This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa recipe offers the ultimate, fuss-free comfort food experience, delivering tender potatoes, savory kielbasa, and a rich, cheesy sauce with minimal effort.
Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of a hearty meal, cooked to perfection without you lifting a finger. That’s the magic of this Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa recipe! It’s an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights and a guaranteed family favorite. This dish combines simple ingredients into a rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying casserole that will warm you from the inside out. Forget complicated steps, this ‘dump and go’ slow cooker meal is all about maximum flavor with minimal prep.
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While this dish isn’t a traditional Sweet Sausage Soup, its hearty nature shares that same comforting appeal. This recipe focuses on savory potatoes, but for those who love variety, exploring a Soup With Sweet Potatoes In It can offer a delightful contrast of flavors for another meal. You might even consider variations, though not exactly a Soup Sweet Potato, by adding a touch of smoked paprika for depth.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 30-32 oz bag Frozen Diced Hash Brown Potatoes (O’Brien style with peppers and onions for extra flavor), or Frozen Hash Browns (chopped or shredded), or 2 cans Diced Potatoes (drained), or 2 lbs Baby Potatoes (halved or diced)
- Kielbasa/Sausage: 1-2 lbs Polska Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage (turkey or beef, sliced into ½-inch to 1-inch rounds or bite-sized pieces)
- Condensed Soup: 1 (10 oz or 10.75 oz) can Cream of Chicken Soup, Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup, or Cream of Celery Soup
- Dairy: ½ cup to 1 cup Milk (whole milk or 2%), or 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream, or ½ cup Sour Cream
- Seasoning: 1 packet Ranch Seasoning, or 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon Onion Powder, ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, ½ teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley, ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme
- Fat: 2 tablespoons to ½ cup Melted Butter (optional)
- Cheese: 1 ½ to 2 ½ cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Colby Jack Cheese
- For Slow Cooker: Cooking Spray or Crockpot Liner
- Optional Additions/Garnishes: 2-3 Chopped Green Onions, ½ small Diced Onion (if not using O’Brien potatoes), 1 Diced Green Bell Pepper (if not using O’Brien potatoes), 1 can Diced Tomatoes (undrained), 1 cup Chicken Broth, 1 cup Beef Broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or use a crockpot liner for easier cleanup.
- Prepare Kielbasa and Onions: Slice the kielbasa (or smoked sausage) into ½-inch to 1-inch rounds or bite-sized pieces. If using fresh onions (and not Potatoes O’Brien), dice them.
- Combine Wet Ingredients (Optional but Recommended for Smoother Sauce): In a separate large bowl, whisk together the condensed soup (cream of chicken, mushroom, or cheddar cheese), milk, sour cream, melted butter (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. If using a ranch seasoning packet, this can be added directly to the crockpot later.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- Add the frozen hash browns (or drained diced potatoes or halved baby potatoes) to the bottom of the slow cooker. If using Potatoes O’Brien, add them here.
- Evenly distribute the sliced kielbasa over the potatoes.
- If using diced fresh onions, add them now.
- If you mixed a sauce in a separate bowl, pour it over the kielbasa and potatoes. If not, add the can of soup (cream of chicken, mushroom, or cheddar), milk (if using), and ranch seasoning packet directly into the crockpot.
- Add about half to two-thirds of the shredded cheese (cheddar or Colby Jack) to the mixture, reserving some for the top.
- If adding other vegetables like diced bell peppers or canned diced tomatoes, incorporate them now.
- Mix Well: Gently stir all the ingredients in the slow cooker until they are well combined and coated with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Cook on LOW for 4-8 hours or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally if recommended by your chosen recipe or if you observe uneven cooking.
- Add Remaining Cheese: About 15-30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the mixture. Replace the lid and allow it to melt into a gooey layer.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, serve hot. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
FAQs about Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, absolutely! If using fresh potatoes, peel and dice them into 1-inch cubes. You may want to par-boil them slightly or increase the cooking time on low by an hour or two to ensure they become tender.
What kind of kielbasa works best for this recipe?
Polska Kielbasa or any smoked sausage (beef, pork, or turkey) works wonderfully. Choose your favorite, but ensure it is pre-cooked, as most kielbasa varieties are.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep most of the ingredients, such as slicing the kielbasa and whisking the sauce mixture, the night before. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook in the slow cooker on the day of serving.
How do I store leftovers and how long do they last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I freeze Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa?
Yes, you can. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use other condensed soups like cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or condensed cheddar cheese soup. For a dairy-free option, look for condensed cream of mushroom soup alternatives or make a roux-based sauce from scratch.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños with the potatoes. You could also use a spicy smoked sausage.
What side dishes pair well with Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa?
This hearty dish pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I cook this on the stovetop or in the oven?
Yes, an oven method involves baking it in a casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. For stovetop, you can simmer it in a large pot on low heat, stirring frequently, until potatoes are cooked, though a slow cooker yields the best texture for this recipe.
Why are my potatoes still hard after cooking?
This usually indicates that the potatoes weren’t fully submerged in the liquid or the cooking time was insufficient. Ensure all ingredients are well mixed and, if needed, add a little extra milk or broth. Cook on low for longer until they are fork-tender.
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