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Kielbasa and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting meal that comes together effortlessly, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Kielbasa and Potatoes Skillet Recipe. This one-pan wonder is packed with smoky kielbasa, golden potatoes, and tender onions, all cooked up in their own tasty juices. It’s hearty, satisfying, and just the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I absolutely love how this recipe turns out every time and how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor. Stick around—I’m about to share everything you need to nail it in your kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet for quick clean-up and easy prep.
  • Flavor-Packed: The smoky kielbasa and paprika-seasoned potatoes create a balanced, savory meal.
  • Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or seasonings to make it your own.
  • Family-Friendly: My crew can’t get enough, and I bet yours will love it just as much.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Kielbasa and Potatoes Skillet Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that pack so much flavor. I always make sure to pick up good-quality kielbasa and firm potatoes that hold their shape while cooking, so you get that perfect golden crust without a mushy center.

Flat lay of a few slices of fresh kielbasa sausage with a reddish-brown casing, five medium-sized unpeeled russet potatoes, one whole Vidalia onion with shiny golden skin, a single uncracked brown egg with a smooth shell, one garlic clove with papery white skin, a small white bowl of bright reddish paprika powder, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, and a small white bowl of dried green oregano leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Kielbasa and Potatoes Skillet, Kielbasa and Potatoes skillet recipe, easy kielbasa skillet dinner, one-pan kielbasa and potato meal, hearty sausage and potato recipe
  • Kielbasa sausage: Look for smoked kielbasa with good fat content—it renders nicely to flavor the potatoes.
  • Potatoes: I like using Yukon Gold or red potatoes because they crisp up beautifully but don’t fall apart.
  • Vidalia onion: Its sweet flavor complements the smoky sausage perfectly.
  • Paprika: Adds a mild smoky depth; you can use sweet or smoked paprika depending on your taste.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish a punch—avoid pre-minced for best flavor.
  • Kosher salt: For seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
  • Oregano or Italian seasoning: Just a pinch to give a subtle herbal note that lifts the whole dish.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Kielbasa and Potatoes Skillet Recipe enough to find some easy ways to mix it up depending on what’s in the fridge or what your cravings are. Don’t be shy to try your own spin—you might discover a new family favorite!

  • Add bell peppers: I love tossing in colorful sliced bell peppers for a burst of sweetness and extra veggies my family never complains about.
  • Swap potatoes: For a creamy twist, use sweet potatoes, or even try half potatoes and half cauliflower florets for a low-carb option.
  • Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for just enough heat to wake up your taste buds.
  • Fresh herbs: Finish with chopped parsley or chives to brighten up each bite.

How to Make Kielbasa and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa

Start by preheating your skillet over medium-high heat—this helps get a nice sear on the kielbasa. While it heats, slice your kielbasa into rounds about half an inch thick. Toss them into the hot skillet and stir frequently to brown all sides evenly. This should take about 6 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage to a plate but keep the flavorful fat in the pan—that grease is going to be your secret weapon for crispy potatoes!

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Drop your chopped potatoes right into the skillet with that leftover kielbasa grease. Sprinkle the paprika, salt, and oregano over the top, then stir everything together so those potatoes are coated in the tasty fat and spices. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the potatoes brown gently for about 13 minutes. Stir every few minutes to make sure they cook evenly and don’t stick. The key here is patience—you want golden, tender potatoes, not burnt or raw chunks.

Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic

Once your potatoes are softening up nicely, stir in the chopped Vidalia onion and minced garlic. Cover again and cook for another 12 minutes, stirring regularly. The onions will become sweet and translucent while the garlic flavors the entire skillet. Keep an eye on this step to prevent the garlic from burning—it should get fragrant but not bitter.

Step 4: Return Kielbasa to Skillet

Finally, add the browned kielbasa back into the pan. Stir to combine everything and let it cook together uncovered for about 4 more minutes. This warms the sausage through again and lets all those flavors mingle beautifully. At this point, give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Now you’re ready to dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Kielbasa and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

  • Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Golds hold their shape better than Russets, so you get crisp edges without falling apart.
  • Don’t Skip the Sausage Fat: That rendered kielbasa grease infuses the potatoes with amazing flavor—resist wiping it out of the pan!
  • Cover While Cooking: Trapping steam softens the potatoes faster without drying them out or burning.
  • Stir Regularly: Keeps everything cooking evenly and prevents sticking or scorching on the skillet bottom.

