This Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Meal is a warm and hearty dish. It features flavorful kielbasa, melted cheese, and tasty veggies all cooked together for a fuss-free dinner!
Who doesn’t love a one-pot meal? Plus, it makes the kitchen smell amazing while it cooks. I just throw everything in the crockpot and relax until it’s ready—easy peasy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa: This smoked sausage adds a wonderful flavor to the dish. If you can’t find kielbasa, look for other types of smoked sausage or even turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Potatoes: I recommend using russet or Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture. If you prefer a low-carb option, cauliflower can be an excellent substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: While shredded cheddar offers a sharp, rich taste, feel free to use a different cheese like Monterey Jack or a cheese blend for variety. Cream cheese can also add creaminess.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This ingredient adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re avoiding canned soups, make your own using mushrooms, cream, and broth for a healthier twist.
Onion: Onions add depth to the dish. You can substitute with shallots or green onions if you want a milder taste.
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Cook Perfectly in the Crockpot?
Getting your potatoes cooked just right is key for this dish. Start by cutting the potatoes into even pieces so they cook uniformly. Placing them at the bottom of the crockpot helps them cook more thoroughly, as they’ll be closer to the heat source.
- For even cooking, aim for 1-inch dice on your potatoes.
- Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Check for tenderness with a fork.
Stirring for the last 15-30 minutes after adding the cheese helps to combine the melted cheese into the potatoes, ensuring every bite is creamy and full of flavor!
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Meal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious crockpot meal takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, it’s perfect for a busy day—just set it and forget it! You’ll be rewarded with a warm and cheesy dish when you’re ready to eat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces and dice the potatoes and onion. Having everything ready will make the next steps super easy!
2. Combine in the Crockpot:
In your crockpot, throw in the diced potatoes, sliced kielbasa, and diced onion. Make sure it’s all evenly distributed at the bottom.
3. Mix the Soup Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything blends nicely into a smooth mixture.
4. Pour and Stir:
Pour the soup mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot. Gently stir everything together to make sure the potatoes and kielbasa are evenly coated in the creamy goodness.
5. Cook it Up:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. If you’re cooking on low, let it go for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, cook on high for 3-4 hours. You want the potatoes to be nice and tender!
6. Add the Cheese:
About 15-30 minutes before you plan to serve the meal, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix it gently and let it melt into the dish, creating a deliciously gooey texture.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked through and the cheese has melted, it’s time to serve. Ladle the cheesy kielbasa meal into bowls and sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Enjoy your warming bowl of goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute kielbasa with another type of sausage like smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or even chicken sausage. Just ensure that the alternative sausage is fully cooked before adding it to the crockpot!
How Do I Thicken the Sauce If It’s Too Thin?
If you find the sauce too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot and let it cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes until thickened.
Can I Use Fresh Vegetables Instead of Frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables work wonderfully! Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes as the potatoes for even cooking. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly if using denser vegetables, like carrots, which may take a little longer to soften.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave on medium heat or warm on the stove until heated through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy!
