Hearty Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa Recipe

Cozy Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa Recipe for Fall

Weeknight dinners call for a comforting recipe like these cheesy potatoes and kielbasa that pack a flavorful punch.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this one-pot meal blends tender potatoes with savory kielbasa sausage.

The creamy cheese sauce mingles deliciously with smoky meat and soft potato chunks.

Each bite promises a satisfying blend of textures and rich, hearty flavors.

Families love how simple and delectable this dish becomes with minimal preparation.

The crockpot does most of the work, transforming basic ingredients into a memorable meal.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular dinner rotation.

Cheesy Potato & Kielbasa Crockpot Ingredients

For Protein and Flavor:
  • Kielbasa: Smoky Polish sausage that adds rich, hearty depth to the dish and provides a satisfying meaty texture.
  • Hash Brown Potatoes: Convenient and quick-cooking potato option that creates a comforting base with crispy edges when slow-cooked.
For Creamy and Binding Elements:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Silky base that adds moisture and creates a luxurious, velvety sauce.
  • Sour Cream: Tangy ingredient that enhances richness and provides a subtle cultured flavor.
  • Milk: Helps thin the sauce and ensure smooth, even cooking throughout the dish.
  • Velveeta: Ultra-creamy cheese that melts perfectly and adds a luxurious, smooth texture.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides a classic, bold flavor and helps create a golden, bubbly top.
For Seasoning and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Sweet, aromatic base that builds foundational flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides instant, concentrated garlic essence without chopping.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky undertone that complements the kielbasa.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all other flavors.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, slightly crisp surface.
  • Green Onions or Parsley: Optional fresh garnish that adds brightness and visual appeal.

Slow Cooker Tools for Simple Layering

  • Crockpot (6-quart): Essential for slow cooking the entire dish, ensuring even heat distribution.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing kielbasa and chopping onions.
  • Kitchen Knife: Sharp blade for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and mixing everything thoroughly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Cook Cheesy Kielbasa Potatoes Slowly

  • Prepare Crockpot

Grab your crockpot and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to make cleanup a breeze.

  • Mix Ingredients

Toss in sliced kielbasa, hash brown potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, Velveeta, onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s well blended and looks super delicious.

  • Add Butter Goodness

Drop butter cubes all over the top of the mixture to create an extra rich and creamy texture.

  • Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until potatoes are super tender and cheese is completely melted and gooey.

  • Finish and Serve

Give the mixture a good stir to distribute all those amazing flavors. If you want, sprinkle some chopped green onions or parsley on top for a fresh finish. Dig in and enjoy your comforting meal!

Ways to Make It Spicier or Extra Creamy

  • Replace cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt and use turkey kielbasa to reduce calories and fat while maintaining delicious taste.
  • Swap kielbasa with plant-based sausage or add roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a meat-free version that's equally satisfying.
  • Prepare the entire dish the night before, store in the refrigerator, and start cooking in the morning for a hassle-free dinner solution.
  • Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for those who love a spicy kick to their comfort food.

Scoop and Serve This Cozy Crockpot Dish

  • Hearty Family Feast: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, this comforting dish serves as a complete meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Potluck Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing recipe to your next community gathering or church potluck. Its rich, cheesy goodness will make you the culinary hero of the event.
  • Game Day Delight: Serve alongside football snacks or as a killer side dish during sports watching parties. The kielbasa adds a smoky protein punch that keeps fans satisfied throughout the game.
  • Cozy Winter Comfort: When cold weather hits, this warm, cheesy creation provides the ultimate comfort food. Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness and create a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Tips to Keep Portions Fresh for the Week

  • Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for maximum freshness, keeping the dish sealed tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
  • Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, where the meal will stay delicious for up to 3 months when properly stored.
  • Warm gently in microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out during reheating process.
  • Divide remaining casserole into individual serving sizes, making future meal prep quick and convenient for busy weeknights or last-minute lunches.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Print
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Hearty Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot cheesy potatoes and kielbasa blend comfort and flavor in one satisfying dish. Generous layers of creamy cheese, tender potatoes, and smoky kielbasa create a classic comfort meal perfect for hungry families seeking simplicity and deliciousness.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (32 oz/907 g) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes (or 6 cups fresh diced potatoes)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup Velveeta cheese, cubed (optional for extra creaminess)
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 1 (10.5 oz/298 g) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 2 tbsps butter, cubed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Coat the interior of a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick spray to ensure effortless cleaning and prevent sticking.
  2. Ingredient Fusion: Blend kielbasa, hash brown potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, Velveeta, onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in the crockpot, thoroughly mixing to create a uniform consistency.
  3. Butter Enhancement: Strategically distribute butter cubes across the surface of the mixture, allowing them to melt and infuse rich flavor throughout the dish.
  4. Slow Cooking Process: Seal the crockpot and let the ingredients simmer on low temperature for 4-5 hours or accelerate on high heat for 2-3 hours until potatoes reach perfect tenderness and cheese melts completely.
  5. Final Touch: Gently fold the contents to ensure even distribution of ingredients, then plate and optionally garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Thaw frozen hash browns slightly before adding to prevent excess moisture and ensure crispy edges during slow cooking.
  • Use a mix of sharp cheddar and Velveeta for ultra-creamy consistency, stirring halfway through cooking to prevent cheese separation.
  • Toast kielbasa briefly in a skillet before adding to crockpot to intensify smoky flavor and add delightful caramelized notes.
  • Substitute low-fat dairy options and turkey kielbasa for a lighter version, maintaining rich taste while reducing overall calorie content.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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