This smoky Kielbasa sausage and peppers with cheesy grits is a cozy weeknight favorite that only takes 30 minutes to whip together. It's simple, budget-friendly comfort food the whole family will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's ready in under 30 minutes.
- It's family-friendly and no one can resist the cheesy grits!
- It's budget-friendly made with inexpensive, practical ingredients.
Freezer tip: I like to keep a package of kielbasa polish sausage in the freezer because it take no time to thaw! For the quick defrosting method, submerge the frozen packaged sausage it in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minute until thawed. I've found it only takes 15-20 minutes.

Ingredients
For the sausage, onions & peppers:
- 1 (14 oz) package kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 bell peppers (green pepper or any color), sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
For the cheesy grits:
- 4 cups water (or broth)
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- dash of cayenne pepper, optional

Instructions
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides (about 5 minutes), then remove from pan.
- Toss in the onions and peppers, and sauté until softened and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper (and optional garlic).
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a simmer.
- Whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Stir often until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in butter, milk, and cheese until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon a generous helping of cheesy grits into bowls and top with the sausage, peppers, and onions.




Tips for Success
- Stir the grits frequently so they don't clump.
- Use a mix of colorful peppers for the prettiest presentation.
- Double the sausage and pepper mix-it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

Get the Recipe

Kielbasa Sausage and Peppers with Cheesy Grits
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This smoky Kielbasa sausage and peppers with cheesy grits is a cozy weeknight favorite that only takes 30 minutes to whip together.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) package kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic, optional
- 4 cups water (or broth)
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- dash of cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides (about 5 minutes), then remove from pan.
- Toss in the onions and peppers, and sauté until softened and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper (and optional garlic).
- In a saucepan, bring the water to a simmer.
- Whisk in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Stir often until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in butter, milk, and cheese until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon a generous helping of cheesy grits into bowls and top with the sausage, peppers, and onions.
Equipment

All Purpose Pan with Lid, 3 Quart
Buy Now →Notes
Stir the grits frequently so they don't clump.
Use a mix of colorful peppers for the prettiest presentation.
Double the sausage and pepper mix-it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap kielbasa for spicy andouille sausage for a Cajun kick.
- Use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Substitute polenta for grits if that's what you have on hand.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra veggies.
What to Serve With Sausage and Peppers
A crisp green salad would be a refreshing side if you'd like a healthier option. Warm cornbread or biscuits would also be delicious. You could also serve roasted vegetables.
Yes! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to loosen the grits.
You can freeze the sausage and pepper mixture, but grits don't freeze well.

This Kielbasa Sausage and Peppers with Cheesy Grits has everything you need for an easy weeknight dinner! Plus it's a recipe that brings everyone to the table without stressing you out in the kitchen.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments or tag me on Pinterest! I'd love to see your version.







Comments
No Comments