CROCKPOT CHEESY KEILBASA PERFECTION

I still remember the very first time I made a dish similar to this; it was at a potluck, and I was so nervous about bringing something that wouldn’t be devoured. I wanted something hearty, cheesy, and flavorful, something everyone would love. After some experimenting, I stumbled upon a winning combination that always gets rave reviews. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Crockpot Cheesy Keilbasa Meal you’ll ever make!

The Ultimate Crockpot Cheesy Keilbasa Meal: Your New Weeknight Hero!

Let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of cooking after a long day is just…exhausting. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in! And this Crockpot Cheesy Keilbasa Meal? It’s not just easy; it’s unbelievably delicious. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth kielbasa, tender potatoes, and a rich, cheesy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!). This is the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel a little less hectic and a whole lot more comforting.

Forget complicated recipes with a million ingredients. This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor, using everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. So, ditch the takeout menus, grab your crockpot, and let’s get cooking! I promise, this will become a family favorite. You can even serve some tasty BBQ SAUSAGE BITES on the side as an appetizer!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

Seriously, get ready to fall in love! Here’s why this Crockpot Cheesy Keilbasa Meal is about to become your new go-to:

• Effortless: Minimal prep work. Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing!
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of kielbasa, cheese, and seasonings is simply irresistible.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour this meal.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Versatile: Easily customizable to your liking. Add your favorite veggies, use different cheeses, or spice it up with some hot sauce.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• Kielbasa: 1 pound, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds. I prefer using smoked kielbasa for that extra layer of flavor, but you can use any type you like.
• Potatoes: 2 pounds, peeled and cubed. Russet potatoes work great, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes are also delicious options.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion will do the trick.
• Bell Pepper: 1, chopped (any color). This adds a nice touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can. This helps create the creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can. Adds a depth of flavor to the dish!
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded. Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but you can use mild, medium, or even a blend of cheeses.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup, shredded. Monterey Jack adds a melty, slightly sweet element that complements the cheddar perfectly.
• Milk: 1/2 cup. To thin out the sauce and make it extra creamy.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. For that essential garlic flavor.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the onion flavor and adds depth.
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a touch of smokiness and color.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Garnishes: Chopped fresh parsley, green onions, sour cream, or hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crockpot Cheesy Keilbasa Perfection

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious Crockpot Cheesy Keilbasa Meal in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through everything.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and cube the potatoes. Chop the onion and bell pepper. Slice the kielbasa into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the whole process much smoother.
2. Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot: In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, layer the potatoes, onion, bell pepper, and kielbasa. This layering helps to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
3. Add the Soups and Seasonings: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and the kielbasa heated through. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely divine!
5. Add the Cheese: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Cover and continue to cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the crockpot lid and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, sour cream, or hot sauce, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! This is also great alongside a bowl of CREAMY DREAMY SAUSAGE SOUP!

Success Tips for Crockpot Cheesy Keilbasa Glory

Want to ensure your Crockpot Cheesy Keilbasa Meal turns out perfectly every time? Here are my top tips for success:

• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy. Check them periodically with a fork to ensure they’re tender but not falling apart.
• Use Good Quality Cheese: The quality of the cheese really makes a difference in the flavor and texture of the dish. I recommend using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as it melts more smoothly.
• Adjust the Seasonings to Your Liking: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to customize the dish to your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or some Italian seasoning for a more herby flavor.
• Stir Occasionally: While you don’t need to stir the dish constantly, giving it a stir every couple of hours will help to ensure that the ingredients cook evenly and prevent sticking.
• Add a Little Extra Liquid if Needed: If the mixture seems too thick during cooking, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.

Variations and Customization

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile! Here are some fun variations and customization ideas to try:

• Add Veggies: Mix in other veggies like carrots, celery, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce, some chopped jalapenos, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
• Make it Lighter: Use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the dish.
• Add Some Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
• Try Different Sausages: While kielbasa is the star of the show, you can also use other types of sausage like Italian sausage, andouille sausage, or even chicken sausage.
• Make it a Casserole: Pour the cooked mixture into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

This Crockpot Cheesy Keilbasa Meal is a complete meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

• Serve with a side salad: A fresh green salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Serve with crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious cheesy sauce.
• Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy creaminess.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Chopped parsley, green onions, or chives add a pop of freshness.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are great choices.
• Make it a nacho topping: Spoon the mixture over tortilla chips and top with your favorite nacho toppings.

If you’re a fan of potatoes and sausage together, you should also try my SAUSAGE POTATO CASSEROLE!

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time! Here’s how:

• Make-Ahead: You can prep all the ingredients (chop the veggies, slice the kielbasa) and combine them in the crockpot insert the night before. Store the insert in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply pour in the soup mixture and cook according to the recipe instructions.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the mixture cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipe: Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Meal

Here’s the full recipe, all in one place for easy reference!

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Optional garnishes: Chopped parsley, green onions, sour cream, hot sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Peel and cube the potatoes. Chop the onion and bell pepper. Slice the kielbasa.
2. Layer the ingredients in the crockpot: Potatoes, onion, bell pepper, and kielbasa.
3. Add the soups and seasonings: Whisk together soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour over the ingredients in the crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese during the last 30 minutes. Cover and cook until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and serve!

If you are still hungry, why not try some Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Smoked Sausage?

Or maybe Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa would be a great choice!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! Your ticket to a delicious, stress-free dinner. This Crockpot Cheesy Keilbasa Meal is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. So, go ahead, give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking!

Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Perfection

Amelia

This Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Perfection is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender kielbasa, potatoes, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this recipe is easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2025

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• 6-quart or larger slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: Chopped fresh parsley
• Optional garnishes: Green onions
• Optional garnishes: Sour cream
• Optional garnishes: Hot sauce

Instructions

 

• Peel and cube the potatoes. Chop the onion and bell pepper. Slice the kielbasa into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
• In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, layer the potatoes, onion, bell pepper, and kielbasa.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
• Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and the kielbasa heated through.
• During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Cover and continue to cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the crockpot lid and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, sour cream, or hot sauce, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese as it melts more smoothly. To prevent sticking, you can spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray before adding the ingredients. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the crockpot for extra flavor and nutrition.