This Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Meal is an easy and comforting dish! It features tasty kielbasa sausage, creamy cheese, and tender veggies all cooked together to make a hearty meal.
It’s perfect for busy days—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work! I love serving it with some bread to scoop up all that gooey cheese. Yum! 🥖✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa Sausage: This smoked sausage adds a great flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken or turkey kielbasa works well too. You can even use a vegetarian sausage for a meatless meal, depending on your preference.
Potatoes: I recommend using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture. If you’re short on time, frozen diced potatoes can be a quick substitute. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they cook faster.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my favorite for this dish because it melts beautifully. If you’re looking for a different taste, you can swap in Monterey Jack or Gouda. Feel free to mix cheeses for extra flavor!
Cream of Chicken Soup: If you want a lighter option or need it to be gluten-free, cream of mushroom soup is a great alternative. You could also make your own version with cream, broth, and a little flour or cornstarch.
Milk: You can use any milk you have on hand, including almond or soy milk for dairy-free diets. Just be cautious with the flavor, as it might alter the dish slightly depending on the type of milk used.
How Do I Ensure the Potatoes Are Perfectly Tender?
Getting the potatoes just right is key to this dish! Here’s how to make sure they cook perfectly in the crockpot.
- Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized cubes, about 1-inch. This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Layer the potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. They take a bit longer to cook than the kielbasa, so they should be on the bottom.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, increase the heat to high and cook for about 3-4 hours, but check for tenderness.
As a tip, a simple fork test works wonders! Just poke a potato; it should be soft but not mushy. Enjoy your meal when it’s done!
How to Make a Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Meal?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let it cook in the crockpot for 5-6 hours. Simply prep the ingredients, combine them in the crockpot, and let it do all the work while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by slicing the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces. Next, peel and dice your potatoes into chunks. This will help them cook evenly in the crockpot. Both should be ready to go in just a few minutes!
2. Combine in the Crockpot:
In your crockpot, add the sliced kielbasa and the diced potatoes. Give them a little stir to mix them together, making sure they’re evenly distributed at the bottom.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, take the cream of chicken soup and mix it with the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir these ingredients together until they’re well blended and smooth.
4. Pour the Sauce Over:
Now, pour the soup mixture over the kielbasa and potatoes in the crockpot. Use a spoon to gently stir everything together, ensuring the sausage and potatoes are coated with the delicious sauce.
5. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours. Check once in a while to see how it’s doing. After the cooking time, the potatoes should be tender and flavors well melded.
6. Add Cheese and Serve:
Once the potatoes are done, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and mixed throughout. Serve the meal hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a lovely finish. Enjoy your cheesy kielbasa meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute the kielbasa with any type of smoked sausage, such as andouille or turkey sausage, for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the sausage type, so check for doneness accordingly.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No worries! You can make your own creamy base by mixing together 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt and 1 cup of chicken broth, along with a tablespoon of flour to thicken. This will provide a similar texture and flavor to the dish.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare everything and combine the kielbasa and potatoes in the crockpot earlier in the day. Just cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready, add the soup mixture and cook on low as directed.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if you’d like to loosen up the mixture as it may thicken after chilling.
