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.
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.
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.
Turkey kielbasa is a tasty smoked sausage that can add wonderful flavor to many dishes. If you have turkey kielbasa in your fridge or freezer and are wondering what to cook with it, you’ll find plenty of delicious recipe ideas here!
I love finding new ways to use turkey kielbasa to make easy weeknight dinners, hearty casseroles, and fun appetizers. Kielbasa works well in soups, pastas, sandwiches, sheet pan meals, and more. It’s already fully cooked so you just need to heat it through before serving.
In this article, I’ll share 18 of my favorite recipes using turkey kielbasa. From skillet dinners to slow cooker meals and everything in between, there are so many tasty ways to cook with kielbasa!
Quick and Easy Turkey Kielbasa Recipes
These simple turkey kielbasa recipes come together in 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Kielbasa and Sweet Peppers Skillet
This 15-minute skillet dinner is a flavorful combination of turkey kielbasa, bell peppers, and onion sautéed until warm and fragrant. The prep is minimal and it’s on the table in no time!
One Pot Kielbasa Hash
Whip up this easy hash with kielbasa peppers onions, hash browns and eggs for a hearty and delicious 30-minute meal.
Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet
Tangy sauerkraut partners perfectly with smoky turkey kielbasa in this easy skillet recipe. Brown sugar garlic, and caraway seeds add to the delicious flavors.
Kielbasa Pasta Recipes
One of my favorite ways to use turkey kielbasa is in flavorful pasta dishes! The smoky kielbasa pairs deliciously with tomato or creamy pasta sauces.
Kielbasa Pasta Bake
Toss penne pasta and kielbasa with a homemade garlic cream sauce, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly for a hearty and comforting pasta bake.
One Pot Creamy Kielbasa Pasta
Everything comes together in one pan for this quick and delicious creamy pasta with turkey kielbasa, tomatoes, and spinach.
Kielbasa Rigatoni
Rigatoni pasta, kielbasa, bell peppers, and marinara sauce are combined for a fast weeknight dinner recipe the whole family will request again and again.
Simple Sheet Pan and Skillet Turkey Kielbasa Dinners
These meals are made for easy cleanup! Add kielbasa, veggies, and seasonings to a sheet pan or skillet for fuss-free dinners with lots of flavor.
Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Veggies
Roast turkey kielbasa, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and carrots on one sheet for a simple meal that requires minimal work but delivers maximum flavor.
Kielbasa and Shrimp Skillet
Shrimp, kielbasa, veggies, and Cajun seasoning come together for a zesty 30-minute one pan meal.
Kielbasa Stir Fry
Try this fun twist on stir fry using turkey kielbasa, vegetables, and Asian inspired flavors. It’s ready in 20 minutes!
Slow Cooker Turkey Kielbasa Recipes
Let your slow cooker do the work with these set-it-and-forget-it kielbasa meals. Just toss in the ingredients and come home to wonderful, comforting dinners.
Slow Cooker Kielbasa Soup
This hearty kielbasa soup with potatoes, carrots, beans, and veggies is the perfect cold weather meal. Simply dump in the ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic!
BBQ Kielbasa Beans
Beans and kielbasa are a classic pairing! This easy crockpot recipe adds barbecue sauce and veggies for irresistible flavor.
Kielbasa Chili
Smoky kielbasa and chili powder add wonderful depth to this easy turkey chili recipe made in the crockpot. Top with your favorite chili toppings!
More Fun Ways to Cook Turkey Kielbasa
Beyond traditional dinners, here are some unique ways to enjoy turkey kielbasa:
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Kielbasa Breakfast Hash – A savory hash of kielbasa, potatoes, peppers, and eggs makes a hearty breakfast or brunch.
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Kielbasa Pizza – Top pizza dough with kielbasa, peppers, onion, cheese, and pizza sauce for an easy weeknight pizza night.
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Cheesy Kielbasa Dip – This warm, cheesy kielbasa dip with spinach and artichokes is perfect for game day! Serve with crackers or bread.
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Kielbasa Appetizers – Cut kielbasa into bite-size pieces and serve with your favorite mustard, sauce, or dip for easy appetizers.
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Kielbasa Sandwiches – Grill kielbasa and top with sauerkraut, mustard and melted cheese on a bun for an easy lunch or dinner.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Since this recipe was originally published back in 2011, many have shared their own kielbasa dinner ideas, tips and 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, Id add it close to the end of cooking.
- cabbage – nearly as popular as the fermented sauerkraut is cabbage. Id 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.
- 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 havent 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 dont 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.
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
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 arent 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.
Turkey Kielbasa with Peppers, Onions, Zucchini Recipe – EatSimpleFood.com
FAQ
How to eat turkey kielbasa?
Generally, it’s just a preference to warm it up to eat it most of the time. Smoked cold turkey kielbasa would be excellent on a sandwich or as a fast snack sliced with crackers.
Is turkey kielbasa healthier than regular kielbasa?
Pork sausage has 290-455 calories and 23-38 grams of fat per link. Turkey and chicken sausage have 140-160 calories and 7-10 grams of fat for the same amount. That’s hundreds of calories and fat grams dodged per link. You avoid loads of sodium too (read the stats below).
How to cook turkey polska kielbasa?
- PAN FRY: Cut Smoked Sausage sections in half lengthwise or into 1’2″ slices. Add to non-stick skillet over medium heat. …
- STOVE TOP: Add sausage to 2-3 inches of boiling water. Simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- GRILL: Grill over medium-high heat for 12-14 minutes, turning frequently. CAUTION: PRODUCT WILL BE HOT!
What is kielbasa traditionally served with?
Depending on the variety, kielbasa is often eaten by itself or in a sandwich, but a huge variety of Polish dishes also use it as a secondary ingredient. Make a hearty Polish soup or serve with pierogies or with cabbage and sauerkraut (a very common accompaniment to kielbasa) for a traditional treat.