Spicy Sensation: Kielbasa Recipes for a Hearty Family Feast

Kielbasa Recipes: This aromatic and delicious one-pan recipe brings together smoky kielbasa sausage, tender potatoes, onions, garlic, and bell peppers for a meal that’s sure to satisfy. You can have a flavorful family favorite in under an hour with just a few ingredients and easy preparation.

Introduction

Kielbasa and potatoes make an outstanding pairing, with the sausage’s smokiness complementing the potatoes’ starchy goodness beautifully. This recipe uses convenient baby red potatoes, so you don’t have to peel or chop regular potatoes. They’re tossed with the Kielbasa and fresh veggies, then simmered until fork-tender. A dash of hot sauce and chicken stock provides a kick of flavor and moisture that brings it all together.

The depth of flavor created by the Italian seasoning, garlic, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce sets this skillet dinner apart. They infuse the dish with aromatic, savory notes that mingle perfectly with the Kielbasa and potatoes. The result is a hearty, comforting meal with a hint of spice.

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

While our recipe is delicious as written, you can tweak ingredients to suit your tastes or what you have on hand:

Potatoes: Baby red potatoes are ideal since they cook quickly, but you can use larger red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, cutting them into 1-inch chunks. Sweet potatoes also work well.
Kielbasa: Smoked sausage or andouille sausage can take Kielbasa’s place. For a vegetarian version, swap in a mix of beans or lentils and extra veggies.
Onion and Bell Pepper: Substitute chopped zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, or other favorite veggies for the bell pepper. Yellow, white, or red onions all work too.
Chicken Stock: For vegetarian diets, use vegetable broth instead. If you don’t have stock, water will also work.
Hot Sauce: The hot sauce provides background heat but doesn’t make the dish spicy. Use extra red pepper flakes or a spicier hot sauce for more heat. Reduce or omit the hot sauce and red pepper flakes for less heat.

The fantastic thing about this one-pan dinner is that you can adapt it to your personal preferences by swapping out veggies or protein to create your signature version.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prep the Ingredients

Peel 1 1⁄2 pounds (675g) of baby red potatoes or chop larger potatoes into 1-inch (2.5cm) chunks
Rinse and dry the potatoes well
Quarter the potatoes
Slice 2 packages (13.5 oz or 385g each) of kielbasa sausage into 1⁄2-inch (1cm) rounds
Mince 1 yellow onion (about 1 cup or 160g)
Slice one red bell pepper into 1⁄4-inch (.5cm) strips
Mince 2 teaspoons (4g) garlic
Chop fresh parsley for garnish

Tip: Put a damp paper towel under your cutting board to prevent slipping while chopping.

Cook the Potatoes

Heat 3 Tbsp (45mL) olive oil in a large 12-inch (30cm) nonstick skillet over medium heat
Add the quartered potatoes and sprinkle with 1⁄2 table salt and 1⁄4 spoon of salt
pepper
Cook for 28-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender
Transfer potatoes to a plate and cover to keep warm

Note: Cooking time depends on the type and size of potatoes used. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.

Brown the Kielbasa

Add the remaining 1 Tbsp (15mL) olive oil to the hot skillet
Add the kielbasa slices and brown for 3-4 minutes per side
Remove the Kielbasa to the plate with the potatoes

Sauté the Veggies

To the oil in the skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, 2 tsp Italian seasoning, garlic, and 1⁄2 tsp red pepper flakes.
Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions and peppers have softened

Make the Sauce

Pour 1⁄4 cup (60mL) chicken stock and 1 tsp hot sauce into the skillet
Stir it well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan
Return the potatoes and Kielbasa to the skillet
Gently mix everything for 2-3 minutes until the potatoes are warmed through

Finish and Serve

Taste the Kielbasa and potatoes, adding more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired.
Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates or bowl.
Garnish it with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese
Enjoy immediately with crusty bread, green vegetables, or a fresh salad

That’s all there is to it! This one-pan dinner comes together in under an hour with minimal hands-on cooking time. The method is easy, but the flavor payoff is enormous.

Recipe FAQs

Got questions about making this recipe? Here are some common queries:

Can I prepare the potatoes and Kielbasa ahead of time?

Absolutely! After cooking the potatoes and Kielbasa, let them cool completely, then refrigerate them in sealed containers for up to 4 days. Sauté the onions, peppers, and seasonings when ready to complete the dish.

What sides go well with this skillet dinner?

Breadsticks, crusty bread, or biscuits are great for soaking up the delicious sauce. Steamed broccoli or asparagus complement the flavors beautifully. A fresh green salad or coleslaw also balances the heartiness of this skillet meal.

Can I use smoked chicken sausage instead of Kielbasa?

Smoked chicken sausage is a tasty alternative, but the flavor will be less robust. Andouille chicken sausage is ideal for keeping the spice level similar to Kielbasa.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The dish is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use certified gluten-free hot sauce and chicken stock to keep it gluten-free. Swap regular flour for rice flour if making your seasoning blend.

Can I freeze any leftovers?

You sure can! Let the Kielbasa and potatoes cool completely, then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. It will keep well in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stovetop or microwave.

Customize It!

Personalize this recipe by swapping ingredients to match your tastes and dietary needs:

Use spicy Italian sausage or spiced chicken sausage instead of Kielbasa
Replace bell peppers with zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or other veggies
For more protein, add chickpeas, white beans, or lentils
Make it vegetarian by using meatless sausage or extra veggies instead of Kielbasa
For lower carbs, replace some of the potatoes with cauliflower florets
Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or cilantro at the end for a flavor pop

No matter how you adapt it, this easy one-pan dinner recipe is guaranteed to be a new favorite! The smoky, salty kielbasa sausage, tender potatoes, onions, and peppers create maximum comfort food appeal. Best of all, you end up with an all-in-one skillet meal that’s truly satisfying.

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