Make these Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes and Kielbasa when you want something easy but good. Put everything in before work, come home to cheesy, smoky goodness. Perfect when you're tired but want real food.
Why Make This
This meal's perfect for busy days. Dump stuff in crockpot, turn it on, forget it till dinner. Uses frozen potatoes so no chopping needed. Kids love the cheese, grown-ups love the sausage. Add salad on side if you want something green.
What You Need
- Frozen Potatoes: 1 bag O'Brien kind with peppers
- Kielbasa: 1 ring, any brand works
- Cream Soup: 1 can chicken kind
- Ranch Mix: 1 packet
- Cheese: 2 cups Colby Jack shredded
- Green Onions: Handful chopped
- Cooking Spray: For pot
How to Make It
- Get pot ready:
- Spray inside of crockpot so nothing sticks.
- Put in potatoes:
- Dump frozen potatoes right in - no need to thaw.
- Cut sausage:
- Slice kielbasa in rounds - not too thick.
- Add wet stuff:
- Pour in cream soup. Sprinkle ranch packet over top.
- Mix it up:
- Stir everything good. Make sure potatoes get coated with soup.
- Let it cook:
- Put lid on. Cook low 5-6 hours. Don't peek much - lets heat out.
- Add cheese:
- When done, put cheese on top. Let sit 5 minutes till melty.
- Finish up:
- Sprinkle green onions on. Serve while hot and cheese is gooey.
Why Everyone Likes It
Easy to make but tastes like you worked hard. Cheese gets all melty, potatoes get soft, sausage adds good smoky taste. One pot means easy cleanup. Leftovers heat up good next day too.
Picking Good Stuff
Get potatoes with peppers already in - saves work. Any kielbasa works but Polish kind tastes best. Shred your own cheese - melts better than pre-shredded. Want it richer? Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken.
Making It Easy
Spray pot good or cheese sticks bad. Cut sausage same size so it cooks even. Don't need to stir much - just let it cook. If top gets too wet, crack lid little bit. Check at 5 hours - potatoes should be soft.
What to Serve With It
Put out green salad for fresh crunch. Some folks like bread for soaking up sauce. Steamed broccoli works good too. Want it spicy? Put hot sauce on table. Need more veggies? Throw extra peppers in pot.
Make It Your Way
Like it less salty? Use low-salt soup. Want different meat? Try smoked sausage or chicken sausage. Need more cheese? Add extra on top. Some folks put in extra seasoning or garlic. Make it how your family likes it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh potatoes?
Sure can! Cut them in small cubes, about 1/2 inch. Red potatoes hold their shape best. Russets work too but get softer. Wash them good but no need to peel unless you want to. If using fresh, add an extra 1/2 cup liquid since they don't have the moisture frozen ones do. Some folks par-boil them first - about 5 minutes - so they cook more like frozen ones. Just don't cut them too big or they take forever to get soft!
- What other cheese works?
Lots of options! Sharp cheddar gives nice bite. Monterey Jack melts super smooth. Mix them for best of both! Pepper Jack adds nice heat. Even American cheese works - gets really creamy. Whatever you pick, grate it fresh - pre-shredded doesn't melt as nice. Want it extra cheesy? Add some Velveeta chunks - they make it super creamy. Just check the salt since some cheese is saltier than others.
- Can I make it without meat?
You bet! Try those plant sausages - Beyond or Field Roast make good ones. Cut them up just like kielbasa. Or skip the meat and add more veggies - bell peppers, mushrooms, even broccoli. Some folks use smoked tofu for that smoky taste. Add a dash of smoked paprika too - helps replace that sausage flavor. The cheese and potatoes make it filling enough even without meat.
- How do I know it's done?
Poke the potatoes with a fork - they should be tender all the way through. The cheese should be all melty with no solid bits. Usually takes 4-6 hours on low, 2-3 on high. Every crockpot's different though, so check after minimum time. Edge pieces might brown a bit - that's good! If it looks dry but potatoes aren't done, add a splash of milk or broth. When it smells amazing, it's probably ready!
- Good for freezing?
It works, but texture changes a bit. Let it cool completely first. Put single portions in freezer boxes - easier to heat up later. Good for about a month frozen. Thaw in fridge overnight. Heat slow in microwave, stirring often, or cover and warm in oven. Add a splash of milk while heating if it's dry. Fresh is definitely better, but frozen works for quick lunches!
Some More Ideas
Love this? Try a cheesy potato casserole with bacon next time. Or make kielbasa stew with root veggies. Even potato soup works with these flavors - just make it creamy and add cheese!