Description
This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa recipe is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender diced potatoes, savory kielbasa, and a creamy cheesy sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, it offers an easy, delicious meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings, featuring rich flavors from cheese, cream, and spices all melded together in one pot.
Ingredients
Meats
- 12 oz Kielbasa (beef kielbasa, sliced into ½ inch thick pieces)
Vegetables
- 3 cans (14.5 oz each) diced potatoes, drained (Del Monte Fresh Cut Diced New potatoes recommended)
- ½ cup chopped onions (sweet onions preferred; white or red onions optional)
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Colby jack cheese can be used as alternative)
Pantry
- ½ can cheddar cream soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (cornstarch slurry for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker liner with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Drain Potatoes: In a strainer, thoroughly drain the canned diced potatoes to remove excess liquid, ensuring the dish isn’t too watery.
- Combine Potatoes, Butter, and Spices: Add melted butter and the drained potatoes to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to coat the potatoes evenly with the butter and seasonings.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Place the sliced kielbasa, chopped onions, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, and shredded cheese into the slow cooker. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Incorporate Cheddar Cream Soup: Add the cheddar cream soup to the mixture and mix well until all components are evenly blended, creating a creamy base.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. Cook until the potatoes are tender and flavors are well melded.
- Optional Thickening: For a thicker consistency, about an hour before cooking is complete, stir in a cornstarch slurry made by mixing 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the cheesy potatoes and kielbasa hot. Enjoy with your choice of toppings such as extra cheese, sour cream, or chopped herbs if desired.
Notes
- Draining the canned potatoes thoroughly is key to avoiding a watery dish.
- You can substitute beef kielbasa with pork or chicken kielbasa depending on preference.
- For a dairy-free version, heavy cream and cheese can be replaced with plant-based alternatives.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for additional nutrition and flavor.
- If the dish is too thick after cooking, stir in a bit more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the microwave or stovetop.
