This one-pan potato kielbasa skillet combines tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa and fresh spinach in a brown sugar sauce into a satisfying weeknight dinner. Serve it with a sauerkraut side to keep on theme.
Potato Kielbasa Skillet
This potato kielbasa skillet is the answer to that ongoing quest for a meal that satisfies both the heart and the stomach in under 30 minutes. You’ll start with crispy red potatoes, then add savory smoked kielbasa, onions and finally bacon for good measure. But don’t worry—there’s a green vegetable too. A generous helping of spinach wilts perfectly into the mix, adding a fresh dimension to this deeply comforting skillet dish. It’s simple ingredients and no unnecessary fuss, with big rewards.
Ingredients for Potato Kielbasa Skillet
- Red potatoes: This type of potato provides a hearty base and absorbs the surrounding flavors during cooking.
- Brown sugar: The brown sugar adds a slight sweetness, balancing the tangy and savory ingredients.
- Cider vinegar: Cider vinegar brings a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the richness of the sausage and bacon.
- Dijon mustard: The mustard adds a layer of sharpness that pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Thyme: This herb, either fresh or dried, offers a fragrant, earthy note that lightens the overall flavor of the dish.
- Pepper: A bit of pepper provides gentle heat to counterbalance the sweet and savory elements.
- Onion: Sauteed onions introduce a sweet and savory foundation that complements the kielbasa.
- Smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage: The sausage brings a smoky, robust flavor that infuses the entire skillet.
- Baby spinach: The spinach wilts quickly at the end of the recipe, adding a fresh, earthy taste that contrasts with the meat.
- Bacon: Finally, crumbled bacon introduces a salty, crunchy texture, rounding out the richness of the dish.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the potatoes
Place the potatoes and water in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish and microwave on high until the potatoes are tender, three to four minutes. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
Step 2: Mix the sauce
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, thyme and pepper.
Step 3: Saute the sausage and onion
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sausage slices, then saute, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and translucent, five to seven minutes.
Step 4: Finish the dish
Add the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Cook and stir until the potatoes are lightly browned, three to five minutes. Stir in the brown sugar mixture, and bring the skillet to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for two minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the spinach until it’s wilted, then stir in the crumbled bacon. Serve immediately.
Potato Kielbasa Skillet Variations
- Use chicken sausage: This variation lightens the dish while still providing a similar smoky, savory flavor.
- Add roasted red peppers: Stir in chopped roasted red peppers for an additional layer of sweetness and color.
- Use sweet potatoes: Substitute sweet potatoes for the red potatoes to introduce a natural sweetness and a vibrant orange color.
- Try arugula instead of spinach: Arugula adds a peppery bite that complements the savory ingredients.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the bacon and replace the kielbasa with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage for a meat-free version.
How to Store a Potato Kielbasa Skillet
To store any leftovers of this dish, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the skillet over medium heat, or microwave them in short intervals until warmed through. If the dish seems a little dry after reheating, add a splash of broth or water to revive the flavors and texture.
Can you freeze this kielbasa and potato skillet?
Yes, you can freeze potato kielbasa skillet. Transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and store it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop, stirring in fresh spinach at the end.
Can you make kielbasa and potatoes skillet ahead of time?
You can make potato kielbasa skillet in advance. Cook the dish as directed, but wait to add the spinach until you’re ready to serve. Store the cooked dish in the refrigerator for up to three days, and when you’re ready to serve, reheat it and stir in the spinach just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Potato Kielbasa Skillet Tips
What is the difference between Polish sausage and kielbasa?
Kielbasa is actually the Polish word for sausage. While there isn’t a huge difference between traditional Polish sausage and kielbasa, kielbasa usually carries a more pronounced garlic flavor and is lightly smoked.
Is kielbasa already cooked?
Yes, kielbasa is already cooked. When you purchase kielbasa in the grocery store, it has already been smoked and precooked. When you use it in recipes, all you need to do is heat it back up and/or brown it for the dish you’re making.
How do you know when kielbasa is done?
Kielbasa is perfectly cooked when it registers between 168° and 174°F on a meat thermometer.
What can I serve with this kielbasa potato skillet?
This dish pairs well with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or carrots, can also balance the richness of the skillet. Sauerkraut dishes also go particularly well with kielbasa.
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Yes, you can use other sausages like andouille, chorizo or even Italian sausage for different flavor profiles. Each variety will add a unique twist, from spicier options to milder ones, depending on your preference.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms or zucchini to bulk up this potato and kielbasa skillet. Saute them along with the onions and sausage for a heartier, more veggie-forward meal.
Watch How to Make Potato Kielbasa Skillet
Potato Kielbasa Skillet
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
15 min
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound red potatoes (3-4 medium), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 pound smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
Directions
- Place potatoes and water in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave, covered, on high until potatoes are tender, 3-4 minutes; drain.
- Meanwhile, mix brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, thyme and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute onion and kielbasa until onion is tender.
- Add potatoes; cook and stir until lightly browned, 3-5 minutes. Stir in brown sugar mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in spinach until wilted. Stir in bacon.
Nutrition Facts
1-1/2 cups: 472 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
Loading Popular in the Community
No need to hunt through kielbasa and potato recipes, this smoky take steals the show as a hearty home-style, all-in-one meal. It's especially perfect on those cold late fall and early winter nights. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Recipe Creator
Loading Reviews
