Hearty Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes And Kielbasa Recipe

Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes And Kielbasa Recipe For Dinner

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty crockpot cheesy potatoes and kielbasa that warms every corner of your soul.

Layers of tender potatoes and smoky sausage create a perfect marriage of flavors and textures.

Creamy cheese blankets each bite with rich, melting goodness.

The slow cooker works its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal.

Chunks of kielbasa add a robust smokiness that dances with the soft, pillowy potatoes.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking a delicious, no-fuss dinner solution.

This one-pot wonder promises to become a weeknight favorite that feeds hungry bellies and comforts weary spirits.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 9

Slow Cooker Tools For This Hearty Dish

  • Crockpot (6-quart): Essential for slow cooking the entire dish, providing even heat distribution.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing kielbasa and chopping onions with precision.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for clean, efficient ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and ensuring even mixing.
  • Nonstick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Instructions To Make Cheesy Kielbasa Potatoes

  • Kickstart Your Crockpot Magic

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a quick spray to prevent sticky situations. This is gonna be a flavor explosion!

  • Toss and Mix Like a Pro

Drop in your sliced kielbasa, hash brown potatoes, creamy soup, and all those delicious ingredients. Stir everything until it looks like a cozy comfort food dream.

  • Butter Up Your Masterpiece

Sprinkle little butter cubes across the top, creating pockets of golden deliciousness that will melt into every single bite.

  • Low and Slow Transformation

Cover your crockpot and let the magic happen. On low heat, give it 4-5 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, 2-3 hours on high will do the trick. Wait for those potatoes to turn super tender and the cheese to become irresistibly melty.

  • Final Flavor Flourish

Give everything a good mix right before serving. Want to make it look fancy? Sprinkle some fresh green onions or parsley on top for that restaurant-style touch.

Tips To Make It Extra Savory

  • Cheese Lover's Tip: Experiment with different cheese blends like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or a sharp white cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that jazz up the classic recipe.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prep all ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator, then simply dump into the crockpot for a stress-free meal the next day.
  • Dietary Swap Options: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verify all ingredient labels. Dairy-free alternatives include using coconut milk and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
  • Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or frozen mixed vegetables to increase the dish's vegetable content without compromising the creamy texture.
  • Spice It Up: Transform the recipe with different seasoning blends like Italian herbs, Cajun spice mix, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Ways To Serve Kielbasa Potatoes

  • Hearty Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this comforting dish as a complete meal with a fresh green salad and crusty bread to soak up the cheesy goodness.
  • Potluck Party Showstopper: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to gatherings, keeping it warm in the crockpot for easy serving and maximum flavor impact.
  • Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for sports watching parties, pair with cold beverages and additional appetizers for a satisfying spread that feeds a hungry group.
  • Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform the dish by topping with a fried egg and extra crispy bacon bits for a delicious morning variation that everyone will love.

How To Store This Crockpot Favorite

  • Fridge Fresh Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
  • Quick Reheat Method: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture if needed.
  • Freezer Friendly Tip: Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best taste and texture.
  • Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare ingredients night before and store in separate containers. Combine in crockpot morning of cooking for hassle-free dinner preparation. Perfect for busy weeknights or planned gatherings.

Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Ingredients

For Protein and Base:
  • Kielbasa: Smoky sausage that adds rich, meaty flavor and robust texture to the dish, choose high-quality Polish-style sausage with good seasoning.
  • Hash Brown Potatoes: Convenient base that provides hearty foundation, select frozen variety for quick preparation and consistent texture.
For Creamy and Binding Ingredients:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates silky smooth base with deep savory undertones, opt for low-sodium version to control salt content.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps create creamy consistency, room temperature sour cream blends more smoothly.
  • Milk: Helps achieve perfect sauce consistency, whole milk provides best flavor and creaminess.
  • Velveeta: Delivers ultra-smooth melting quality, provides additional cheesy richness.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp cheese flavor and creates golden, stretchy texture, sharp varieties offer more robust taste.
For Seasoning and Enhancing Flavor:
  • Onion: Brings sweet and aromatic base notes, finely chopped for even distribution.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, concentrated garlic essence without raw garlic texture.
  • Smoked Paprika: Contributes subtle smoky depth that complements kielbasa.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting overall dish flavor.
  • Butter: Provides rich, golden finish and additional moisture.
  • Green Onions or Parsley: Optional fresh garnish for brightness and color contrast.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Hearty Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes And Kielbasa Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes And Kielbasa Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot cheesy potatoes and kielbasa recipe combines comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Polish-inspired ingredients merge for a simple, satisfying meal that feeds a hungry crowd with minimal prep work.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes (or 6 cups fresh diced potatoes)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup Velveeta cheese, cubed (optional for extra creaminess)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tbsps butter, cubed
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Coat slow cooker interior with nonstick spray for easy cleaning and layer kielbasa as the foundational protein.
  2. Base Layer: Spread hash brown potatoes evenly across kielbasa, creating a hearty potato foundation.
  3. Creamy Mixture: Whisk cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk into a smooth, velvety liquid, then pour over potato and kielbasa layer to ensure complete coverage.
  4. Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Velveeta throughout, intersperse chopped onions, and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for a robust flavor profile.
  5. Butter Integration: Strategically place butter cubes across the surface to enhance richness and promote even melting.
  6. Slow Cooking: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and potatoes to become tender.
  7. Finishing Touches: Gently fold contents to integrate flavors, confirm potato softness and cheese melting, and optionally garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh, vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Sticking: Thoroughly spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to guarantee easy serving and cleanup.
  • Control Moisture Levels: Avoid oversoaking potatoes by using thawed hash browns or draining excess liquid to maintain ideal texture.
  • Enhance Cheese Melting: Cube Velveeta into smaller pieces and distribute evenly to ensure uniform melting and creamy consistency.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for vegetarian options or use low-fat dairy products for a lighter version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star