This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Dinner is a comforting meal that’s ready with just a little prep! With tender kielbasa, cheesy goodness, and your favorite veggies, it’s perfect for busy nights.
Honestly, who can resist a meal that cooks itself? I toss everything in the crockpot, and by dinner time, I have a warm, cheesy feast waiting for me. Best part? It’s all in one pot!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa: This flavorful sausage is essential for the dish. If kielbasa isn’t available, you can substitute with smoked sausage or even chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Potatoes: I like using Yukon Gold potatoes for their creaminess, but you can also try russet potatoes or baby potatoes. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower can work well too!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds that melty, creamy texture. You can swap it for a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, or use a cheese blend. If you’re dairy-free, there are great vegan cheese options available too.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: While the mushroom soup adds a nice depth, you could use cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce if preferred. For a dairy-free choice, try coconut cream with a bit of vegetable broth.
Sour Cream: This gives a nice tanginess to the dish, but Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. If you need a dairy-free option, look for vegan sour cream or omit it altogether.
How Can I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Tender?
One key to tender, perfectly-cooked potatoes in this recipe is how you cut them. Make sure to cube them into even pieces, about 1-inch wide, so they cook uniformly. Here’s how to ensure they turn out just right:
- Place potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot since they need longer to cook than sausage.
- Give them enough time on low heat (6 to 7 hours) for perfect tenderness, or 3 to 4 hours on high.
- Test one with a fork about half an hour before serving to make sure they’re soft.
Trust me, following these tips will help you achieve a creamy, comforting low-effort dinner everyone will enjoy!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
For the Cheesy Sauce:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks in the crockpot. If you set it on low, it will take 6 to 7 hours. On high, it’ll be ready in about 3 to 4 hours. Just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. This will help keep everything from sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Layer the Vegetables:
Place the cubed potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. Then, add the diced onion on top of the potatoes. This will create a tasty base for the dish.
3. Add Kielbasa:
Now, evenly distribute the sliced kielbasa over the potatoes and onions. The sausage will infuse its flavor into the veggies as they cook together.
4. Mix the Cheesy Sauce:
In a separate medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or spoon to mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the cheesy mixture over the kielbasa and vegetables in the crockpot. Make sure everything is well coated!
6. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook! If you’re using the low setting, cook for 6 to 7 hours or if you’re in a hurry, set it on high for 3 to 4 hours. Check that the potatoes become nice and tender.
7. Add Cheese:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the crockpot again and let it cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Optional Corn:
If you choose to use frozen corn, stir it in about an hour before serving so it can heat through.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s ready, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy kielbasa dinner!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Dinner
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While kielbasa adds great flavor, you can substitute it with any smoked sausage, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and broth. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream mixed with vegetable broth works well too!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk if it thickens up too much.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Just keep in mind that firmer veggies like carrots will take longer to cook, so cut them into smaller pieces.
