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If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, the Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe is sure to become your new go-to. This dish brings together golden-buttery pierogies, savory slices of kielbasa, and sweet sautéed onions all in one skillet, creating a perfect harmony of taste and simplicity. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm kitchen hug on a busy night but still manages to impress with its delicious layers of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish that is both hearty and full of character. Each plays a key role in balancing richness, texture, and a little sweetness that complements the smoky kielbasa beautifully.
- 5 tablespoons butter: Adds a luscious, golden richness that coats every bite, enhancing both the pierogies and onions.
- 1 pound kielbasa, thinly sliced: Brings a smoky, savory depth that is the star protein of this skillet.
- 25 mini pierogies: These tender dumplings offer a pillowy, comforting base that soaks up all the buttery goodness.
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped: Adds a sweet, caramelized note that ties the entire dish together perfectly.
How to Make Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pierogies
Start by dropping those mini pierogies into boiling water and letting them cook for about three minutes once the water’s back to a boil. This step ensures they soften up just right without falling apart. Drain them gently and set aside, ready for their buttery skillet makeover.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
Next, heat up two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced kielbasa pieces and cook them, turning often, until they develop a beautiful brown crust. This browning step is crucial—it unlocks tons of flavor and creates a wonderful texture contrast. Once browned, remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions
With the skillet now empty, melt the remaining three tablespoons of butter and add the coarsely chopped onion. Sautéing the onions until they become tender and translucent draws out their natural sweetness, offering a lovely counterpoint to the smoky meat and rich pierogies.
Step 4: Combine and Heat Through
Finally, return the pierogies and browned kielbasa to the skillet with those perfectly sautéed onions. Give everything a gentle stir so each piece gets coated with that buttery onion goodness. Warm it all through just until everything is hot and ready to serve—this step ensures flavors meld beautifully without overcooking anything.
How to Serve Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
To take this skillet classic up a notch, scatter fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a vibrant burst of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor. A dollop of sour cream on the side also adds a cool, creamy contrast that complements the warm, savory notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe holds its own as a hearty one-pan meal, but if you want to round out the plate, crisp green beans or a fresh cucumber salad work beautifully. The brightness and crunch of these sides provide a lovely balance to the rich and satisfying flavors of the pierogies and kielbasa skillet dinner recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next gathering, serve this skillet dinner family-style right from the pan, inviting everyone to dig in and share. Another idea is to turn leftovers into a hearty breakfast by topping with a fried egg, adding another layer of indulgence and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, making this dish a convenient option for easy weeknight meals.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the pierogies and kielbasa separately, if possible, for best texture preservation. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skillet dinner gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adding a small pat of butter while reheating refreshes the flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pierogies for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen pierogies work perfectly. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the skillet to ensure they’re tender and delicious.
What type of kielbasa is best to use?
Any smoked kielbasa will do, but for the best flavor, opt for a quality Polish kielbasa or your favorite smoked sausage. The smokiness really complements the buttery pierogies and sweet onions.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet for extra nutrition?
Yes! Feel free to toss in some sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach during the onion sauté step to add color, texture, and nutrients without compromising the classic taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. This Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe reheats beautifully and can be portioned out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
What can I substitute if I don’t have mini pierogies?
If mini pierogies aren’t available, regular-sized pierogies cut into smaller pieces or even gnocchi can be a fun and tasty alternative that’ll soak up the flavors just as well.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe enough—it’s one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing meals that feel special yet come together so quickly. Give it a try for your next dinner and watch how it becomes an instant favorite on your table!
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Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and delicious skillet dinner featuring crispy browned kielbasa, tender sautéed onions, and boiled mini pierogies all combined and cooked in butter for a comforting 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 by placing them into boiling water. Once the water returns to a boil, let them cook for 3 minutes. Then, drain the pierogies and set them aside for later use.
- Brown Kielbasa: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced kielbasa pieces and cook them, turning frequently, until they are well browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the now empty skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the coarsely chopped onion and sauté until they become tender and translucent, which should take a few minutes.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked pierogies and browned kielbasa back into the skillet with the sautéed onions. Stir gently to evenly coat all ingredients with the melted butter and heat everything together until warmed through.
- Serve: Plate the pierogies, kielbasa, and onions warm. Serve immediately and enjoy this tasty, comforting skillet dinner.
Notes
- Use mini pierogies for quicker cooking time, but larger pierogies can be used if desired; adjust boiling time accordingly.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of sour cream or some chopped fresh parsley as a garnish before serving.
- You can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage or another type of sausage if preferred.
- If you want to reduce fat, use less butter or a butter substitute.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
