If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings together the best of Eastern European flavors with an easy twist, the Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, pillowy pierogies paired with savory, browned kielbasa and sweet, sautéed onions all coated in luscious butter—this dish is straightforward to make yet bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this skillet meal will quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe lies in its simple ingredient lineup. Each item not only adds a crucial layer to the texture and flavor but also keeps the cooking process effortless and stress-free.
- 5 tablespoons butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a beautiful buttery coating that ties the dish together.
- 1 pound kielbasa, thinly sliced: Provides a smoky, meaty punch and hearty texture to balance the softness of pierogies.
- 25 mini pierogies: These tender dumplings bring satisfying doughy comfort with either cheese, potato, or other traditional fillings.
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped: Sweetness and a slight crunch from onions add depth and balance to the overall dish.
How to Make Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pierogies
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and add your mini pierogies. Boil them according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 3 minutes after the water returns to a boil. This step softens the pierogies perfectly and makes them ready for pan-frying later.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
While the pierogies are boiling, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced kielbasa and cook it, turning frequently until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This browning intensifies the flavor and adds an irresistible savoriness. Once done, remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Next, in the same skillet (wipe it clean if needed), melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Toss in your coarsely chopped onions and sauté them until they become beautifully tender and translucent, releasing a natural sweetness that complements the smoky meat and buttery pierogies.
Step 4: Combine and Heat Through
Now for the fun part—return the cooked pierogies and browned kielbasa to the skillet with those luscious sautéed onions. Gently stir everything together so each piece gets evenly coated with that buttery goodness. Keep the skillet on medium heat just long enough to warm all the ingredients through, allowing the flavors to mingle perfectly.
How to Serve Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh and flavorful finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the skillet just before serving. A dollop of sour cream on the side adds a cooling tang that beautifully contrasts with the rich flavors. If you like a little heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes elevates the dish without overpowering.
Side Dishes
This Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also offer a lighter touch, balancing the richness of the skillet meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a heartier presentation, serve the skillet dinner over a bed of sautéed greens like kale or spinach. You could also transform it into a fun family-style meal by serving it directly from the skillet at the table, encouraging everyone to help themselves. A rustic wooden board alongside crusty bread invites a cozy sharing experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this skillet dinner at a later time, it freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It stays fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat to maintain the pierogies’ texture and avoid drying out the kielbasa. Alternatively, you can microwave the dish covered, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming without losing that buttery richness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pierogies for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with frozen mini pierogies, just follow the package instructions for boiling times to ensure they’re cooked through before adding them to the skillet.
What kind of kielbasa is best?
Look for a smoked kielbasa with a bold flavor and firm texture—this will contrast beautifully with the soft pierogies and add plenty of savory notes to the dish.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach make excellent additions when sautéed with the onions, bringing extra color and nutrients to your skillet dinner.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional pierogies are often made with wheat flour, so this recipe usually isn’t gluten-free. However, if you find gluten-free pierogies, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit gluten-free diets.
How spicy is this dish?
On its own, the Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe is not spicy—it’s savory and buttery. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding spices like crushed red pepper or serving it with spicy mustard on the side.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, simple, and utterly satisfying meal to whip up anytime, this Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe is your new go-to. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it delivers big on flavor and warmth, perfect for sharing with family or savoring as a comforting solo treat. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish-American
Description
A quick and hearty Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner combining tender boiled pierogies, savory browned kielbasa, and sweet sautéed onions, all cooked in butter for a flavorful one-pan meal ready in just 25 minutes.
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. Once cooked, 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 and caramelized. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and sauté the coarsely chopped onion over medium heat until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the boiled pierogies and browned kielbasa to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with butter and cook until everything is heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the pierogies, kielbasa, and onions warm for a satisfying and delicious skillet dinner.
Notes
- Mini pierogies can usually be found frozen in the freezer section; follow package instructions for boiling times as they may vary slightly.
- For added flavor, consider topping with chopped fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
- You can substitute kielbasa with another smoked sausage if preferred.
- If you want a crispier texture, after boiling pierogies, you can pan-fry them in butter until golden brown before combining with the kielbasa and onions.
