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Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa

crockpot cheesy potatoes and kielbasa - featured image

This easy, comforting family dinner combines creamy, cheesy potatoes with smoky kielbasa, all cooked together in the slow cooker for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 lbs (about 6 cups) russet or Yukon gold potatoes, diced or shredded (or frozen hash browns)
  • 1 lb kielbasa, sliced into thick rounds
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella or Pepper Jack for variation)
  • 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or mushroom/celery, gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 tsp each)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice potatoes into 1-inch cubes (or measure frozen hash browns). Slice kielbasa into 1/2-inch rounds. Dice onion finely.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, condensed soup, melted butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Fold in the diced onion.
  3. Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot. Layer half the potatoes on the bottom, sprinkle with half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, arrange half the kielbasa slices, and pour half the sauce mixture over. Repeat with remaining potatoes, cheese, kielbasa, and sauce.
  4. Gently stir everything in the crockpot to distribute the sauce and cheese. Cover with lid.
  5. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until potatoes are tender (check at 3 hours on LOW). If using hash browns, cooking time may be shorter.
  6. Optional: Sprinkle extra cheese on top during the last 30 minutes. Leave lid slightly ajar for the last 15 minutes to help cheese melt and sauce thicken.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot straight from the crockpot.

Notes

For best results, use starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold. Layering cheese and kielbasa between potatoes helps with even melting and flavor. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free condensed soup and check your kielbasa. Add veggies like peas or bell peppers in the last hour for extra nutrition. Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be frozen for up to 2 months. If the sauce is too thick, add 1/4 cup milk. For a crispy top, broil in an oven-safe dish for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, cheesy potatoes, kielbasa, family dinner, comfort food, easy, one-pot, gluten-free, make ahead