Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Kielbasa

This crockpot cheesy potatoes and kielbasa recipe makes a rich comforting dinner with minimal effort Just load up your slow cooker and let it turn a handful of creamy cheesy ingredients and smoky sausage into a dish the whole family will want again and again

I made this on a rainy night when I could not face standing at the stove It was a hit with everyone at the table and leftovers were just as good the next day

Gather Your Ingredients

• Beef kielbasa: Brings smoky savory flavors Slice into bite sized pieces for the perfect hearty bite Choose a brand with a natural casing for snap
• Canned diced potatoes: Add convenience and a soft starchy base Look for firm pieces with minimal sodium or try Del Monte Fresh Cut Diced New potatoes
• Heavy whipping cream: Brings silky richness Use full fat for best results
• Cheddar cream soup: Creates an ultra creamy cheesy sauce Go for a name brand or your favorite variety
• Chicken broth: Thins the mixture and adds savory depth Choose a low sodium boxed broth for more control over salt
• Melted butter: Helps everything meld together Salted or unsalted both work just taste before adding more salt
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers big cheesy flavor Try Colby jack for a milder twist and always use freshly shredded if possible for better melting
• Pepper: Adds a tiny kick Grind fresh for best flavor
• Onion and garlic powder: Round out the flavors Stock up on fresh containers for maximum impact
• Optional cornstarch slurry: Thickens the soup if you like it extra creamy Mix one teaspoon cornstarch with two teaspoons water

How to Make It

Prep the Crockpot:

Spray the inside of your slow cooker thoroughly with nonstick spray This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup so much easier

Drain the Potatoes:

Empty the canned diced potatoes into a strainer and rinse briefly Let them drain fully so excess liquid does not water down your sauce

Mix the Base:

Pour melted butter over the drained potatoes Add in the pepper onion powder and garlic powder Stir well to coat every piece so the flavors absorb

Add the Rest:

Add sliced kielbasa heavy whipping cream chicken broth cheddar cream soup and shredded cheese to the pot Stir to combine and distribute everything evenly

Cook to Melt and Blend:

Cover and cook on high for 45 to 60 minutes or on low for three to four hours until the cheese has melted and the mixture is bubbling Stir halfway to check texture

Thicken if Desired:

If you like a thicker consistency stir in a quick cornstarch slurry during the last hour Let cook uncovered for best results

Cheddar cheese is my favorite part of this dish I once added extra just for my son and now we always use a big handful He says the cheesier the better and I have to agree This recipe reminds me of Sunday afternoons at home with everyone gathered around the kitchen

Flavor Boosters

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to airtight containers This keeps the potatoes from going soggy Store in the fridge for up to four days For longer storage freeze portions in sealed freezer bags and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth if needed

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread Serve as a hearty brunch with fried eggs or tuck the cheesy goodness into bread bowls for a comforting winter lunch I have even served it at potlucks and there is never a bite left

Creative Twists

This dish takes inspiration from classic Midwestern cheesy potatoes often found at church dinners and family gatherings Adding kielbasa turns it into a meal all on its own making this a nod to the kind of food that brings everyone together at the table

After I brought this dish to a family gathering my cousin called for the recipe the very next day Her little ones asked if she could make it again next week I think that is the ultimate compliment It is always on request at our winter get togethers now and makes the rounds at every holiday table

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use peeled and diced fresh potatoes. Adjust cooking time as needed for tenderness.

→ Is it possible to substitute the kielbasa?

Turkey or chicken sausage can be used instead of beef kielbasa for a lighter flavor profile.

→ What type of cheese works best?

Shredded cheddar is classic, but Colby jack or a cheese blend will add different flavors and meltability.

→ Can I prepare this without a slow cooker?

Yes, simmer ingredients gently on the stovetop in a large pot, stirring to avoid sticking.

→ How can I make the dish thicker?

Add a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking and stir until the sauce reaches desired thickness.