If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and downright satisfying meal that comes together quickly, then you have to try this Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe. Combining the tender, cheesy goodness of mini pierogies with the smoky, savory punch of kielbasa, all brought together by buttery sautéed onions, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling without a ton of fuss, and it always hits the spot with its cozy, homestyle vibes. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the rich butter that creates a luscious base to the bold kielbasa and soft pierogies, every component adds something special to the skillet.
- 5 tablespoons butter: This is essential for sautéing and coating the ingredients with a rich, creamy flavor that ties everything together.
- 1 pound kielbasa, thinly sliced: Adds a smoky, meaty depth and a bit of a savory bite that contrasts beautifully with the pierogies.
- 25 mini pierogies: These are the star in soft, pillowy form, filled with cheese or potato, adding softness and a bit of chew.
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped: Brings a sweet, caramel-like brightness when cooked, balancing the richness of the butter and kielbasa.
How to Make Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pierogies
Begin by cooking the mini pierogies according to their package instructions. Drop them into boiling water, bring the water back to a boil, and let them cook for about three minutes. This process softens them perfectly, making them ready to absorb all the flavors in the skillet later. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside so they don’t overcook or stick together.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add the thinly sliced kielbasa and cook it, turning often, until each piece is beautifully browned and crispy around the edges. Browning the kielbasa is key here since it intensifies its smoky flavor and adds a delightful texture. Once done, remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in your coarsely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn tender and almost translucent. This step infuses the dish with a subtle sweetness and a wonderful aroma that promises comfort and warmth with every bite.
Step 4: Combine and Heat Through
Return both the cooked pierogies and the browned kielbasa to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Gently stir everything together, making sure each piece is coated evenly with the buttery goodness. Let the skillet mixture heat through for a few minutes so the flavors meld perfectly and the pierogies soak up some of the onions and kielbasa essence.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Finally, serve your Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe warm and inviting right from the skillet. The combination of textures—the slight crisp of kielbasa, the tenderness of pierogies, and the soft bites of onion—makes it a meal that feels special without complicated steps.
How to Serve Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes elevates this simple dish to next-level deliciousness. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness. If you like a bit of zest, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy mustard pairs wonderfully, bringing creaminess or bite that complements the smoky kielbasa.
Side Dishes
This skillet dinner stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies adds balance and freshness to the plate. A side of sauerkraut offers a traditional touch, enhancing the dish’s Eastern European roots while lending a pleasant tangy crunch. Simple roasted potatoes or a light cucumber salad also work well if you want to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting and want to impress, try serving the entire skillet family-style right in the pan. It’s inviting and lets everyone dig in with ease. For a fancier touch, portion individual servings onto warm plates and garnish with sliced scallions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika, adding pops of color and a smoky aroma. Turn it into a brunch option by topping with a fried or poached egg for an even heartier experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pierogies and kielbasa skillet dinner keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the components hold their texture well, reheating is simple and convenient without compromising flavors.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal longer, freezing is a great option. Let the entire dish cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It will maintain best quality for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the pierogies from becoming too soft.
Reheating
To reheat, you can warm individual portions in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, which will also refresh the texture of the kielbasa and pierogies. Alternatively, microwaving works in a pinch, but be careful not to overcook to avoid sogginess. Adding a small pat of butter while reheating helps revive that lovely buttery flavor and keeps everything moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pierogies for this Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen mini pierogies are perfect for this recipe. Just be sure to cook them directly from frozen according to the package directions before adding to the skillet. This saves time and keeps the pierogies tender yet sturdy.
What kind of kielbasa works best in this dish?
A traditional smoked kielbasa is ideal because its robust flavor balances the mild pierogies wonderfully. However, you can use any sausage you prefer for a different twist, just adjust cooking time to ensure it’s browned nicely.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Yes! Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach during the onion sauté to boost the veggie content. Just keep in mind that adding too many extras can shift the balance of flavors, so add moderate amounts to complement without overpowering.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
That depends on the pierogies you choose. Many store-bought pierogies contain wheat flour, so look specifically for gluten-free pierogies if you need to avoid gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a quality plant-based margarine or oil. Keep in mind that the buttery flavor will change slightly, but you can still achieve a delicious skillet dinner with those swaps.
Final Thoughts
This Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe is one of those wonderful meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s quick, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor — perfect for sharing with family or friends. I encourage you to give it a try and see how effortlessly it becomes a new favorite at your dinner table. Once you taste that buttery goodness mingling with savory kielbasa and tender pierogies, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved. Happy cooking!
Print
Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5.5 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish-American
Description
A hearty and comforting Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner featuring tender mini pierogies, flavorful browned kielbasa, and sautéed onions all cooked together in butter for a rich and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 pound kielbasa, thinly sliced
- 25 mini pierogies
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pierogies: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the mini pierogies. Return the water to a boil and cook for 3 minutes until the pierogies float and are tender. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Kielbasa: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced kielbasa and cook, turning frequently, until it is well browned on all sides. Remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In the now empty skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the coarsely chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Heat: Return the cooked pierogies and browned kielbasa to the skillet with the onions. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with the melted butter and continue heating until everything is warmed through.
- Serve: Serve the pierogies, kielbasa, and onions warm. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful skillet dinner.
Notes
- Use mini pierogies for even cooking and easy portioning.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving.
- You can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage if preferred.
- Adjust the cooking time for the pierogies as per the package instructions if different.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a full meal.
