This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Dinner is a hearty dish filled with tasty kielbasa, melted cheese, and colorful veggies. Just throw it all in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
I love how simple this meal is—perfect for busy days! Plus, it has that cheesy goodness that will make everyone come back for seconds. Who doesn’t love cheese, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa: This sausage gives the dish its hearty flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken sausage works well too. You can also use turkey kielbasa for a lighter version.
Baby Potatoes: I like using baby potatoes because they hold their shape well. If you don’t have them, any small potatoes or even diced regular potatoes will do. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is great, but frozen florets are super convenient and equally tasty. If broccoli isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it for green beans or cauliflower.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a key ingredient for creaminess. If you want to make it from scratch, you could use a homemade mushroom sauce instead. Canned cream of chicken or celery can work too if you’re avoiding mushrooms.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a lovely richness to the dish. I personally enjoy sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. You can substitute it with any cheese of your choice, like Monterey Jack or Colby.
How Do I Ensure Perfect Cooking in a Crockpot?
Cooking with a crockpot is pretty easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind for the best results. First, start by layering ingredients properly.
- Place sturdier vegetables, like potatoes, on the bottom, and then add meat and more delicate veggies on top.
- Don’t peek too often while it’s cooking. Lifting the lid lets heat escape and can extend cooking time.
- Adjust the cooking time according to your setting—LOW is generally 6-7 hours while HIGH is 3-4 hours. Make sure potatoes are tender before serving!
Following these tips will help your cheesy kielbasa dinner turn out perfectly every time!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner comes together in about 15 minutes of prep time! After that, you’ll let your crockpot work its magic for either 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. So, you can set it in the morning and have a warm meal waiting for you at dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by lightly spraying the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, place the baby potatoes, broccoli florets, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Make sure the veggies are evenly spread out for even cooking.
3. Layer the Kielbasa:
Now, add the sliced kielbasa on top of the veggies. This will infuse the whole dish with that delicious sausage flavor as it cooks.
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
5. Combine it All:
Pour the soup mixture evenly over the kielbasa and vegetables in the slow cooker. This will create a creamy sauce that binds all the flavors together!
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. You want the potatoes to be nice and tender.
7. Add Cheese:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to enjoy your meal, sprinkle 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again and let it melt into gooey goodness!
8. Stir and Serve:
If you like, gently stir the melted cheese into the mixture to combine it all. Then it’s time to serve! Ladle the delicious meal into bowls.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and fresh parsley if you’re using it. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy kielbasa dinner!
It’s so easy and tasty—perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in!
FAQ: Easy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Dinner
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for baby potatoes and broccoli, you can mix in other veggies like bell peppers, green beans, or carrots. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the vegetables you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you prefer a different flavor or want to avoid mushrooms, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade creamy sauce. A mixture of sour cream and broth also works well if you’re looking for a lighter option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the mixture seems too thick.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just transfer them to the slow cooker and start cooking. It’s a great meal prep option!
