Known for its distinct garlicky and slightly sweet flavor, kielbasa is a staple of Polish cuisine. Though this Polish sausage is usually made with ground pork, it can also be made with other varieties of meat, like lamb, veal, or beef. It’s a very versatile sausage that you can bake, grill, or cook in different ways in some amazing recipes.
Use kielbasa to make some smoked pasta, toss it into a slow cooker for a comforting stew, or grill it with some crisp veggies — the options are infinite! To give you some inspiration, here’s a list of 24 kielbasa recipes that you simply must try out.
#1. Skillet Rice, Beans, and Kielbasa
Rice, pinto beans, kielbasa, low-sodium chicken broth, and ground Italian seasonings combine to create a hearty dish for the whole family. Incredibly easy to whip up, this meal will only take 30 minutes of your time, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight. You can even use leftovers the day after — that is, if you actually have any!
#2. Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup
When it comes to wholesome comfort meals, nothing comes close to a steaming bowl of soup. And if that soup has crunchy kielbasa pieces, soft potatoes, and creamy parmesan and cheddar, you’re in for a treat! For an even more filling meal, serve with a chunk of crusty bread for a combo that’s perfect for a late lunch or a soothing dinner.
#3. Kielbasa Alfredo Casserole/Bake
A delicious classic, casseroles are incredibly easy to make. This recipe combines rigatoni noodles and homemade Alfredo sauce topped off with some thinly-sliced kielbasa that gives the whole dish a pop of earthy spiciness. If you’re in a rush, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce. It will cut down the preparation time while still preserving that nutty and creamy taste this dish is famous for.
#4. Slow Cooker Potatoes, Cabbage, and Kielbasa
If you’ve never used a slow cooker before, you are truly missing out on some delicious easy-prep meals. For this recipe, slice up some raw onions, cabbage, Russett potatoes, and kielbasa, and throw them in your slow cooker. Add chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and some cayenne pepper. Your meal will be cooked to perfection in just about 6 hours — a fitting reward after a long day of work.
#5. Light Kielbasa Apple and Onion Skillet
Low-fat, gluten-free, incredibly light, and, not to mention, super flavorsome. This dish proves that you don’t always have to trade comfort for a healthy meal. The apples and onions create a savory-sweet flavor while the apple cider vinegar adds a tinge of acidity that balances this dish to perfection. Add in some protein-dense kielbasa, and your new favorite dish is ready!
#6. Roasted Potatoes and Kielbasa
Easy to prep and clean up after, this one-pan dish is made of sliced kielbasa and potatoes seasoned with sea salt, parsley, and garlic. You can even add some fresh or dried rosemary, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of turmeric to spice it up a bit. It’s a filling and nutritious meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
#7. Kielbasa, Pepper, Onion, and Potato Hash
Made in only 15 minutes, this recipe is fantastic for a busy day when you have no time to cook. Made with kielbasa, bell peppers, potatoes, and onion, this is a healthy, delicious, and easy meal. You can even replace all the veggies with any others you like. From carrots and zucchinis to eggplants and peas, your options are endless!
#8. Cheesy Kielbasa, Rice, and Broccoli Skillet
This mouth-watering skillet recipe comes together in a flash. Kielbasa and rice make a hearty combo, while the broccoli adds a touch of green that adds a healthy crunch. The addition of shredded cheese, chicken broth, garlic, bell peppers, and onions creates an amazing combination of creamy and scrumptious flavors that makes this dish irresistible!
#9. Crockpot Sweet & Spicy Kielbasa Bites
While kielbasa is the main ingredient in this crockpot, the sauce is definitely the star of the show. The combination of chili sauce, pineapple preserves, smoky barbecue sauce, and apple cider vinegar makes for a tantalizing mix of sweet and spicy. Add your favorite seasoning, turn on your slow cooker, and these divine kielbasa bites will be ready in just 2 hours!
#10. Foil Packet Kielbasa
Fix up a low-carb, flavorsome, and budget-friendly meal in just 5 minutes! This dish combines fresh mushrooms, squash, zucchinis, and thick kielbasa slices. The result is an easy snack perfect for late-night dinners or outdoor camping trips. Just wrap your ingredients in aluminum foil and let them bake in the oven or sizzle over the campfire!
#11. Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet
Done in just 30 minutes, this meal brings together kielbasa and cabbage with a spicy vinaigrette dressing that beautifully complements all the other ingredients. Like any other vinaigrette, you mix in some oil, red wine vinegar, and salt. Add some fresh cracked pepper and garlic powder. And the secret ingredient — stone-ground or whole grain mustard! Drizzle this tangy dressing over your meat and cabbage for a dish that will never get old.
