Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa is an easy, creamy, and comforting slow cooker meal perfect for busy nights. Featuring smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Ideal for beginner cooks, this hearty recipe requires minimal prep and delivers a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner with very little effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz kielbasa (beef, pork, or turkey), sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cans (14.5 oz each) diced potatoes, drained
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ can cheddar cream soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Colby Jack works too)
- ½ cup chopped onions (sweet, white, or red)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the slow cooker liner with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Season the potatoes: Drain the canned potatoes thoroughly and add them to the slow cooker. Pour the melted butter over the potatoes, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the potatoes with the seasonings.
- Add the kielbasa and onions: Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces and place them in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onions, spreading them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Incorporate the creamy ingredients: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth, then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
- Mix in the cheddar cream soup: Add the cheddar cream soup and stir until fully blended. This will create the base for the rich, cheesy sauce that coats the potatoes and kielbasa.
- Cook the dish: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 5–6 hours, until the potatoes are soft and the cheese is fully melted. If a thicker consistency is desired, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water and stir it in one hour before the cooking time is complete.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the dish is fully cooked, give it a final stir and serve warm. Garnish with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or a dash of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Notes
- Cheese Tip: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can create a grainy texture.
- Storage & Freezing: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Tips: Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours (high) / 5-6 hours (low)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg