Introduction
Hello, I’m Sam. Since retiring, I’ve come to love recipes that are big on comfort and low on fuss, the kind that fill your kitchen with a savory aroma and your plate with something hearty. This Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Skillet is one of my all-time favorites. It’s everything I want in a meal: tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa, and a gooey layer of melted cheese, all cooked together in one pan.
If you enjoy simple, rustic cooking that warms you from the inside out, this dish will fit right into your weeknight routine. The best part? It’s ready in about 35 minutes, uses everyday ingredients, and doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This skillet dinner checks every box, it’s easy, budget-friendly, and family-approved. The potatoes crisp up beautifully in the pan, soaking in the flavors of the smoky sausage and melted cheese. It’s hearty enough to serve on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or something lighter like these Air Fryer Carrots or Sweet Potato in Air Fryer.
If you’ve tried my Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole or my Beef and Noodles Recipe, you’ll find this recipe shares that same blend of simple prep and bold, cozy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender. The goal is crisp edges and soft centers, the perfect base for your skillet.
2. Add the Kielbasa
Push the potatoes to one side of the pan and add the sliced kielbasa. Let it brown for 3–4 minutes until lightly crisped on the edges. The rendered fat adds deep, smoky flavor to the whole dish.
3. Add the Onion & Cheese
Stir in the chopped onion and sauté for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Lower the heat, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and cover the skillet for 2 minutes to melt.
4. Add the Finishing Touches
Remove from heat and stir in sour cream for a creamy finish. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot straight from the pan, it’s rustic, melty perfection.
Tips from Sam’s Kitchen
- Choose the Right Pan: A cast-iron skillet gives the best crisp texture and flavor.
- Try It for Brunch: This recipe is just as good topped with a fried egg, like a breakfast-for-dinner twist.
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
- Make It Ahead: Cook the sausage and potatoes earlier, then reheat and melt the cheese before serving.
If you love versatile, high-protein meals, you might also enjoy my High Protein Bowls Guide, perfect for meal prepping comfort dishes like this one.
Why This Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Skillet Works
This Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Skillet works because every ingredient brings something comforting to the table, the kielbasa adds smokiness, the potatoes make it hearty, and the melted cheese ties it all together. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies everyone without much effort.
Like my Peanut Chicken Protein Bowl, this recipe delivers that balance of comfort and simplicity that makes homemade food so rewarding.
Serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even breakfast the next day, it’s that flexible.
Nutrition & Storage
Each serving is packed with 21g of protein and satisfying carbs for energy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat in a skillet or air fryer to restore the crisp texture.
For a fresh side pairing, check out my Air Fryer Cod Recipes, they balance the richness of this skillet beautifully.
Print
Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Skillet – One-Pan Comfort Made Simple
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A hearty one-pan dinner of smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and melted cheese. This Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Skillet is the ultimate comfort meal made simple.
Ingredients
1 lb smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced potatoes, season, and cook 10–12 minutes until golden.
2. Push potatoes aside, add kielbasa, and cook until browned.
3. Add onion and garlic powder, stir together, then top with cheese. Cover 2–3 minutes to melt.
4. Stir in sour cream, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Use a cast-iron skillet for the best browning.
Add bell peppers or spinach for color and balance.
Reheat leftovers in a skillet to keep potatoes crisp.
Perfect with eggs for breakfast the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American Comfort
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FAQ Section
Can I use other sausages instead of kielbasa?
Yes! Smoked sausage, andouille, or even turkey sausage work just as well.
What cheese melts best for this recipe?
Cheddar gives the best flavor, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of both also melt beautifully.
How do I make this dish creamier?
Add a little more sour cream or a splash of milk when mixing everything together before melting the cheese.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely, bell peppers, peas, or spinach make great additions for color and nutrition.
Conclusion
There’s a special comfort in one-pan meals that feel hearty without the hassle. This Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Skillet is exactly that, smoky, creamy, and deeply satisfying. It’s an easy dinner that fills the kitchen with warmth and the table with smiles. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a weekend brunch, this recipe brings all the joy of home-cooked comfort in one sizzling skillet.