Easy Pierogies Sausage Skillet: A Hearty Dinner Ready in Minutes

In the whirlwind of busy weeknights, the quest for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal can often feel like an impossible mission. But what if there was a simple solution that brings everyone to the table, offers a burst of comforting flavors, and requires minimal effort? Enter the Pierogies Sausage Skillet – a delightful shortcut that transforms humble store-bought pierogies and your favorite smoked sausage into a hearty, flavorful dish in no time. This recipe is designed for those moments when you crave a home-cooked meal without the extensive prep, promising a warm, inviting dinner that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy meal for one.

The beauty of quick dinners lies in their ability to free up precious time, allowing for more meaningful moments with loved ones. My personal mission is to ensure my family can gather around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter. How we achieve that goal is less important than the act itself. With a recipe like this, which comes together in about 15-20 minutes, we gain those invaluable extra minutes to truly connect. If you’re a fan of versatile pierogies, don’t miss exploring creative variations like my Taco Pierogies Skillet for a fun twist on taco night!

Crafting a delicious dinner doesn’t have to be an elaborate affair. With a few key ingredients stocked in your pantry and freezer, you’re always just minutes away from a fantastic meal. Smoked sausage, for instance, is a constant in my freezer, ready to anchor recipes like this Pierogies Sausage Skillet or a comforting Cheesy Sausage Pasta. This strategic stocking means almost no planning is required, and a warm, fulfilling meal can be on the table in under 20 minutes, making busy evenings significantly less stressful.

Years ago, my husband stumbled upon pierogies in the frozen aisle of our local grocery store, and they quickly became a beloved staple in our household. Their incredible versatility and ease of preparation mean we always keep a box (or two!) on hand. They serve as a fantastic base for countless dishes, adapting beautifully to various flavor profiles and cooking methods, making them an indispensable ingredient for creative and quick weeknight dinners.

What Are Pierogies? A Culinary Journey

At their core, pierogies are delightful, often half-moon-shaped dumplings, traditionally filled with a savory potato mixture. The wrapper is made from a simple, unleavened dough, which is then carefully folded around a variety of fillings. While potato and cheese is the most common and beloved filling, pierogies can also contain ground meat, sauerkraut, mushrooms, or even sweet fillings like fruit. Once assembled, these versatile dumplings can be steamed, boiled, or pan-fried to golden perfection.

Originating from Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, Ukraine, and Russia, pierogies have a rich culinary history spanning centuries. They made their way to the United States with European immigrants and quickly gained immense popularity, especially in the Mid-West, where they are a cherished comfort food. While there are countless recipes for homemade pierogies – a true labor of love often passed down through generations – they do require considerable time and effort. For the demands of modern, busy weeknights, store-bought frozen pierogies offer an unparalleled convenience without sacrificing that authentic, comforting taste. They are a fantastic way to enjoy this traditional dish with minimal fuss.

Why This Pierogies Sausage Skillet Recipe Works

This Pierogies Sausage Skillet isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a testament to smart, flavorful cooking. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:

• **Lightning-Fast Preparation:** With just 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have a full meal ready in 20 minutes. This is a lifesaver on evenings when time is your most precious commodity.
• **Minimal Cleanup:** While the pierogies are cooked separately, the rest of the magic happens in a single large skillet, significantly reducing the pile of dirty dishes.
• **Hearty & Satisfying:** The combination of tender pierogies, savory smoked sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce creates a deeply satisfying meal that will keep you full and happy. It’s comfort food at its best, perfect for cooler evenings or when you need a truly comforting dish.
• **Incredibly Versatile:** This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Easily adapt it with different types of sausage, pierogie fillings, or by adding your favorite vegetables. It’s a dish that can evolve with your pantry and your cravings.
• **Budget-Friendly:** Using readily available and often inexpensive ingredients like frozen pierogies and smoked sausage makes this a cost-effective meal option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• **Family Favorite:** The simple, delicious flavors appeal to a wide range of palates, making it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new ingredients or simply enjoy a universally loved dish.

What You’ll Need for Your Skillet Creation

Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards this incredibly easy and delicious meal. You’ll find most of these items are probably already in your kitchen or readily available at any grocery store. For the complete recipe details, including exact measurements, be sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Pierogies: We recommend using store-bought frozen pierogies for ultimate convenience. Varieties like Mrs. T’s Pierogies are excellent. You can choose classic potato and cheddar, potato and onion, or even a spinach and feta option for a twist.
• Butter & Olive Oil: This dynamic duo provides the perfect fat base for browning the sausage and softening the onions, adding richness and flavor.
• Kielbasa: This smoked sausage is a classic choice for its robust flavor and firm texture. Feel free to use your favorite smoked sausage, such as turkey kielbasa, chicken apple sausage, or even a spicier variety like chorizo for an extra kick.
• Onion: A small, finely chopped onion adds essential aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness when sautéed until tender.
• Garlic: Minced garlic cloves are crucial for building a flavorful base. They release their intoxicating aroma and taste when lightly cooked.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the liquid base of our luscious sauce, infusing the dish with savory notes. Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.
• Cornstarch: Our secret weapon for a perfectly thickened sauce. It creates a smooth, glossy consistency without being heavy.
• Heavy Cream: A splash of heavy cream at the end adds luxurious richness and a silky texture to the sauce, bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the ingredients. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions are the ideal garnish, adding a fresh, slightly pungent crunch and a vibrant pop of color to the finished dish.

