This Kielbasa and Potatoes Recipe is such a classic combination, that it is sure to become a family favorite. Yes, it is a simple smoked Polish sausage recipe, but many of the best dishes are simple. Of course, kielbasa and potatoes are such a natural pairing anyway. Not only is this easy kielbasa recipe satisfying, it is inexpensive to make too. As an added bonus, with one pot preparation, cleanup will be a breeze.
I made this easy kielbasa recipe frequently for my late husband. Kielbasa and potatoes was pretty much his favorite among the kielbasa recipes I would prepare for him. The man loved his smoked sausage.
I still make the dish occasionally, but for me, I use the lower fat chicken or turkey kielbasa sausage rather than the pork or beef versions he preferred. I like serving my kiebasa with sauteed broccoli rabe, while his preference was just to dig into a big bowl of the kielbasa and potatoes, sometimes with a splash of hot sauce on top of his dinner.
Kielbasa and Potatoes Recipe
I told you this kielbasa sausage recipe was easy now I will show you step-by-step in pictures. You may want to skip this part if you are an experienced cook. Printable recipe card is right below.
Here are all the ingredients you need to make this easy kielbasa recipe:
- 1 pound of kielbasa sausage
- 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 pounds of potatoes* (chopped, no need to peel)
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/3 teaspoon of Kosher salt (or Sea salt)**
- 1/4 teaspoon of oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 sweet onion, chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
*Yukon Gold or Red Skinned potatoes
**if you only have regular table salt, reduce amount to 1/4 tsp
Directions:
Cut the sausage into slices roughly 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
TIP: Some brands have tougher casing than others. If after a couple slices it seems to be an issue remove it.
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the slices. Fry the kielbasa for approximately 6 minutes, until browned, but still moist.
Scoop out the sausage into a bowl, but leave the rendered fat in the pan.
Add the potatoes, paprika, salt and oregano to the skillet. Toss with the leftover fat from the smoked sausages.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and stir every couple minutes for 15 minutes.
Add the onions and garlic. Stir and cover. Continue cooking, stirring every few minutes for another 10 minutes.
Now add the sausage back to the pan. Stir and cover. Coo for about 4 minutes to reheat the sausage and meld the flavors.
Check to ensure potatoes are fully cooked before serving. If they aren’t tender, cook a little longer, stirring regularly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve as is, with a vegetable side or even for breakfast with some eggs.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Since this recipe was originally published back in 2011, many have shared their own versions, tips and additions.
Additions:
- peppers – by far the most popular addition to this dish. Add sliced sweet bell peppers when you add the onions and they should come out just right.
- sauerkraut – this came in a close second, many add it. Personally, I’d add it close to the end of cooking.
- cabbage – nearly as popular as the fermented sauerkraut is cabbage. I’d add this in midway through cooking. Some fry is up with the kielbasa, then add it back in at the end with the sausage.
- Broccoli, carrots, corn and even noodles were added, by some adventurous readers. They seemed pretty happy with the results too.
Tips:
- Use Yukon Gold or Red Skinned potatoes. Russet are likely to break up during cooking.
- No I do not add water. I feel it interferes with the frying. Once the steam from the potatoes themselves starts to get exhausted, the onions are added, which release more water. If your stove runs a little hotter, you may find you need a little.
- Turkey or chicken kielbasa will not release enough oil to fry the potatoes. Supplement with a tablespoon of classic olive oil, avocado oil or ghee.
- I haven’t done this but a few readers precooked their potatoes in the microwave to cut down on cook time. It might be worth a try if you are on a time crunch.
Pan fry this easy kielbasa skillet dinner yourself and don’t be afraid to toss in a little something extra if you like. Even when you mix it up a bit this is still an easy dinner that screams comfort food.
- 16 oz. kielbasa sauasage
- 1 1/4 pounds potatoes 5 medium sized
- 1 Vidalia onion , chopped
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/3 tsp. Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. oregano or Italian seasoning
- Preheat skillet on med-high heat.
- Cut the kielbasa sausage into slices, and drop in the heated pan. Stir while frying.
- As kielbasa is browning, chop the onion and potatoes.
Once the sausage has browned for approximately 6 minutes, scoop it out and put aside. Much of the fat will have rendered. Make sure to leave grease in the pan.
Dump the chopped potatoes into the hot skillet with the kielbasa grease. Add the paprika, salt and oregano. Stir to coat in the fat and reduce the burner to medium to medium-low. Cover.
Brown the potatoes for 13 minutes, stirring regularly.
Add the onions and garlic. Cook for about 12 minutes. Covered, but stirring regularly.
Once the potatoes have softened and onions are cooked add the kielbasa back into the pan mix in and all cook for 4 minutes.
Recipe Video
*A reader (on Pinterest) suggested microwaving the potatoes until nearly done, then cutting and frying with the kielbasa, to cut down on cooking time. Since, we all seem to be regularly in a time crunch, to feed our families, I wanted to add her suggestion. She said it worked out well. *Peppers are also a popular addition to many kielbasa and potato recipes. I usually serve a salad or cooked greens along with mine.