How to Serve Kielbasa and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Kielbasa and Potatoes Skillet Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens everything up. Sometimes a little dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon helps cut through the richness, making it even more satisfying.

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is pretty hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad or a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale. It balances out the meal and adds freshness. Sometimes a crusty slice of bread on the side is perfect to scoop up any extra goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this dish in a cast-iron skillet right at the table—it feels rustic and inviting. You can also stuff roasted bell peppers with the kielbasa and potatoes mixture for a fun, approachable twist that impresses guests without added fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the potatoes soak up the flavors overnight, making the next-day meal even tastier—if that’s possible.

Freezing

This recipe freezes pretty well. Just cool it completely before packing into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal in minutes. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat mine in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, stirring frequently until heated through. You can also microwave it, but I find the skillet keeps the potatoes crispier.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of sausage instead of kielbasa?

    Absolutely! You can swap kielbasa for smoked sausage, chorizo, or even bratwurst. Just keep in mind that flavors and cooking times may vary slightly, but the recipe is flexible and forgiving.

  2. Is there a way to speed up the cooking of potatoes?

    Yes! A reader shared a great tip to microwave the potatoes until they’re nearly tender before tossing them in the skillet. This cuts down the stovetop cooking time and helps your meal come together faster.

  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

    Definitely! Substitute the kielbasa with smoked tofu, plant-based sausage, or roasted mushrooms for a similar smoky flavor and hearty texture.

  4. What side dishes complement this skillet recipe?

    Simple green salads, steamed or sautéed greens, and fresh bread are excellent choices. They add freshness and balance the richness of the sausage and potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Kielbasa and Potatoes Skillet Recipe has a special place in my heart—it’s one of those easy, comforting dishes that feels like home every time. I’ve found it’s perfect for days when you need a satisfying meal without fuss but still want big flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, I’m confident this skillet will become a regular in your rotation. Give it a try soon—you’ll love how effortlessly tasty and warm it makes your kitchen feel, just like it does mine.

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Kielbasa and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 108 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Polish-American

Description

This Kielbasa and Potatoes recipe is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a comforting dinner. Slices of smoky kielbasa sausage are browned and then combined with tender, seasoned potatoes, onions, and garlic, cooked together in a skillet to create a deliciously satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.


Ingredients

Meat

  • 16 oz. kielbasa sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 ¼ pounds potatoes (about 5 medium-sized)
  • 1 Vidalia onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • ½ tsp. paprika
  • ⅓ tsp. Kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp. oregano or Italian seasoning


Instructions

  1. Preheat skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat to get it hot enough for frying the kielbasa sausage.
  2. Cook kielbasa: Slice the kielbasa sausage into rounds and add them to the heated skillet. Stir frequently as the sausage browns for about 6 minutes, releasing flavorful fat. Then remove the kielbasa from the pan and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Prepare potatoes and onion: While the kielbasa cooks, chop the Vidalia onion and potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Brown potatoes: Add the chopped potatoes to the skillet with the kielbasa fat. Sprinkle paprika, kosher salt, and oregano or Italian seasoning over the potatoes and stir well to coat everything in the flavorful fat. Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook the potatoes, stirring regularly, for about 13 minutes until they begin to brown and soften.
  5. Add onions and garlic: Stir in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cover again and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for about 12 minutes more until the onions are tender and the potatoes are fully cooked.
  6. Reintroduce kielbasa and finish cooking: Return the browned kielbasa slices to the skillet and mix everything together. Cook uncovered for an additional 4 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.

Notes

  • A helpful tip from a reader suggests microwaving the potatoes until nearly done before frying them with the kielbasa to reduce overall cook time—this method works well for busy weeknights.
  • Adding bell peppers is a popular variation that brings extra color and flavor to the dish.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or sautéed greens to round out the meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

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