This Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Meal is super easy and full of flavor. Just toss in some juicy kielbasa, creamy cheese, and your favorite veggies for a warm comforting dish!
I love how it cooks all day, filling the house with a delicious smell. Plus, who can resist cheese? It’s like a big hug in a bowl! 🧀❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa: Smoked sausage adds a rich, meaty flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey kielbasa works well. You could also use any smoked sausage you like or even bratwurst, depending on your taste.
Potatoes: Russet and Yukon Gold are excellent for their creaminess. If you’re short on time, you could use frozen diced potatoes as a quick substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its robust flavor in this dish. Feel free to swap it with any melty cheese like Monterey Jack, or try a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a different twist!
Cream of Chicken Soup: For a more homemade touch, try mixing equal parts chicken broth and milk with a tablespoon of flour for thickening. If you’re vegetarian, you can use cream of mushroom soup or a veggie broth as a base.
Onion: If onions aren’t your thing, you can use shallots or even omit them. A teaspoon of onion powder is also a good alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Tender?
Cooking potatoes in a crockpot is super easy, but to get that perfect texture, you want to follow a few steps. First, cut them into evenly-sized pieces. This helps them cook together at the same rate. Next, layer them at the bottom of the crockpot so they get maximum heat exposure.
- Start with the sliced kielbasa at the bottom for flavor.
- Dice your potatoes into small cubes, about 1-inch pieces.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Check for tenderness with a fork!
It’s all about patience! Letting them cook low and slow gives the best results with a creamy texture.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Meal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb kielbasa (smoked sausage), sliced
- 2 cups potatoes, diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (or homemade equivalent)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then either 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it type of dish—perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients:
Start by slicing the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces. Next, dice the potatoes and the onion into small pieces so they cook evenly. This prep work is quick and helps everything blend beautifully in the pot.
2. Layer in the Crockpot:
Take your crockpot and layer the sliced kielbasa at the bottom. Then, toss in the diced potatoes followed by the diced onion. This layering technique ensures that all the flavors meld together nicely as it cooks.
3. Add Creamy Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Once mixed, pour this creamy goodness over the ingredients in the crockpot. It will create a luscious sauce as it cooks!
4. Cook:
Now, cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. Choose low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You want the potatoes to be tender, soaking up all those amazing flavors.
5. Add Cheese:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Place the lid back on and let it melt into the dish—this will give you that cheesy and creamy texture everyone loves!
6. Serve:
Once everything is perfectly cooked and the cheese is melty, give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Serve it warm in bowls and top with freshly chopped parsley for a little burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your hearty Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Meal!
Can I Use Fresh Sausage Instead of Kielbasa?
Yes, you can! If you prefer fresh sausage, just make sure to brown it in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. This adds extra flavor to the dish. Just slice it into coins or chunks as you would with kielbasa.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use a homemade version or substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. Alternatively, mix together 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt with a bit of chicken broth to achieve a similar creamy consistency.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or green beans. Just ensure they are chopped into similar sizes as the potatoes for even cooking. Add heartier vegetables a bit earlier during the cooking process if they take longer to soften.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Freezing is also an option; just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months.
