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Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Crockpot cheesy potatoes and kielbasa - featured image

This Crockpot cheesy potatoes and kielbasa recipe is a hearty, comforting family dinner loaded with creamy cheese, tender potatoes, and smoky sausage. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced (or Yukon Golds, or 4 cups frozen diced potatoes)
  • 16 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing the Crockpot
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn (add last hour)
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño, diced
  • Optional: Crumbled bacon

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Slice kielbasa into 1/4-inch rounds. Dice onion and mince garlic. If using frozen potatoes, measure out 4 cups.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, milk, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for topping.
  3. Spray the inside of your Crockpot with cooking spray or brush with butter. Layer half the potatoes and half the kielbasa in an even layer. Sprinkle half the onions and garlic over the top. Spoon half the cheese sauce on top and spread gently. Repeat with remaining potatoes, kielbasa, onions, and cheese sauce.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or until potatoes are fork-tender and everything is bubbly. (HIGH: 2-2.5 hours, but potatoes may be softer.)
  5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If adding peas, corn, or jalapeño, add now. Cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese melts and vegetables are heated through.
  6. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Scoop into bowls and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese to avoid a grainy sauce. Layer onions and garlic between potatoes for even flavor. Don’t overcook to prevent mushy potatoes. You can prep the night before and refrigerate the insert. For a crispy top, broil in a baking dish for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking. This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just check your sausage and cheese labels. Add-ins like peas, corn, or jalapeño can be stirred in during the last 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, cheesy potatoes, kielbasa, family dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, gluten-free, sausage casserole