#12. Kielbasa and Vegetable Stew
An excellent addition to stews since its saltiness and garlicky flavor goes well with all the veggies. For a steaming bowl of this mouth-watering stew, you’ll need diced kielbasa, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and any other vegetable you want. Just make sure that you adjust the cooking time to accommodate the change! Once your stew is ready, add a dollop of sour cream, some fresh parsley, and a pinch of sweet paprika. Serve with crusty bread to dip it into the stew and soak up all that smoky kielbasa flavor.
#13. Slow Cooker Sweet Heat Kielbasa Dip
This is an innovative recipe for a creamy, spicy dip that’ll be a hit at parties. Throw in some diced kielbasa, cheddar, cream cheese, and sliced jalapenos along with mayonnaise and some apricot preserves in your slow cooker and let it cook for about 4 hours. When the dish is almost done, you can season it to your heart’s desire and add some chili or hot sauce to spice things up. Enjoy this dip with crackers, pretzels, crispy bread, chips, or some colorful veggie sticks.
#14. Kielbasa, Potato, and Pepper Bake
With only 5 ingredients, you can whip up this deliciously crispy bake in just 30 minutes! The crunchy mix can make for a filling dinner or even a versatile side dish at a Sunday brunch. If you want to add a touch of sweetness to offset the peppers, chop up some carrots and throw them in the mix as well!
#15. Kielbasa Bundles
Stuffed with kielbasa and sauerkraut, these scrumptious buns are a true delight. The combination of crispy bacon, caraway seeds, and garlic delivers unparalleled flavors! While making the dough may seem like a complicated step, these bread rolls will be more than worth the trouble. You can even freeze the buns and take them out whenever you need a quick pick-me-up during the workweek!
#16. Grilled Pierogies & Kielbasa
This traditional Polish meal truly makes the kielbasa shine! The grilled pierogi and kielbasa is an exciting meal that is hearty, quick to assemble, and incredibly tasty. Toss all the ingredients into a pan, and watch the magic unfold. The whole grain mustard offers a nice tang, while the onions add an earthy note that uplifts this dish beautifully.
#17. Kielbasa Grilled Cheese
Everyone loves grilled cheese, be it for a quick breakfast or a wholesome dinner. This recipe lets you put a flavorful twist on this gooey classic by adding some jalapeno and thinly sliced kielbasa to the mix. Layer the rye bread with mustard, kielbasa, cheese, and jalapenos. Serve with a refreshing coleslaw to gorge on this exquisite meal!
#18. German Potato Salad with Kielbasa
Don’t let the name fool you — as far as salads go, this one isn’t particularly light. But it can be just what you need for a filling lunch or a comforting dinner. The potato and kielbasa mix is love at first bite, with the cream of potato soup, bacon, sauerkraut, and onions adding a unique touch of savory goodness.
#19. Slow Cooker Sweet Kielbasa
This recipe for bite-sized kielbasa will be a hit as a snack at a party or as a filling dinner. Made in a slow cooker, all you need is smoked kielbasa, chili powder, brown sugar, maple syrup, and BBQ sauce! Though they might seem like an unlikely pair, maple syrup and barbeque sauce deliver a fantastic mix of sweet and sour zing to make your sausages taste magnificent.
#20. Keto Sausage & Veggie Sheet Pan Dish
This 30-minute keto recipe is something the whole family can enjoy! The sweetness of the carrots balances the saltiness from the sausages, while the cauliflower, zucchinis, and asparagus add a splash of color and pack a punch of nutrition, keeping everything as healthy and low-carb as it can get. Feel free to use any veggies you want; this recipe works well with just about anything you have in your pantry.
#21. Confetti Kielbasa Skillet
A rich and nutritious meal, this skillet dish pairs kielbasa with portobello mushrooms, black beans, brown rice, sweet bell peppers, and corn. It smells incredible, looks colorful and rich, and tastes maddeningly good! If you want to add some tongue-tingling heat, add some cayenne. Serve with rice for a hearty meal.
#22. Low Country Boil
This Southern delight is a boiling pot of delicious food! In this recipe, you cook kielbasa with crab, shrimp, corn, and potatoes. To emphasize the seafood flavor, you need to add a few teaspoons of seafood seasoning. Though the recipe uses Old Bay, you can use any other brand you prefer. It’s a quick recipe for a lip-smacking meal!
#23. Bacon Wrapped Kielbasa
Thick, sliced sausage wrapped in bacon strips that are coated in a mixture of spicy dry mustard and maple syrup — this dish is incredibly flavorful. The sweetness of the syrup offsets the mustard beautifully, complementing the saltiness of the bacon and sausage. Let the wrapped kielbasa rings bake for about half an hour. Simple yet flavorful, this dish is a perfect party starter!
#24. Kielbasa With Creamy Mustard Pasta
Kielbasa and mustard are a classic combination, and the addition of some penne and parmesan cheese completes this decadent, wholesome dish. The secret ingredient that makes everything come together so nicely? Dry white wine! The alcohol will evaporate as your dish cooks, leaving behind a trace of acidity that complements the mustard beautifully.