How To Make Pierogies Sausage Skillet: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this satisfying Pierogies Sausage Skillet is surprisingly straightforward, designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal:

1. Cook Pierogies: Begin by preparing the pierogies according to the package instructions. Most often, this involves boiling them until they float, then draining them well. This ensures they are tender and ready to absorb the flavors of our skillet sauce.
2. Brown Sausage & Sauté Onions: While the pierogies are cooking, heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the sliced kielbasa and chopped onions. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage begins to brown and develop a nice crust, and the onions have softened and become translucent. Browning the sausage adds a significant depth of flavor to the entire dish.
3. Infuse with Garlic: Reduce the heat slightly if needed. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for just about one minute, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell its fragrant aroma filling your kitchen.
4. Combine & Lightly Brown Pierogies: Carefully add the cooked and well-drained pierogies to the skillet with the sausage and onions. Gently toss everything together. Allow the pierogies to cook for another minute or two, letting them lightly brown and develop a slight crispness on the outside. This step adds wonderful texture.
5. Create the Creamy Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until no lumps remain. This mixture, known as a slurry, is what will thicken our sauce. Pour the slurry into the skillet, stirring gently to incorporate it with the other ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce begins to visibly thicken to your desired consistency.
6. Add Cream & Warm Through: Finally, pour in the heavy cream. Stir it in thoroughly and allow it to cook for just about one minute, simply to warm through. The cream adds a luscious, rich finish to the sauce, making it incredibly comforting.
7. Season & Serve: Taste the skillet dish and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust as needed. Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions over the top for freshness and garnish, and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your easy, hearty meal!

Customization and Variations for Your Skillet

This sausage and pierogies dinner is not only simple and easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for tailoring to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

• Add Your Favorite Veggies: This skillet is an excellent vehicle for incorporating more vegetables. Stir in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking, or add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas along with the onions to cook until tender. Broccoli florets or zucchini can also be fantastic additions.
• Experiment with Pierogie Flavors: Beyond the classic potato and cheddar, pierogies come in many delicious varieties. Try potato and onion, jalapeño and cheddar, or even sweet potato pierogies for a different flavor profile. Each type will impart a unique character to the dish.
• Mix in Cheese: For an extra cheesy experience, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese right before serving. The residual heat will melt it into a gooey, delicious addition.
• Protein Alternatives: While kielbasa is fantastic, you can easily swap it out. Try chicken sausage, turkey sausage, cooked ground beef or turkey, or even cubed ham. Adjust cooking times as needed for different proteins.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or use a spicy smoked sausage. A dash of hot sauce in the creamy sauce can also elevate the flavor.
• Herbaceous Notes: Fresh herbs can brighten the dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or a touch of dried thyme can add another layer of aroma and taste.
• Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, use chicken or turkey sausage and a low-fat milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Use this recipe as a flexible guide, and let your creativity shine! It’s designed to be adaptable, ensuring you can whip up a fantastic, customized meal even on your busiest weeknights.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When browning the sausage and onions, make sure not to overcrowd your skillet. This allows for proper browning and caramelization, which adds a lot of flavor. If necessary, cook in batches.
• Avoid Overcooking Pierogies: Cook pierogies just until they are tender and float. Overcooking them can make them mushy. They will continue to cook slightly when added to the skillet.
• Whisk Cornstarch Thoroughly: Ensure your cornstarch and broth mixture (slurry) is lump-free before adding it to the skillet. This prevents a grainy sauce.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. Different brands of broth and sausage can vary in sodium content.
• Gentle Stirring: Once the pierogies are in the skillet, stir gently to prevent them from breaking apart, especially if they are very tender.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of this Pierogies Sausage Skillet are just as delicious the next day!

• Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the skillet method helps maintain the texture of the pierogies and sausage. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of milk or broth while reheating.
• Freezing: While technically possible, pierogies can become a bit mushy after freezing and thawing in a sauced dish. If you plan to freeze, it might be better to prepare the sausage and sauce, freeze it, and then cook fresh pierogies to combine later.

More Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes

If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this skillet, explore more of our Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes for your busy schedule:

• Easy Baked Cod
• Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna
• Garlic Beef Noodles
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap
• Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

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**This post is sponsored by Mrs. T’s Pierogies. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.