Smoked Kielbasa Sausage Skillet: Hearty, Bold, and Comfort-Food Approved
This kielbasa sausage skillet is a hearty, one-pan dinner that pairs smoky sausage with golden potatoes, sweet bell peppers, and sautéed onions. Quick to make and deeply satisfying, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort meal that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz package kielbasa sausage – Smoked or fully cooked is best.
- 3 medium potatoes diced Yukon gold or red potatoes hold up well in the skillet.
- 2 bell peppers sliced (any color)
- 1 large onion sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard for tang
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Cook the Kielbasa: Slice kielbasa into rounds and add to the skillet. Cook until browned on both sides, 4–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add remaining oil to the same pan. Add onions and potatoes. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and nearly tender.
- Add Peppers and Seasonings: Toss in bell peppers, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 5 more minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return kielbasa to the pan. Stir everything together and cook 2 more minutes. Garnish and serve hot.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Kielbasa Sausage Skillet
- Sear the Kielbasa First—and Don’t Rush It: Let the sausage get deep, golden-brown edges before removing it from the pan. That browning adds incredible flavor, and the leftover bits in the pan make the perfect base for the veggies.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet for Max Flavor: If you’ve got one, grab your cast iron. It holds heat better, gives you a crispier sear, and adds that rustic touch to the dish.
- Parboil Potatoes for Faster Cooking: If you’re in a hurry, boil the diced potatoes for 5–6 minutes before adding them to the skillet. You’ll get creamy insides with golden edges in half the time.
- Deglaze with Broth or Vinegar: After sautéing the veggies, add a splash of chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, or even white wine to lift the flavor-packed bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Finish with a Fresh Pop: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or a quick squeeze of lemon juice right before serving cuts the richness and brightens up the entire dish.
- Add a Mustard Drizzle: Mix a bit of Dijon mustard into the cooked skillet or serve it on the side. The tang pairs perfectly with the smoky kielbasa and gives it that Eastern European flair.
- Make It a Meal Bowl: Serve your kielbasa skillet over a bed of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a more filling (or lower-carb) meal-prep bowl.