Cozy Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa Recipe for Families

Comfort meals like our crockpot cheesy potatoes and kielbasa strike right at the heart of hearty home cooking.

Savory sausage blends perfectly with creamy potato goodness in this simple one-pot wonder.

Busy cooks appreciate how minimal prep leads to maximum flavor satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients meld together creating a rich, satisfying dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Cheese creates a luscious coating that turns ordinary ingredients into something magical.

Simple pantry staples combine to deliver a meal that fills bellies and warms souls.

We know you’ll want seconds of this deliciously uncomplicated dinner that comes together with minimal effort.

Why Crockpot Potatoes and Kielbasa Are a Set-and-Forget Win

• Dump all ingredients directly into the slow cooker, stir once, and let it cook effortlessly without constant monitoring.
• Packed with kid-approved flavors of cheese, potatoes, and sausage, this dish guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
• Equally delicious as a main course or side dish, this recipe works for casual family dinners, potlucks, and game day gatherings.

What Goes into This Cozy One-Pot Meal

• Kielbasa: Rich, smoky sausage that adds hearty flavor and protein to the dish. Polish sausage works best, choose a high-quality brand.
• Hash Brown Potatoes: Creamy base that provides substantial texture. Frozen shredded hash browns are convenient and consistent.

• Sour Cream, Milk, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy elements that create a smooth, rich sauce. Full-fat versions provide better flavor and consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese, Velveeta: Melty cheeses that add sharp and smooth cheese flavors. Sharp cheddar provides more intense taste.

• Onion, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that build depth and complexity. Fresh onion recommended for more robust flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking. Unsalted butter allows better control of overall saltiness.

How to Cook Kielbasa and Potatoes in a Slow Cooker

Step 1: Grease the Slow Cooker

Grab your crockpot and give it a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray. This little trick will make cleanup a breeze and prevent any stubborn stuck-on bits.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Sliced kielbasa
• Frozen hash brown potatoes
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Whole milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Velveeta cheese (optional but recommended)
• Diced onions
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until all ingredients are well combined and looking deliciously creamy.

Step 3: Add Buttery Goodness

Scatter small butter cubes across the top of the mixture. These little gems will melt and add extra richness to the dish.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: Cook for 4-5 hours
• High setting: Cook for 2-3 hours

You’ll know it’s ready when potatoes are tender and cheese is completely melted.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Give the mixture a hearty stir to distribute all those amazing flavors. For an extra pop of color and freshness, sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips That Add Extra Flavor to This Combo

• Prevent Sticking Magic: Generously spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy serving and simple cleanup.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Use a combination of shredded cheddar and Velveeta for ultimate creamy, smooth cheese texture that coats every potato and kielbasa piece.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Sprinkle smoked paprika and garlic powder to elevate the dish's depth, adding a subtle smoky and aromatic dimension to the classic comfort meal.
• Potato Perfection Tip: Opt for frozen hash brown potatoes for consistent texture and to save precious prep time without compromising taste.
• Serving Suggestion Hack: Stir the dish thoroughly before serving to distribute cheese and seasonings evenly, creating a deliciously uniform bite every time.

Store and Reheat This Crockpot Meal Without Losing Quality

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled potatoes and kielbasa to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly and storing for up to 2 months.
• Spread leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Perfect Pairings for a Hearty Potato Dinner

• Complementary Pairings
• Mix crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy potatoes and cut through the heaviness of kielbasa.
• Choose a robust Zinfandel or Syrah with spicy undertones that match the smoky kielbasa and complement the cheesy potato's richness.
• Prepare a zippy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to provide a crunchy, acidic contrast that refreshes the palate between hearty bites.
• Serve warm, rustic sourdough or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and provide a satisfying textural element to the meal.

Twists on Classic Cheesy Kielbasa Potatoes

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu, maintaining the cheesy potato flavor profile while offering a meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap cream of chicken soup with gluten-free cream soup or homemade cream sauce, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute hash brown potatoes with cauliflower or turnip cubes, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the creamy, cheesy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap smoked paprika for chili powder to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired version of the classic recipe.

Potatoes and Kielbasa Crockpot FAQs

• Can I use frozen hash browns instead of thawed ones?

Yes, you can use frozen hash browns directly in the recipe. Just make sure to break up any large frozen clumps before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is it okay to substitute different types of sausage?

Absolutely! Polish kielbasa works best, but you can use smoked sausage, andouille, or any similar sausage that complements the cheesy potato base.

• What if I don't have Velveeta cheese?

No problem. Simply increase the amount of shredded cheddar cheese or use another melting cheese like monterey jack. The key is to maintain the creamy, cheesy texture.

• Can I make this recipe in an oven instead of a crockpot?

Yes, you can. Bake in a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish at 375°F for about 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot cheesy potatoes and kielbasa delivers comfort straight from Polish-American kitchens, blending smoky sausage with creamy potato goodness. Slow-cooked magic promises a satisfying meal that warms hearts and brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced (454 grams)

Potatoes and Dairy:

• 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes (907 grams) (or 6 cups fresh diced potatoes)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (226 grams)
• ½ cup Velveeta cheese, cubed (optional for extra creaminess) (113 grams)
• 1 cup sour cream (226 grams)
• ½ cup milk (120 milliliters)
• 2 tablespoons butter, cubed (28 grams)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup (298 grams)
• ½ cup chopped onion (75 grams)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish) (15 grams)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by generously coating the interior of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent stubborn residue.
2. Layer the sliced kielbasa and hash brown potatoes into the crockpot, creating a hearty base for the dish.
3. Whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth, forming a creamy binding liquid for the ingredients.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Velveeta cheese over the potato mixture, ensuring even distribution for maximum cheesy goodness.
5. Incorporate finely chopped onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper throughout the layers to enhance the overall flavor profile.
6. Strategically place small butter cubes across the top of the mixture, allowing them to melt and infuse richness during cooking.
7. Secure the lid and slow cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, until potatoes reach optimal tenderness and cheese becomes completely molten.
8. Gently fold the ingredients together just before serving to distribute the melted cheese and seasonings evenly.
9. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by mixing sharp cheddar with pepper jack for extra kick.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
• Reduce sodium by using low-fat cheese and unsalted butter to control salt levels.
• Prep ingredients night before and store in refrigerator for a quick morning start to the slow cooker meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg