how to cook smothered potatoes

Learn how to make the best ever Southern smothered potatoes. Soft, flavorful and sooo easy! It makes a wonderful side to accompany any meal and can be ready in just 20 minutes.

A close up shot of smothered Potatoes with small basil leaves

I love potatoes, and I could literally eat them every single day. These smothered potatoes are a family favorite, and I have learned this recipe from my mother. It makes a great side dish that goes so well with things like steak, sausage, chicken, etc. However, in our family, we usually make this on days when we're having a vegetarian dinner.

This dish is so quick and easy, and you will love the flavor and the texture of the potatoes!

What kind of potatoes to use

The best potatoes to use for smothered potatoes are white, red, russets or Yukon gold.

Smothered potatoes ingredients

You will need very simple ingredients to make this humble potato side.

Potatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper.
You can also add dried or fresh herbs if you like, but that's optional.

What seasonings to use

Feel free to use any seasonings that you like. Sometimes I omit the fresh garlic, and add garlic powder and onion powder to the potatoes. If you like spicy potatoes, then adding cajun seasoning is a great option. You could also add dried herbs such as dried rosemary and dried basil.

How to make smothered potatoes

Smothered potatoes are potatoes cooked under a lid. I like to make mine in a cast-iron casserole dish, but any non-stick pan or pot works.

Start by preparing the ingredients so that you have everything ready to start cooking. Heat the olive oil in your pot/pan on medium heat, then add the potatoes along with the onions. Cover with the lid and let them cook for a few minutes.

You need to keep checking and flipping the potatoes so that they don't get burnt.

Add water or stock to the pan, and cover with the lid. Cook for a few minutes.

When the potatoes are almost done, add the garlic, salt, and pepper and cook without a lid until you the potatoes are fork-tender and the thinnest slices are a bit mushy. Remove from heat and serve with fresh herbs, sour cream, pesto, or anything that you like.

A bowl of Smothered Potatoes and a yellow kitchen towel

Smothered potatoes and sausage

Now you probably have heard of smothered potatoes with sausage. If you decide to add sausage, make sure that you fry the sliced sausage first and then add the potatoes and onion. The sausage will brown and infuse the oil which gives your dish more flavor.

Smothered Potatoes in a bowl seasoned with black pepper.

There are 3 SmartPoints per portion on the WW freestyle plan.

Need more potato recipes?

Cheesy scalloped potatoes
Instant Pot buttered potatoes
Smashed potatoes
Cheesy mashed potato cakes
Potato cakes with carrot and rice
Instant Pot potato soup

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Super easy smothered potatoes cooked under the lid for tender and delicious potatoes

8 servings

Super easy smothered potatoes cooked under the lid for tender and delicious potatoes

▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
▢ 4 medium potatoes peeled and sliced into even round disks
▢ 1 onion chopped into half moons
▢ ¼ cup water or stock
▢ 2 cloves garlic minced or crushed
▢ 1 teaspoon sea salt
▢ ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Pan with a lid

Heat olive oil in your pot/pan on medium heat, then add the potatoes along with the onions. Cover with the lid and let them cook for a few minutes. You need to keep checking and flipping the potatoes so that they don't get burnt.
Add the water or stock, cover with the lid and cook for a few minutes.
When the potatoes are almost done, add the garlic, salt, and pepper and cook without a lid until you the potatoes are cooked through and the thinnest slices are a bit mushy. Remove from heat and serve with fresh herbs, sour cream, pesto, or anything that you like.

As you flip the potatoes, do it very gently with a heat resistant silicone or wooden spatula not to break the potatoes.
Check if you need to add more liquid to the potatoes in case all of the liquids are evaporated and the potatoes are still not cooked through.

Calories: 100 kcal , Carbohydrates: 15 g , Protein: 3 g , Fat: 4 g , Saturated Fat: 1 g , Sodium: 302 mg , Potassium: 460 mg , Fiber: 3 g , Sugar: 1 g , Vitamin C: 13 mg , Calcium: 36 mg , Iron: 3 mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.