If you’re craving a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe is just the ticket. I absolutely love how the buttery pierogies pair with the smoky kielbasa – it s a simple combo that punches way above its weight in flavor. Whether it s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, you ll find this recipe comes together fast and leaves everyone smiling at the table.
When I first tried this dish, I was amazed at how minimal effort could yield such satisfying results. Pierogies and kielbasa are a match made in heaven in this skillet dinner, capturing that perfect balance of crispy, tender, and savory in every bite. Plus, it s a recipe that s flexible enough to make your own with whatever onion or spices you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one skillet.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults loves the comforting flavors and textures.
- Customizable: You can swap in different sausages or add veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together effortlessly, and you might already have most of them in your pantry or fridge. The key is finding good-quality kielbasa and fresh mini pierogies for that classic taste and texture.
- Butter: Using plenty of butter ensures a rich, silky coating that brings everything together beautifully.
- Kielbasa: Thinly sliced for perfect browning and to spread that smoky flavor throughout the dish.
- Mini Pierogies: The star of the show! Mini size cooks quickly and holds up well in the skillet.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and slightly sharp background flavor that balances the richness.
Variations
I love that this Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe is like a blank canvas – you can easily dress it up or down depending on what you re craving or what you have on hand. It s a great recipe to make your own.
- Vegetable Boost: I sometimes toss in sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition – it adds a nice texture contrast.
- Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne gives it a subtle kick that my family loves.
- Cheesy Twist: Near the end, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top and let it melt for a gooey finish.
- Meat Swap: If kielbasa isn t your thing, smoked sausage, or even chicken sausage works just as well.
How to Make Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pierogies
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil and toss in your mini pierogies. Let the water come back to a boil and cook them for about 3 minutes or until they float and are tender. This step softens the pierogies without overcooking so they hold their shape nicely when sautéed later. Drain them well and set aside while you brown the kielbasa.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced kielbasa, turning frequently, until each piece has a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This browning step brings out the smoky flavor and adds a little crispness that contrasts so well with the soft pierogies. Once browned, transfer the kielbasa to a plate and wipe out any burned bits to keep the flavors clean.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, add 3 more tablespoons of butter and toss in your coarsely chopped onions. Cook over medium heat until the onions become soft and translucent – about 5 minutes. This step adds a sweet, mellow base that rounds out the smokiness from the kielbasa beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Warm Through
Finally, add your cooked pierogies and browned kielbasa back into the skillet with the onions. Toss everything gently to coat evenly in the butter and let it warm through together for another 3-4 minutes. This final step lets the flavors marry and the butter seep into each bit – so important for that rich, satisfying finish. Serve it up warm with your favorite garnishes and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Don t Overcrowd the Skillet: Give the kielbasa enough room to brown evenly instead of steaming.
- Butter Amount Matters: Using enough butter is key – it makes the pierogies taste rich and helps crisp them slightly.
- Cook Pierogies Properly: Boiling them first ensures they re tender inside and not doughy or undercooked during the skillet step.
- Timing is Everything: Add the pierogies and kielbasa back in just long enough to warm without breaking them down.
How to Serve Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream on the side adds a cool, creamy contrast that balances the buttery richness perfectly. Sometimes I even add a little sauerkraut on the side for that traditional Eastern European touch.
Side Dishes
Because this skillet dinner is pretty hearty on its own, I like to pair it with something light and crisp, like a simple side salad or steamed green beans. Roasted Brussels sprouts also work beautifully to add texture and a bit of bitterness that complements the dish. If you want something extra cozy, a slice of crusty bread is always a win for mopping up that buttery goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love plating this skillet dinner in individual cast-iron mini skillets – it looks rustic and inviting. You can also create a build-your-own style dinner bar with toppings like caramelized onions, shredded cheese, and sour cream so everyone can customize their plate. It s a fun way to get everyone involved and makes the meal feel a little extra festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find that the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just make sure everything is completely cooled before sealing to keep the pierogies from getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this skillet dinner, I recommend freezing the pierogies and kielbasa separately before cooking, especially for longer storage. Cooked leftovers can be frozen too, but the texture might change slightly once thawed. I ve had better results freezing the components separately and cooking fresh when you re ready.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter to revive that crispiness on the pierogies and bring back the smoky flavor of the kielbasa. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the pierogies a bit rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen pierogies for this Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen mini pierogies work perfectly; just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions before adding to the skillet. Boiling them first is key to getting that soft, tender texture before sautéing with the kielbasa and onions.
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What can I substitute for kielbasa in this recipe?
If you re not a fan of kielbasa, smoked sausage or chicken sausage are great substitutes and still bring that smoky, savory flavor that’s essential to this dish s appeal. For a vegetarian twist, you can try smoked tofu or a plant-based sausage alternative.
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How do I prevent pierogies from sticking together when cooking?
When boiling pierogies, give them a gentle stir a few times to keep them from sticking. Also, draining them well helps before they hit the skillet. Tossing them with a little butter in the skillet further prevents sticking and adds delicious flavor.
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Can I add vegetables to this Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe?
Definitely! Adding veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach can give the dish a nice boost of color and nutrition. Just sauté the vegetables with the onions for the best flavor integration.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare the pierogies and kielbasa ahead of time, store them separately, and reheat by quickly sautéing in a skillet when you’re ready. This saves time during busy weekdays while still delivering a fresh-tasting meal.
Final Thoughts
This Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe has become one of my go-to meals whenever I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It s cozy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser in my house. I m confident that once you try it, you ll love how quickly it comes together and how wonderfully it tastes – it s like comfort food with a bit of a fun, crispy edge. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and savor those buttery, smoky bites with your favorite garnishes. Trust me, you won t be disappointed!
Print
Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish-American
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish combining crispy, buttery mini pierogies with browned kielbasa and tender sautéed onions, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 pound kielbasa, thinly sliced
- 25 mini pierogies
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Boil Pierogies: Cook the mini pierogies according to the package instructions by adding them to boiling water and returning the water to a boil for 3 minutes. Drain them and set aside.
- Brown Kielbasa: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook, turning often, until well browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In an empty skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and sauté the coarsely chopped onion until tender and translucent.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the pierogies and browned kielbasa to the skillet with the sautéed onions, stirring gently to coat everything evenly with butter. Heat until warmed through.
- Serve: Serve the pierogies, kielbasa, and onions warm. Enjoy your hearty and delicious meal!
Notes
- Use mini pierogies for quicker cooking and a bite-sized treat.
- Adjust the browning time of kielbasa to your preferred level of crispiness.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of paprika or garlic powder when sautéing the onions.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet for best texture retention.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/5 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
