Description
This Slow Cooker Kielbasa Potato Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth, it’s an easy-to-prepare meal that combines rich flavors with minimal hands-on time. The slow cooker method allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, delivering a warm, satisfying soup that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by slicing the kielbasa into thin rounds, peeling and dicing the potatoes, and chopping the onion and garlic. This prep makes the assembly quick and easy.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the sliced kielbasa, diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth into the slow cooker. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to deeply develop and the potatoes to become tender.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the butter, milk or heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Serve hot, topped with optional chopped green onions, extra cheese, or sour cream for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the dairy ingredients.
- You can substitute smoked sausage if kielbasa is not available.
- Adjust the amount of milk or cream for desired soup consistency.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