Nicole says
I have made this before but added some cheddar cheese at the end! Mmm mm mm 😋
Amanda miller says
Add Mac and cheese on the side and it’s supper! Awesome recipe!!
Robin Gagnon says
M…. carby 😀
Kassondra says
Would it be possible to make this a crock pot recipe? If so how long would you recommend cooking it for?
Robin Gagnon says
I’m sure it can be made in a slow cooker or instant pot, but I really would only be guessing on timing.
Brittany says
What do you use for juice ? Do I just put the potatoes in without any water !?
Robin Gagnon says
Yes.
Melissa Rohland says
I turned this into a stir fry… Added broccoli and carrots, ground ginger, sesame seed and hoisin sauce. Turned out really good!
Robin Gagnon says
That sounds like a fantastic way to eat kielbasa
Alaina B. says
Thanks for this recipe! We were sick of adding our kielbasa to Zatarain’s jambalaya mix. I made this tonight and we all loved it. Even my 2.5 year old approved. I found your recipe using Google search. Maybe next time I will spice things up and use packaged potatoes O’Brien as it has peppers in it and there’s no prep.
Adding this to my beloved cookbook. Only the very best recipes get written in it. And I usually don’t review recipes.
Again, thank you so much.
Robin Gagnon says
I love how you cut out a big part of the prep 🙂
Katherine A Dietz says
Put your kielbasa in the crockpot with red potatoes, carrots and chopped cabbage. Add unsalted 32 oz box chicken broth and 1/2 tsp ground thyme and 1 tsp. Morton’ nature seasonings. Cook on low 6 to 8 hours !
Lynette says
You mentioned using chicken kielbasa now, does that have enough grease?
Robin Gagnon says
Thanks for bringing that up. I fry the chicken kielbasa with a little oil added sometimes depending on the brand and do add a bit of oil or butter for the potatoes. I also make sure and use a non stick skillet for this lower fat smoked sausage.
Lydia C says
We make this on many Sunday mornings with a side of scrambled eggs and toast.
Robin Gagnon says
I am a fan of this kielbasa recipe for breakfast too 🙂
Carol P says
We loved this easy kielbasa recipe.
Robin says
I was also thinking at first that this recipe needed some type of sauce or broth. I’m sitting here eating it for the first time and it’s super delicious as is. I was running short on time but instead of precooking potatoes I chopped them a little smaller and in 15 minutes this meal was done. The sweet bell pepper idea sounds good but I gotta say, this is delicious. And yes I’m sitting at the dinner table as I type this and the compliments are already pouring in from around the table. Thanks for the recipe, it’s gonna be a regular one around here
Courtney says
WOW. I have never made kielbasa and potatoes. I chopped it up and used as a breakfast hash, definitely making for the holidays too. So flavorful and delicious!
Rosalie Bullard says
I add Mozarella cheese and eggs to ours, can’t eat onion so don’t use it.
Robin Gagnon says
Sounds like a yummy kielbasa recipe 🙂
Dawn @ The Kitchen and a Latte says
This sounds delicious and I always love easy meals for a busy night in our week (without being from a box.) I bet this would be amazing cooked in a cast iron pan 🙂
I see above that somebody asked about the crock pot or Instant pot and as much as I love both gadgets, I don’t know that I would do this dish in either. I have done kielbasa dishes in my IP and also potato dishes in both IP and crock pot, but you won’t get the sauteed texture on the potatoes in either. The flavor would be different and the potatoes would not turn out crispy on the outside. It would probably be good flavor tho.
Robin Gagnon says
I agree you would not get that savory crisping of the kielbasa and potatoes. I think those readers who have gone in that direction are looking for the easiest preparation and I expect the flavors meld together well.
Sharon B says
This is my favorite way to make kielbasa!
Robyn says
What kind of potatoes work best? Did you peel them first?
Robin Gagnon says
I use red bliss or yukon gold. I just wash them first. I don’t peel the potatoes.
Mj houle says
Can we freeze this ?
Robin Gagnon says
The kielbasa would be fine, but I am not sure how well the cooked potatoes would fare.
wilhelmina says
This dish is proof that simple is sometimes the most delicious!
Nancy says
I made this tonight for a Girl Scout event and it was a HUGE hit! I did have to add butter to the potatoes because there wasn’t enough fat drippings from the sausage and they were starting to stick to the pan.
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
We made this the other day and everyone loved it. Going to make it again for a family gathering this weekend!
Micki says
Oh my gosh, these are my husband’s two favorites: kielbasa and potatoes! He loves this!
wilhelmina says
I made this for dinner tonight and we loved it! Perfect for a busy night!
Linda Goslin says
This sounds wonderful. Can it be made using frozen hash brown potatoes?
Robin Gagnon says
I don’t see why not. Refer to the packaging for cook times, as they will of course differ from chopped fresh potatoes.