This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Dinner is a warm and comforting dish! It’s made with tasty kielbasa, creamy cheese, and veggies, all cooked together for a delightful meal.
Who doesn’t love a one-pot wonder? Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic while you relax. Perfect for busy days or cozy nights! 😄
I adore how simple it is to throw this together. It’s like a hug in a bowl, and it pairs wonderfully with some crusty bread for dipping. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa: This is the star of your dish! You can use any type of kielbasa, whether it’s smoked or not. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey kielbasa works great too!
Potatoes: Red potatoes hold their shape well during cooking. You could swap them for Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor and added nutrition.
Carrots: Baby carrots are convenient! However, regular carrots sliced into rounds are just as good. You might also try adding other veggies like bell peppers or green beans.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, use cream of chicken soup instead! For a healthier option, look for low-fat or organic versions.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella blend nicely in this dish, but you can use whatever cheeses you love! Pepper Jack adds a fun kick. Vegan cheese can also work for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Ensure Everything Cooks Evenly in the Crockpot?
Layering ingredients correctly helps with even cooking. Start with potatoes at the bottom, as they take longer to soften. Follow with harder veggies like carrots and then the kielbasa. This way, everything cooks perfectly!
- Prep your veggies and meats first for efficient layering.
- Mix the soup and sour cream well to coat everything evenly.
- Don’t lift the lid during cooking; it lets out heat and can slow down the process.
Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll have perfectly cooked meals every time!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 medium red potatoes, diced
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks in the crockpot for 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s perfect for setting and forgetting while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or lightly greasing it. This will help with easy clean-up later!
2. Layer the Vegetables:
Begin by placing the diced potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot. They need the most time to cook. Next, add the baby carrots and follow with the diced onion on top.
3. Add the Kielbasa:
Spread the sliced kielbasa evenly over the layer of vegetables. This savory sausage will add great flavor!
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, minced garlic, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
5. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture over the kielbasa and vegetables in the crockpot. Make sure everything is coated well. Then, dot the top with small pieces of butter to add richness.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are nice and tender. Don’t lift the lid during cooking to keep the heat in!
7. Add the Cheese:
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt deliciously.
8. Finish and Serve:
Once the cheese is melted, garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve warm, and enjoy this hearty meal!
Enjoy your Easy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Dinner! It’s comfort food at its best! 😊
FAQs for Easy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Dinner
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While kielbasa adds a savory flavor, you can use other sausages like smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or even andouille for a spicy kick. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if necessary!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No worries! You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using heavy cream, butter, and sautéed mushrooms. For a dairy-free option, try using a non-dairy cream soup alternative.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in other veggies like bell peppers, green beans, or peas. Just ensure that any veggies you add have similar cooking times to potatoes so everything cooks evenly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth if it seems too thick!
