort food by caramelizing onions and using fresh peppers. The potatoes are a mouthwatering mesh of soft potatoes infused with savory, peppery flavor.

Why you will love Smothered Potatoes:

Quick & Easy! This easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes.

Versatile! These potatoes taste great with a variety of main courses and you can even add more veggies or protein to make it a skillet meal.

Super Affordable! At any given time, I have each of the simple ingredients needed to make this delicious side dish.

overhead view of a small bowl of smothered potatoes with a wooden spoon out of focus

What are Smothered Potatoes?

Smothered potatoes are sliced and sauteed potatoes, usually cooked with onions, bell peppers, and a small amount of liquid to steam and tenderize them. It’s a Southern side dish that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

The Best Potatoes for Smothered Potatoes

Make smothered potatoes using your favorite potatoes. I chose russet potatoes but red potatoes, baby potatoes, or Yukon gold potatoes are excellent options too. You can even use a mix if you prefer.

Ingredients for Smothered Potatoes Recipe

To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Russet potatoes: There’s no need to peel them. Slice them into ¼-inch slices.
Olive oil: Use this to saute the onions, peppers, and potatoes.
Bell pepper: Thinly slice peppers. You can use a red, yellow, or green bell pepper; whichever you prefer.
Onion: Thinly slice the onions so they cook faster and at the same rate as the peppers. Use yellow onions or white onions.
Seasoning: Season the potatoes and veggies with seasoned salt (more or less to taste), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Water: This adds moisture to make the potatoes even more tender.

ingredients for smothered potatoes: sliced onions and peppers on a cutting board beside a bowl of sliced russet potatoes

How to Make Smothered Onions

Thoroughly clean the potatoes with water until there is no more debris or dirt on them. Then cut them into thin slices, about ¼ inch thick.

a sliced potato on a cutting board beside a knife

Add the potatoes to a large bowl and season them with the seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Then mix the potatoes with the seasoning until everything is fully coated.

Add olive oil to a shallow, large skillet and heat oil over medium heat. Now add in your sliced bell peppers and onions and allow them to saute for 2-3 minutes, turning them every minute to ensure they don’t burn.

sliced bell peppers and onions sautéing in a pot

Once the onions and peppers are softened, add your seasoned potatoes directly into the skillet and mix them in with peppers and onions.

sliced potatoes added to skillet with sliced onions and peppers

Now add your water to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and allow the potatoes to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until all of the liquid has been absorbed and the potatoes are softened.

Add salt and pepper as needed. Serve right away, and enjoy!

close up view of smothered potatoes in pan

Tips

Slice the potatoes evenly. Use a mandoline slicer so they’re uniform. It’s also quicker to slice.
Gently handle the potatoes when flipping. They’re thin so they’re prone to breaking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the skillet or microwave until warmed through. You can also toss them in the air fryer to crisp them up and enjoy with breakfast.

overhead view of a small bowl of smothered potatoes with a pot containing more in the background

Variations for Smothered Potatoes

Meat: Pair smothered potatoes and smoked sausage, steak, or ground beef.
Seasoning: Add cajun or creole seasoning for a Louisiana kick of flavor.
Veggies: Add green beans, broccoli, mushrooms, or cabbage for extra nutrients.
Potatoes: This recipe works with sweet potatoes as a substitute but it will take additional cooking time.
Oven Baked: Place smothered potatoes with onions and bell peppers in the oven for a hands-off recipe. Use a cast iron skillet for an easy transfer from the stove to the oven.
Liquid: Some recipes use chicken stock/chicken broth and butter instead of water and olive oil.
Toppings: Add shredded green onions, cheddar cheese, or gravy to make them even more satisfying.

small bowl containing smothered potatoes with a large pot containing more in the background

FAQ

If your potatoes aren’t softening as they cook, check that they’re sliced thin enough. Simmer them for the recommended time, and keep the skillet covered during cooking. Also, adjust the heat level to medium-low to prevent rapid liquid evaporation.

This recipe is about 400 calories per serving.

Russet potatoes have a high starch content that results in a fluffy texture when baked. Their low moisture content makes them perfect for crispy fries. You can bake, mash, fry, or saute them (like this smothered potatoes recipe).

overhead view of a small bowl of smothered potatoes beside a wooden spoon

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