Are you craving a delicious, satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This easy kielbasa recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will quickly become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Forget complicated food recipes; this one is unbelievably simple, yet bursting with flavor. It's the ultimate quick dinner idea, offering a healthy and delicious meal the whole family will love. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Kielbasa sausage (Polish or your favorite variety), removed from casings (optional)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop the onion and bell pepper. If using kielbasa in casings, you can either leave it whole or slice it into 1-inch thick pieces. Removing the casings makes for easier cooking and a more even distribution of flavors.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven (cast iron works great!), sauté the onion and bell pepper in a little oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the kielbasa in the skillet, nestling it amongst the vegetables. Bring to a simmer on the stovetop, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the kielbasa is heated through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. This makes an excellent and healthy meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or zucchini.
- Different sausage: Experiment with other sausages like andouille or bratwurst.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer sauce.
- Slow cooker option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This kielbasa recipe is a testament to how delicious and easy healthy meals can be. It's the perfect example of simple cooking techniques resulting in a truly satisfying and flavorful dish. Enjoy!