Crockpot Kielbasa and Potatoes

This Crockpot Kielbasa and Potatoes is a true set-it-and-forget-it meal. With just a few minutes of chopping, you can have a hearty dinner cooking away while you handle the rest of your day.

The slow cooker gently melds the flavors of smoked sausage, sweet peppers, and tender potatoes, creating a complete and satisfying meal all in one pot. It’s an ideal choice for a comforting weeknight dinner with very little hands-on time.

Why will you love Crockpot Kielbasa and Potatoes?

Tossing the vegetables with seasoning first ensures every bite is flavorful, not just the top layer.

Using a slow cooker makes the potatoes exceptionally tender without them falling apart.

This one-pot method means cleanup is straightforward, as you only have the crock and a cutting board to wash.

Crockpot Kielbasa and Potatoes Ingredients

• Kielbasa: Polish kielbasa is a great choice, but other smoked sausages like andouille or beef sausage also work well.

• Potatoes: Red potatoes or Yukon Golds are recommended because they hold their shape well during long cooking times. Russets can be used but may become softer.

• Bell Peppers: A mix of colors like red, yellow, and orange adds visual appeal and a range of sweet flavors.

• Seasoning: Italian seasoning is a convenient blend. You can also use a combination of 1 teaspoon dried basil and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.

• Garlic Powder: Feel free to substitute with 2-3 cloves of freshly minced garlic for a more pronounced garlic taste.

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Crockpot Kielbasa and Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables and Sausage

Start by washing and chopping your vegetables. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks, and chop the onion and bell peppers. Slice the kielbasa into rounds. This is the main prep work for the entire dish.

Step 2: Season and Layer

Place the chopped vegetables in the slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with all the seasonings. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Then, arrange the sliced kielbasa on top of the seasoned vegetables.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Finish

Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. It will need 6 to 8 hours on the low setting or about 3 to 4 hours on high. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are soft enough to be easily pierced with a fork.

What to Serve with Crockpot Kielbasa and Potatoes

This is a complete meal on its own. If you like, serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up any juices.

Helpful Tricks for Crockpot Kielbasa and Potatoes

Most kielbasa sold in the US is pre-cooked. The dish is done when the potatoes are tender and everything is heated through.

For extra flavor, you can briefly brown the kielbasa slices in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.

Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they all cook at the same rate.

No extra liquid is needed. The vegetables and sausage release plenty of moisture as they cook.

How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Kielbasa and Potatoes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish does not freeze well, as the texture of the potatoes can become grainy. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Crockpot Kielbasa and Potatoes Recipe FAQs

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can. Green beans, carrots, or mushrooms are great additions. Add heartier vegetables like carrots with the potatoes, and more delicate ones like green beans in the last hour of cooking.

Do I need to add any liquid like broth?

No extra liquid is needed. The vegetables and kielbasa release enough moisture as they cook to create a flavorful sauce and prevent sticking.

My potatoes are still hard but the kielbasa is cooked. What should I do?

This can happen if the potato chunks are too large or if your slow cooker runs a bit cool. Simply continue cooking until the potatoes are tender. The kielbasa is pre-cooked, so it will not overcook.

Crockpot Kielbasa and Potatoes

Tender potatoes, savory kielbasa, and colorful peppers cook together in the slow cooker for an easy, satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  

• 2.5 lbs red or Yukon Gold potatoes cut into 1.5-inch chunks, 1.1 kg
• 1 large yellow onion chopped
• 2 bell peppers seeded and chopped, any color
• 1.5 lbs Polish kielbasa sliced into 1/2-inch rounds, 680 g
• 2 tbsp olive oil 30 ml
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional

Instructions

 

• In the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the potato chunks, chopped onion, and chopped bell peppers.
• Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables. Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
• Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
• Arrange the sliced kielbasa in an even layer over the vegetables.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
• The dish is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender.
• Stir gently before serving to combine the kielbasa with the vegetables.

Notes

Most kielbasa sold in the US is pre-cooked. The dish is done when the potatoes are tender and everything is heated through.

For extra flavor, you can briefly brown the kielbasa slices in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.

Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they all cook at the same rate.

No extra liquid is needed. The vegetables and sausage release plenty of moisture as they cook.

Keyword crockpot kielbasa and potatoes, kielbasa, One-Pot Meal, potato, slow cooker