Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This easy slow-cooker recipe combines tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa sausage, and a rich, cheesy sauce for a deliciously satisfying meal. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish is both convenient and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless and hands-off: The crockpot does all the work!
- Rich and cheesy: Velvety cheese sauce coats every bite.
- Kid-friendly: The combination of cheese and sausage is always a hit.
- Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat well.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a hearty side.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the Kielbasa: Cut the kielbasa sausage into ¼-inch slices.
- Mix the Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth.
Assemble in the Crockpot
- Layer the Ingredients: In a greased 6-quart crockpot, layer half of the frozen potatoes, half of the sliced kielbasa, and half of the shredded cheeses.
- Add the Sauce: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat with the remaining potatoes, kielbasa, cheese, and sauce.
Cook in the Crockpot
- Cover and Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Stir gently before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot as a main dish or a side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high)
- Total Time: 4-5 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, green beans, or corn during the last hour of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy kielbasa or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Bacon Lovers: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top before serving.
- Herby Flavor: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar and mozzarella for pepper jack, Swiss, or gouda for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, use about 6 cups of peeled and diced potatoes. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free condensed soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding frozen peas, carrots, or green beans is a great way to include more veggies.
Can I substitute the kielbasa with another protein?
Yes, smoked sausage, andouille, or even cooked chicken are great substitutes.
How do I keep the cheese sauce from getting grainy?
Cook on low heat and avoid overcooking. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes lead to a grainier texture, so shredding your own cheese may help.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the crockpot and store it in the fridge overnight. Cook as directed the next day.
What should I serve with Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa?
Serve with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of chicken?
Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup also works well.
How do I prevent the dish from getting too greasy?
Use a leaner sausage and drain any excess fat after browning the kielbasa (if you choose to brown it first).
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a crockpot?
Yes, layer the ingredients in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Conclusion
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dish that requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor. This versatile and family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a warm and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is sure to become a regular addition to your meal rotation. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa recipe is a comforting and hearty meal made with tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The slow cooker does all the work, making this a perfect dish for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing potluck dish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes (or 6 cups fresh diced potatoes)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Spray the inside of a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup. -
Combine Ingredients:
In the crockpot, add the sliced kielbasa, hash brown potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, Velveeta (if using), chopped onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. -
Add Butter:
Dot the top of the mixture with butter cubes. -
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is fully melted. -
Stir and Serve:
Give the mixture a good stir before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a crispy topping, transfer the cooked mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, and broil for a few minutes until golden.
- Add vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.