If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly and bursts with savory flavors, the Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender, buttery pierogies with smoky, browned kielbasa and sweet, caramelized onions—all cooked in one skillet for a simple yet satisfying supper. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug from the inside, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something effortlessly delicious on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient shines through. Every component adds a unique texture or flavor, coming together in perfect harmony.
- 5 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps everything brown to golden perfection.
- 1 pound kielbasa, thinly sliced: Imparts a smoky and savory punch, the star protein of the dish.
- 25 mini pierogies: Soft and pillowy pockets filled with goodness, they soak up all the buttery flavors.
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped: Brings sweetness and a subtle crunch after sautéing.
How to Make Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pierogies
Start by cooking the mini pierogies according to their package instructions. Add them to boiling water and return to a boil for about 3 minutes. This step softens them just right and prepares them for that lovely pan-frying later. Once done, drain and set them aside carefully so they don’t stick together.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced kielbasa and cook it, turning often, until each piece is beautifully browned and slightly crisp around the edges. This browning is crucial—it intensifies the flavor and adds a delightful texture. When browned, remove the kielbasa and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
In an empty skillet (or the same one wiped clean), melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the coarsely chopped onion and sauté until tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onion, which balances the smoky kielbasa perfectly.
Step 4: Combine and Heat Through
Return the cooked pierogies and browned kielbasa to the skillet with your sweet sautéed onions. Gently stir everything together, allowing the butter to coat each piece beautifully. Let the mixture heat through over medium heat until everything is hot and inviting. This final step melds all those amazing flavors and delivers that signature comforting taste.
How to Serve Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up your skillet dinner, try sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top—it adds a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream on the side is a classic pairing, lending a cool, creamy contrast to the rich and savory skillet.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables can brighten the meal. Pickled veggies or a tangy cucumber salad also complement the smoky kielbasa beautifully, adding layers of flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet contents in small cast-iron skillets at the table—everybody loves an individual serving that stays warm. Alternatively, pile the pierogies and kielbasa over creamy mashed potatoes for extra indulgence, or offer a variety of mustards and hot sauces on the side to let everyone customize their own bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, let the skillet mixture cool completely, then pack it tightly in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the pierogies tender and kielbasa flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pierogies for this skillet dinner?
Absolutely! Just follow the package instructions for cooking the frozen pierogies before adding them to your skillet. They’ll cook up tender and delicious, soaking up all those butter and kielbasa flavors perfectly.
What kind of kielbasa works best?
A standard smoked kielbasa is ideal because it provides that classic rich, smoky flavor. You can use regular or turkey kielbasa depending on your preference, but be sure to slice it thin for even browning.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach can bring extra color and nutrition. Just sauté veggies with your onions to keep the timing easy and flavors balanced.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional pierogies are made with wheat flour, so they usually contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, seek out gluten-free pierogies or make your own with a gluten-free dough recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
This skillet dinner is mild by default, making it great for all palates. To spice it up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing onions or serve with spicy mustard or hot sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for an easy-to-make, incredibly satisfying meal that feels both cozy and festive, give the Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe a try tonight. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of butter, you’ll bring a plateful of comfort and joy to your table that’s sure to become a beloved favorite for your family and friends.
Print
Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish-American
Description
This Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner is a quick and hearty one-pan meal that combines tender mini pierogies, savory browned kielbasa, and sweet sautéed onions. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
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 to prevent overcooking.
- Brown Kielbasa: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced kielbasa and cook, turning frequently, until well browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the now empty skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the coarsely chopped onion and sauté until they become tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked pierogies and browned kielbasa to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Gently stir everything to coat the ingredients evenly with butter and heat until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the pierogies, kielbasa, and onions onto plates and serve warm for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the pierogies during boiling to avoid them becoming mushy.
- For extra crispiness, you can pan-fry the boiled pierogies briefly before combining with the kielbasa and onions.
- You can substitute kielbasa with other smoked sausages if desired.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness.
