Name: Amazing 10-Min Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound kielbasa, sliced; 1 (16 ounce) package frozen pierogies; 1 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh, you know those nights, right? The ones where the clock is ticking, everyone’s hungry, and the thought of making a multi-course meal feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops? Yeah, those are my absolute favorite nights for whipping up my Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet. Seriously, this dish is my secret weapon for those super busy evenings when I want something hearty and delicious with practically zero fuss. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen superhero, even if you only have like, ten minutes to actually *do* anything. Plus, it all happens in just one pan, which, let’s be honest, is pure magic for cleanup!

What Makes This Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet So Great

Honestly, this dish is a lifesaver for so many reasons! It’s the perfect storm of convenience and deliciousness. You get amazing flavor with hardly any effort, which is exactly what we all need on a crazy weeknight. Here’s why it’s a total winner:

Speedy Supper: Seriously, it comes together so fast.
One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, less stress – my favorite kind of cooking!
Flavor Explosion: That savory kielbasa, the tender pierogies, and all those yummy browned bits? Pure comfort food.

Quick Preparation for Your Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet

You’ll be shocked at how little time you actually spend prepping. We’re talking just about 10 minutes of chopping and measuring before everything hits the pan. It’s truly designed for those nights when you’re rushing but still want a fantastic meal.

Minimal Cleanup with Our Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet

This is where the magic really happens for me! Since it’s all cooked in one skillet, the cleanup is an absolute breeze. Forget a mountain of dirty dishes; you’ll likely only have one pan and a cutting board to wash. It’s the ultimate lazy cook’s dream!

Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet, you’ll need just a few simple things. Trust me, the beauty of this recipe is that it relies on pantry staples and things you can grab easily at the store. No fancy ingredients here!

Core Components of Your Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet

First up, the stars of the show! You’ll need about a pound of kielbasa. I usually go for a good quality smoked kielbasa, sliced into nice, bite-sized rounds – about half an inch thick is perfect. And of course, the pierogies! Grab a 16-ounce package of your favorite frozen ones. Potato and cheese is classic, but honestly, any kind works beautifully here. Just make sure they’re frozen; it helps them get that lovely golden crust without falling apart.

Flavor Boosters for the Skillet Meal

Now for the flavor magic! You’ll want one cup of chopped yellow onion – it softens up and gets wonderfully sweet as it cooks. Two little cloves of garlic, minced nice and fine, add that essential aromatic punch. We’ll also use half a cup of chicken broth; this helps deglaze the pan and creates a little bit of sauce. And don’t forget a quarter cup of fresh parsley, chopped up nice and fine, for a burst of freshness at the end. Oh, and a splash of olive oil to get everything started, plus salt and pepper to taste, of course!

Crafting Your Delicious Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s way simpler than it sounds. You’ll have a fantastic meal on the table before you know it.

Browning the Kielbasa

First things first, let’s get that kielbasa going. Heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in a nice big skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your sliced kielbasa. Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, giving it a stir now and then, until it’s beautifully browned and has those lovely little crispy edges. That browning is where so much flavor comes from, so don’t rush it!

Achieving Golden Pierogies and Tender Onions

Now, add your frozen pierogies and the chopped onion right into the skillet with the kielbasa. Keep things moving over medium-high heat! Stir occasionally, and let them cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for the pierogies to get a nice golden-brown color on both sides, and the onions should start to soften up and get a little translucent. It’s a beautiful sight, really!

Infusing Flavor with Garlic and Broth

Almost there! Stir in your minced garlic. You only need about a minute for it to become fragrant – we don’t want it to burn, just to release its amazing aroma. Now, here’s a little trick for extra flavor: pour in the chicken broth. As it hits the pan, use your spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. That’s pure gold, my friends! Let this bubble and simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until the broth reduces a bit and starts to make a light, yummy sauce.

Finishing Touches for Your Skillet Meal

Finally, stir in that fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Give it a good taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes the kielbasa is salty enough, so taste before you go too heavy on the salt! And there you have it – your perfect Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet is ready to go.

Tips for the Perfect Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet

You’ve made the dish, now let’s talk about making it *extra* special! A few little tricks can really elevate your Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet from good to absolutely phenomenal. It’s all about those small details that make a big difference.

Choosing Your Kielbasa

Don’t be afraid to play around with your kielbasa! While smoked is classic, a slightly spicy or even a garlic-infused kielbasa can add a whole new dimension to your skillet. Just make sure to slice it about the same thickness so it cooks evenly.

Vegetable Additions to Your Skillet

Want to sneak in more veggies? Bell peppers (any color!) or sliced mushrooms are fantastic additions. Toss them in with the onions and pierogies, and they’ll soften up beautifully. Just give them a few extra minutes to cook down.

Serving Your Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet

This Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet is so hearty and satisfying on its own, but sometimes it’s fun to add a little something extra! A dollop of sour cream on top is absolutely divine – it adds a cool, tangy contrast that’s just perfect. A side of crusty bread is also great for soaking up any last bits of that delicious pan sauce. For drinks, a crisp lager or even a simple glass of iced tea works wonderfully. To make it look extra special, just pile it high in bowls or pretty plates, making sure you get a good mix of the browned kielbasa, golden pierogies, and those lovely onions. A little extra sprinkle of parsley on top never hurts, either!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

The best part about this Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet? It’s almost as good the next day! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare at my house!), just let them cool down completely. Then, pop them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is super simple. You can gently warm them up in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of water or broth – this helps keep everything from drying out and brings back that nice texture. A microwave works too, but honestly, the skillet method is my favorite for getting those flavors back to life!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet

Got a question about this super simple skillet meal? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the things folks ask most often about making my Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet.

Q: Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
While this recipe is designed for frozen pierogies (they get that awesome crispy edge!), you can use fresh ones. Just be aware they might cook a bit faster and might not get as browned. Keep a close eye on them!

Q: What kind of kielbasa is best for this skillet recipe?
Honestly, any good quality kielbasa works! Smoked kielbasa is a classic choice and adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you like a little heat, a spicy kielbasa is fantastic, or try one with garlic if that’s your jam. Just make sure it’s cooked through before you start.

Q: Can I make this a vegetarian one-pan pierogi dinner?
Absolutely! You can skip the kielbasa altogether. Sauté your onions in a little extra olive oil, then add the pierogies and cook them until golden. You might want to add some extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to make it more substantial, and maybe a pinch of smoked paprika for that smoky flavor you’d miss from the sausage.

Q: My pierogies are sticking to the pan, what am I doing wrong?
Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the pierogies, and that you have enough oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan, either! If they’re sticking, try adding another tablespoon of oil or a splash of broth to loosen them up. Also, ensure you’re stirring occasionally once they’re in; that helps prevent them from getting stuck.

Nutritional Estimate for Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet

This is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious Easy Pierogies and Kielbasa Skillet. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary a bit depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re working with!

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 550
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 20g