This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Dinner is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender kielbasa, creamy cheese, and tasty veggies, it’s a meal everyone will love.
You just toss it all in the crockpot, set a timer, and relax! I love how it makes dinner effortless on busy days. Who doesn’t love cheesy goodness and a hearty meal without the fuss? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kielbasa: This sausage adds a delicious smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a variation, turkey kielbasa is a lighter option. Veggie sausages can also work for a meat-free meal!
Baby Potatoes: The small size means they cook evenly and are easy to eat. If you don’t have baby potatoes, you can opt for regular potatoes, just cube them smaller to ensure they cook properly.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A great time-saver! You can use any frozen veggies you like—bell peppers or green beans are great alternatives. If you want fresh, just chop and add them when you’re layering in the crockpot.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for creaminess. Dairy-free cheese can work too if you want this recipe vegan.
How Do You Ensure the Kielbasa and Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking in a crockpot is easy, but it’s important to layer your ingredients properly. Start with the potatoes at the bottom since they take longer to cook. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Always spray your crockpot with non-stick spray to avoid sticking.
- Layer your ingredients: potatoes, onions, garlic, then kielbasa, and finally your mixed veggies on top.
- Mix the soup and milk before pouring over to ensure even coating of flavors.
- Check your meal around the last hour—if the potatoes are fork-tender and the kielbasa is heated, you’re good to go!
Letting the cheese melt at the end adds a gooey touch that makes this dish extra comforting! Enjoy!
Easy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 3 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1 small onion, diced
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and then it slowly cooks in the crockpot. You’ll need a total of 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. Get ready to enjoy a stress-free dinner full of flavor and comfort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crockpot:
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with a non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent anything from sticking as it cooks.
2. Layer the Vegetables:
Put the halved baby potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot. After that, sprinkle the diced onion and minced garlic on top for lots of flavor!
3. Add the Kielbasa:
Now, place the sliced kielbasa on top of the vegetables. The juicy sausage will add wonderful taste as it cooks.
4. Mix in the Veggies:
Pour the frozen mixed vegetables over the kielbasa. Don’t worry about thawing them first; they’ll cook perfectly in the crockpot!
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is blended well. This creamy sauce will tie all the ingredients together.
6. Pour It All Together:
Carefully pour the soup mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot, spreading it evenly. This will smother everything in deliciousness!
7. Start Cooking:
Cover your crockpot and set it on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
8. Add the Cheese:
When there’s about 15 minutes left of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pot again and let the cheese melt into a gooey goodness.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, give everything a good stir and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Now it’s time to dig in and enjoy this warm, cheesy meal!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and savory crockpot dinner! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Dinner
Can I Substitute the Kielbasa Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey kielbasa for a lighter option or swap it for plant-based sausage if you want a vegetarian or vegan meal. Just make sure to slice it into rounds for even cooking.
What Vegetables Can I Use Instead of Mixed Vegetables?
You can definitely customize this dish! Fresh or frozen veggies like bell peppers, green beans, or broccoli work great. Just chop them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stove until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk to keep the cheese nice and creamy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Yes, you can! While cheddar cheese is delicious, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of your favorites. Just ensure it melts well for that gooey topping!
