Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa recipe is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Combining tender hash brown potatoes, flavorful kielbasa sausage, and a creamy cheese sauce, this dish cooks slowly in a crockpot to meld all the savory flavors. It’s an easy, delicious meal that requires minimal prep and delivers satisfying cheesy goodness with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
Vegetables
- 1 (32 oz) package frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided: 1 1/2 cups plus 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Canned Goods
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use a liner for easy cleanup, ensuring the dish won’t stick during the slow cooking process.
- Make the Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Potatoes and Cheese: Fold the frozen hash browns, chopped onion, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy soup mixture, stirring until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to distribute the seasoning throughout the potato mixture.
- Layer in Crockpot: Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared crockpot, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Kielbasa: Arrange the sliced kielbasa on top of the potato mixture, covering the surface evenly for balanced flavor throughout the dish.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are fully developed.
- Add Remaining Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt.
- Mix and Serve: Once the cheese has melted, gently stir the kielbasa and cheesy potatoes together for an even distribution, then serve hot.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute kielbasa with your favorite plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
- Use a low-sodium cream of chicken soup to reduce salt content if desired.
- Feel free to add other seasonings such as paprika or onion powder for extra depth.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your crockpot model.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
