Simple Slow-Cooker Kielbasa and Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Meals

Hearty slow-cooker kielbasa and potatoes bring comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Crisp autumn evenings call for warm, satisfying meals that fill the kitchen with delicious aromas.

Polish sausage pairs perfectly with tender potato chunks, creating a rustic one-pot wonder.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

We love how this dish comes together effortlessly, letting you spend more time enjoying your meal.

Minimal prep means you can relax while the slow cooker works its magic.

Savor every bite of this hearty, no-fuss dinner that promises to become a weeknight favorite.

Why Slow-Cooker Kielbasa And Potatoes Are A Winner

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a hearty meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping kielbasa for different sausages or adding extra vegetables to suit your family's taste preferences.
• One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal packed with protein and potatoes that dirties just one cooking device, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious kitchen time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinner parties where you want a delicious, satisfying dish that feeds a hungry group without spending hours in the kitchen.

Slow-Cooker Kielbasa And Potatoes Ingredient List

• Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds rich, smoky taste to the dish.

• Potatoes, Onion, Garlic: These ingredients provide hearty texture and depth of flavor to the slow-cooker meal.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the kielbasa and prevents sticking to the skillet.
• Paprika, Oregano: Classic herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps create a delicious cooking liquid for the ingredients.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

Steps To Make Slow-Cooker Kielbasa And Potatoes

Step 1: Brown Kielbasa Sausage

Heat a skillet over medium temperature. Drizzle olive oil and place kielbasa slices.

Cook until edges turn golden and slightly crispy. Transfer browned sausage pieces to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Using the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

• Diced potatoes
• Browned kielbasa
• Sautéed onions
• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Chicken broth

Step 4: Season and Mix

Sprinkle salt and black pepper across the mixture. Gently stir to ensure even distribution of seasonings and ingredients.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover slow cooker and set to low heat. Allow dish to simmer for 6-8 hours or select high heat for 3-4 hours until potatoes become tender and soft.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Chop fresh parsley and scatter over the top just before serving. Enjoy this hearty, comforting meal straight from the slow cooker.

Best Tips For Slow-Cooker Kielbasa And Potatoes

• Brown kielbasa in a skillet to enhance flavor and create a slightly crisp texture before slow cooking.
• Sauté onions and garlic separately to develop a deeper, more complex taste profile for the dish.
• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for better texture and less falling apart during long cooking.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley just before serving to brighten the dish and provide a fresh contrast to the rich, hearty flavors.
• For a lighter version, use turkey kielbasa and reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth, making the recipe more diet-friendly.

Tasty Tweaks For Slow-Cooker Kielbasa And Potatoes

• Spicy Smoky Version: Add diced jalapeños and swap regular paprika with smoked paprika for a fiery kick that intensifies the flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Replace oregano with fresh rosemary and thyme, then mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Cheesy Comfort Edition: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking, creating a rich and creamy texture.
• Root Vegetable Remix: Include diced carrots and parsnips alongside potatoes for extra nutrition and a subtle sweetness that complements the kielbasa.

Side Options For Slow-Cooker Kielbasa And Potatoes

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, smoky kielbasa flavors and cut through the hearty potatoes.
• Serve Tangy Sauerkraut Side: Create a classic Polish-inspired plate by adding fermented sauerkraut that provides a bright, acidic contrast to the savory meat and potatoes.
• Match Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or hearty rye bread to soak up the delicious chicken broth and provide an extra textural element to the meal.
• Complement with German Beer: Choose a crisp Pilsner or malty Oktoberfest beer that enhances the smoky kielbasa and provides a refreshing balance to the rich dish.

How To Keep Slow-Cooker Kielbasa And Potatoes Good

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remains good for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheat: Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F.
• Stovetop Reheat: Pour contents into skillet with small splash of chicken broth. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add extra herbs for refreshed flavor.

FAQs About Slow-Cooker Kielbasa And Potatoes

• Why brown the kielbasa before adding to the slow cooker?

Browning the kielbasa creates a deeper, richer flavor by caramelizing the meat’s surface and developing more complex taste notes.

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use red, Yukon gold, or russet potatoes. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

• Is chicken broth necessary for this recipe?

Chicken broth adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable broth or water if needed.

• How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they’re tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, typically after 6-8 hours on low heat.

Slow-Cooker Kielbasa and Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours and 10 minutes to 8 hours and 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty kielbasa and potatoes slow-cooker delight brings Polish comfort right to your dinner table. Savory sausage mingles with tender potatoes, creating a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound smoked kielbasa, sliced

Vegetables:

• 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, caramelize kielbasa slices until edges turn golden and crisp, then transfer to a plate.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
3. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker, adding diced potatoes, browned kielbasa, paprika, and oregano.
4. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring even distribution of spices and liquid throughout the mixture.
5. Season the dish with salt and pepper, gently stirring to incorporate all elements harmoniously.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat for 6-8 hours, or high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing potatoes to become fork-tender and flavors to meld.
7. Once cooking is complete, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Brown kielbasa first to develop a rich, caramelized flavor and crispy exterior that adds depth to the overall dish.
• Sauté onions and garlic separately to release their natural sweetness and eliminate raw, sharp flavors before adding to the slow cooker.
• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for better texture, as they hold their shape during long, slow cooking.
• For a lighter version, substitute chicken kielbasa and use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce calories and sodium content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg