Introduction

Crockpot Kielbasa and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort meal: hearty, flavorful, and practically effortless. Smoky kielbasa sausage, tender potatoes, and sweet onions slowly cook together with a savory sauce, creating a one-pot dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

This dish is a classic Eastern European-inspired meal adapted for the slow cooker, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. The result is a satisfying, hearty, and warming dinner that everyone will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy to prepare yet incredibly flavorful. Simply chop, toss, and let the slow cooker do all the work. The kielbasa releases its smoky, savory juices, infusing the potatoes and onions with rich, comforting flavors.

The combination of tender potatoes and juicy sausage is just irresistible. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for serving family-style, plus it pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or crusty bread.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

One-pot slow cooker meal with minimal hands-on time.
Smoky kielbasa perfectly pairs with soft, tender potatoes.
Comforting and hearty, ideal for cooler months or busy nights.
Easy to customize with vegetables or spices.
Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Total Time: ~4–6 hours

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 4–6
Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal (depends on sausage type)
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Eastern European / American Comfort Food

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1½ lbs kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1½ lbs baby potatoes or small Yukon gold potatoes, halved
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
1 green bell pepper, sliced (optional)
1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1–2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Mustard or sour cream on the side

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Wash and halve the potatoes.
Slice the kielbasa into 1-inch pieces.
Slice onion and bell peppers.
Mince garlic.

Step 2: Optional Searing

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sear kielbasa slices for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. (This step adds flavor but can be skipped.)

Step 3: Layer Ingredients in Crockpot

Place halved potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot.
Add onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic.
Add kielbasa slices on top.
Sprinkle smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper over everything.
Pour chicken broth over the ingredients.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until potatoes are tender and flavors are well combined.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve hot, with mustard or sour cream on the side if desired.

How to Serve

Serve as a main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Spoon over rice or egg noodles for a hearty meal.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Recipe Tips

Use small, uniform potatoes for even cooking.
Searing the kielbasa is optional but adds extra flavor.
Don’t stir too often in the crockpot to avoid breaking up the potatoes.
Add extra vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for variety.

Variations

Spicy Kielbasa and Potatoes: Use hot kielbasa and add red pepper flakes.
Cheesy Version: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top before serving.
Herb Variation: Add rosemary or oregano for different flavors.
Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower or turnips instead of potatoes.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for 2–3 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet, oven, or microwave until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

Crockpot / slow cooker
Knife and cutting board
Skillet for optional searing

FAQ

Q1: Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes, smoked or Italian sausage works well. Adjust cooking time if needed.

Q2: Can I cook this on high from the start?
Yes, 2–3 hours on high will yield similar results.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini work well.

Q4: Is it okay to skip the searing step?
Yes, the dish will still be flavorful. Searing just enhances taste and texture.

Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ingredients in the crockpot, refrigerate, and cook the next day.

Conclusion

Crockpot Kielbasa and Potatoes is a hearty, flavorful, and effortless meal that satisfies the whole family. With tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and savory vegetables, it’s a perfect one-pot comfort dish for busy nights, meal prep, or weekend dinners.

This recipe is versatile, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser—a must-try for anyone who loves simple, comforting slow-cooker meals.