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. It is one of my favorite stove top weeknight dinners.
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 polska 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.
If you are wondering what to make with kielbasa, I like serving this kiebasa with sauteed broccoli rabe sometimes with a splash of hot sauce on top. Many prefer to simply dig into a big bowl of the kielbasa and potatoes for dinner without a side, perhaps with a vegetable tossed right in the skillet.
Kielbasa and Potatoes
I told you this kielbasa sausage recipe was easy now I will show you step-by-step in pictures how to make the dish.
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 ¼ - 1 ½ pounds of potatoes* (chopped, no need to peel)
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- ⅓ teaspoon of Kosher salt (or Sea salt)**
- ¼ 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 ¼ tsp
Directions:
Cut the sausage into slices roughly ⅓ to ½ 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 fresh 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. Cook 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 the polish sausage and potatoes 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 kielbasa dinner ideas, 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. Green pepper is a popular addition for readers.
- 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.
- Cheese is another great addition to this satisfying meal. Melty cheddar cheese sprinkled on immediately after cooking is my personal favorite way to go.
- Broccoli, carrots, corn and even noodles were added, by some adventurous readers. They seemed pretty happy with the results too.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne could spice up this polish sausage meal.
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 liquid.
- 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. Frozen hash browns would also be a quick solution in a pinch.
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.
More Easy Kielbasa Recipes
Looking for more ways to cook kielbasa? I have several other Polish sausage recipes, right here on the site.
- If you are watching your carb intake, try my Kielbasa and Cabbage recipe. It is quick, simple and easy on the carbs.
- Want a delicious meal you can make in your pressure cooker without fuss? try my Instant Pot Kielbasa Pasta.
- Pierogies and Kielbasa are an authentic Polish combination. Here they are prepared in a cheesy skillet in just 30 minutes!
Kielbasa and Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 oz. kielbasa sausage
- 1 ¼ pounds potatoes 5 medium sized
- 1 Vidalia onion , chopped
- ½ tsp. paprika
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ⅓ tsp. Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp. oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat skillet on med-high heat.
- Cut the kielbasa sausage into slices, and drop into 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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
alternative spellings: keilbasa, kilbasa, kelbasa, kalbasa, cabasa sausage, kaboski
Fran says
I make this with Italian sausage and it is so good too.
Teresa says
This looks like dinner tonight! BTW, what happened to your husband?
Ted D says
I use frozen kielbasa, cut up into chunks, diced potatoes (washed but unpeeled, personal preference) put in a 9x13 pyrex dish. Put in olive oil, peppers, onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, cover in foil. 400° oven for 45 min. No muss, no fuss one pan. This is not a planed meal, it goes together fast and I don't have to tend to it. No need to measure, works great.
Robin Gagnon says
Sounds like a great recipe Ted & so easy, who doesn't love that.
MissChris says
Since they take the longest to cook, I put the potatoes in first, with a tsp or 2 of olive oil. I cut the kielbasa while it's cooking, and add it to the pan, stirring. Then I slice the onions and add, stirring. Simmer together for about 10 more min and it's done. I never add any other spices or seasoning
Lisa says
I have cooked this for years but I also fry the potatoes and add the onions & kelbasa after the potatoes are nearly done & slightly crispy. I only use garlic salt & pepper for seasoning but sometimes add basil. I fry eggs after the potatoes are done & mix into the potatoes with runny yokes. My family loves it.
Robin Gagnon says
I love the addition of eggs. Sounds like a perfect Sunday morning breakfast!
Jessica Cassidy says
Thank you for this recipe. I saved it and this is dinner for tonight 🙂
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner? says
My kiddos would love this simple week night recipe. Thanks for sharing with us at Simple Supper Tuesday.
Sandra says
I made this meal for my children over thirty years ago when food was slim. It became a staple for movie nights for us because I couldn't afford pizza or any carry outs then.
Fern says
I make something similar but add a bag of Asian veg mix to the mix as it cooks. My husband loves it. All of the vegs get crunchy along with the potatoes.
Jessika says
Trying tonight!! Can't wait. I looked through the comments and I'm going to add a little from what I saw. Like corn, cheese, and green pepper. Thank you!!
George says
I use this recipe plus 1/2 can of corn, drained. Sundried tomatoes chopped. Use some of the oil from the SD tomatoes to fry the potatoes and onion. And red bell pepper chopped coarse. Grated Asiago on the side. some in our family like to have smoked chipotle sauce as well. Good all in one meal.
Robin Gagnon says
That sounds like a fantastic way to zip up kielbasa and potatoes! I love all the additions.
Elaine says
I also make a recipe with kielbasa but I use pineapple chunks and a little soy. We eat it over mashed potatoes.
sierra says
How long do we fry the potatoes?
Robin Gagnon says
It will vary, based on size & heat. It does take awhile. They are done when you can push a fork through without much resistance.
cyn hollis says
Im gonna try..i think this would be good with scrambled eggs on the side! Has anybody ever done that?
Robin Gagnon says
Kielbasa and potatoes are great great with eggs.
Patti says
I add baby spinach and crumbled up crispy bacon with sauce of brown sugar, red wine vinigar and spicy mustard no but it sounds good
Robin Gagnon says
Dang, that sounds like an awesome combo with the sausage and potatoes.
Jen says
Giving this dish a try tonight. It looks delicious.
Diana Dupree says
My mom has been making this for years also but she hasn't made it in a while. She always made it with cut up carrots so it was more like a stew. Absolutely delicious and now I'm craving it. Thank you for reminding me that I need to make it for her now.
Robin Gagnon says
I bet the carrots add a nice subtle sweetness, teamed with the kielbasa and potatoes. Yum
Brenda says
How many people does this recipe serve?
Robin Gagnon says
About 4
Joy says
I make this but I put about half of a chopped up cabbage, potatoes and onion ...fry in butter and oil. Add the sausage and it is great.
I.Sais says
My younger bro. Started making this around 25yrs ago. Used to bake it for a crispy brown finish. Fed his fam.of 5 for 6-7$ then.
Sarah says
I made this tonight!! It was so easy and quick and literally everyone loved it (my boyfriend, 11 year old, and 1 year old!).
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