Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa is a classic comfort food dish that brings together smoky kielbasa sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy melted cheese in a slow cooker for a hearty, satisfying meal. This dump-and-go recipe is perfect for busy families, weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holidays. With minimal prep and bold flavor, it’s a meal that practically cooks itself while filling your kitchen with savory aromas. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this cheesy potato casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) package smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen diced or shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or extra cheese
Preparation
Step 1: Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease with butter.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Add the thawed hash brown potatoes, chopped onion, and 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Stir until evenly coated.
Step 4: Fold in the sliced kielbasa pieces and mix well to distribute them throughout the potato mixture.
Step 5: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared slow cooker. Spread it evenly and top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.
Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender, the kielbasa is heated through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot straight from the slow cooker.
Variation
- Use cubed fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns, but increase cooking time by 1–2 hours.
- Swap kielbasa for smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or chopped ham.
- Add vegetables like frozen peas, bell peppers, corn, or green beans for added nutrition.
- Use cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup instead of cream of chicken.
- Add a crunchy topping: sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or French fried onions during the last 30 minutes.
Cooking Note
It’s important to thaw your hash brown potatoes before adding them to the crockpot. Frozen potatoes will release excess water, thinning out the sauce. Stirring is optional during cooking but can help distribute heat evenly if done gently. If your slow cooker tends to cook hotter, check for doneness around the 4-hour mark on low to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa as a main dish with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted green beans. It also pairs well with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a warm biscuit. If serving as a side dish for a larger holiday or potluck meal, it complements roasted meats, BBQ dishes, and grilled entrees beautifully.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- For extra richness, add 4 oz of softened cream cheese to the mixture.
- If you like spice, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the kielbasa and using cream of mushroom soup.
- Stir once halfway through cooking for more even heat distribution if needed.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 hours (on low) or 3 hours (on high)
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 510 per serving
Protein: 21g
Sodium: 960mg
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and cook it the next day.
Can I use fresh potatoes?
- Yes, peel and cube fresh russet or Yukon gold potatoes. You may need to increase the cook time by 1–2 hours.
What kind of kielbasa should I use?
- Any fully cooked smoked kielbasa will work, pork, beef, turkey, or even a spicy variation depending on your taste.
Can I cook this on high?
- Yes, cook on high for 3 to 3½ hours. Make sure to check around the 3-hour mark for doneness.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or larger portions in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Conclusion
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa is the kind of no-fuss, flavor-packed meal that’s always welcome on the table. With minimal prep and maximum comfort, it combines cheesy potatoes and smoky sausage into a dish that’s creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy night, contributing to a potluck, or just craving something hearty and homemade, this easy slow cooker casserole checks all the boxes. Try it once, and you’ll come back to it all year long.