Cheesy Kielbasa Skillet (Printable)
Smoky kielbasa with potatoes, veggies, and melted cheddar in one hearty skillet ready in 35 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 cups baby potatoes, thinly sliced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 cup broccoli florets
→ Dairy
07 - 1½ cups (6 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
08 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Seasonings
09 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
10 - ½ tsp dried oregano
11 - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
# Method:
01 - Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt completely and coat the bottom of the pan.
02 - Add the sliced kielbasa in a single layer and cook for about 4 minutes, turning once, until nicely browned on both sides. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sliced potatoes. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to soften and develop light golden edges.
04 - Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and broccoli florets. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the vegetables start to become tender.
05 - Return the browned kielbasa to the skillet. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
06 - Reduce heat to low and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the potatoes are fork-tender.
07 - Remove from heat, scatter fresh chopped parsley over the top if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- Everything cooks in one pan which means cleanup is almost nonexistent on a weeknight.
- The combination of smoky sausage and melted cheddar creates a flavor that feels indulgent but uses simple everyday ingredients.
- It is genuinely flexible so you can swap vegetables based on whatever is wilting in your crisper drawer.
02 -
- Do not skip browning the kielbasa first because that caramelized crust is where half the flavor lives.
- Slice the potatoes as thin and uniform as possible because thick pieces will stay crunchy while everything else overcooks.
- Keep the heat low when melting the cheese or the bottom will scorch before the top gets gooey.
03 -
- If your skillet has a lid that fits tightly, use it during the cheese melting step because trapped steam is what makes everything come together without drying out.
- Always check the ingredient label on your kielbasa if you are cooking gluten free because some brands sneak in fillers that contain gluten.