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10 Easy Kielbasa Crock-Pot Recipes

Sausages like kielbasa are already a comfort food, so why not embrace their nature and turn up the comfort dial to 11?

Here’s everything you need to know about making kielbasa in a crock-pot.

What is kielbasa?

Kielbasa is a type of pork sausage originating in Poland. It has a larger mince, giving it a coarser texture than finely ground sausages. They are usually sold smoked in the U.S. and seasoned with garlic, marjoram, and other spices. They tend to have a horseshoe shape and are often referred to as ring sausages.

Traditional kielbasa uses pork, and in the old days, sometimes horse (!). These days, you can find kielbasa made from pork, beef, chicken, and just about any other meat. Well, except horse.

How to make slow-cooker kielbasa

Cooking kielbasa in a crock-pot is straightforward. All you need is your kielbasa, your veggies, sauce, and any extras you want to toss in.

Here’s a simple step-by-step:

  1. Slice your kielbasa into rounds or leave it whole, depending on your preference.
  2. Choose your vegetables and sauce (see recipes below for inspiration).
  3. Add everything to the crock-pot.
  4. Set the crock-pot to low (4-6 hours) or high (2-3 hours).
  5. Optional: Remove the sausage and finish with a quick broil in the oven for extra texture and flavor.

For the best flavor and nutrition, look for authentic, smoked kielbasa from a butcher or producer that sells heritage pork from small family farms.

Note: the majority of kielbasa sold in the U.S. is smoked. This reduces the time needed to prepare and cook the sausage. If you are using raw kielbasa, you should sear your sausage on all sides to kickstart the cooking process before adding it to your crock-pot. And for extra caution, use the high setting on your crock-pot instead of letting it cook slowly for hours.

10 kielbasa crock-pot recipes

Here’s a mix of classic and creative recipes that bring out the best in kielbasa.

1. Sausage sauerkraut soup

Why not embrace kielbasa’s Polish roots with a bit of sauerkraut as well. This recipe from Taste of Home makes it easy, and I recommend serving this with a light and bright salad on the side.

2. Sweet chili kielbasa bites

This recipe from Iowa Girl Eats could not be simpler. It has three ingredients! It’s great for parties — just put some toothpicks to the side and you’ll be set. If you want to make it more of a meal than a side, just add some diced onions and bell peppers, then serve it over rice.

3. Low-carb kielbasa cabbage stew

This low-carb recipe from Food.com is a good foundation, but I’d add some more vegetables like carrots and consider adding some fresh herbs and bay leaves to add depth.

4. Slow cooker kielbasa football bites

For a party favorite, slice kielbasa into bite-sized pieces and then mix it with BBQ sauce and a grape jelly (I know, but trust us). No, this isn’t a healthy recipe from Mom on Timeout — but that’s not the point!

5. Crockpot sausage and potatoes

I love creamy soups, and this recipe from Tasty Oven is perfect with a bit of cream of mushroom added. It’s essentially potatoes, onions, kielbasa, cream of mushroom, and cheese. Hard to beat.

6. Slow cooker BBQ kielbasa and beans

This other recipe from Mom on Timeout increases the protein content by adding a variety of beans. It’s essentially baked beans with kielbasa, all made in one pot. This is a great side of a grill-out!

7. Crock-pot kielbasa in tomato sauce

For something closer to the Italian end, use this kielbasa in tomato sauce recipe from Brooklyn Farm Girl. You could even serve this over some pasta, and I’d add some Italian herbs like oregano and basil to make this a bit more interesting.

8. Slow cooker sweet and sour pineapple kielbasa

If you are grilling out with proteins marinated in soy sauce (e.g. soy and ginger-marinated flank steak), add this slow cooker sweet and sour kielbasa recipe from AllRecipes as a side dish. Don’t forget the rice.

9. Gulf coast jambalaya

I could eat Jambalaya every day until I die. This recipe from Taste of Home is simple, delicious, and uses the Cajun Holy Trinity (green bell peppers, onions, and celery) as a base.

10. Slow cooker kielbasa and sauerkraut with beer & brown sugar

You can think of this as a premixed dish for your hot dog buns. You cook down some sugar in beer and pour the mixture over kielbasa and sauerkraut in a crock-pot. Brown-Eyed Baker shows you how to get it done.

Extra kielbasa crock-pot tips

Sear your kielbasa for extra flavor

Browning kielbasa in a skillet before slow-cooking adds depth and texture. Get a cast iron up to medium heat, give it a quick sear on both sides and then add it to the slow cooker. You could also do this at the end if you haven’t sliced the kielbasa into pieces.

Add delicate ingredients toward the end

Fresh herbs, leafy greens, and dairy-based ingredients should be added in the last 30 minutes to preserve their flavor, color, and texture. If you have ever added broccoli at the beginning of a crock-pot recipe, you’ll know why you want to avoid this.

Add starchy vegetables below the sausage

By stacking your kielbasa on top of vegetables like potatoes and carrots, all of that delicious flavor seeps down into the vegetables, creating more flavor.

Use pasture-raised, heritage pork kielbasa

Pasture-raised, heritage pork has better texture, flavor, and nutrition than mass-produced sausage. It essentially means the pig hasn’t been cross-bred, forages for food in open pastures, and isn’t given any antibiotics, GMOs, or added hormones.

Kielbasa FAQ

How long does kielbasa take in a crock-pot?

When using pre-cooked, smoked kielbasa, you are essentially using the crock-pot to cook the other ingredients in your dish and allow time for the ingredients to mix. On low, kielbasa cooks in about 3-4 hours. On high, it’s ready in 2-3 hours.

What is the best way to cook kielbasa?

We are partial to a grill, but kielbasa is delicious whether it is in a slow cooker, pan-seared, or even boiled.

Do you cut kielbasa before cooking?

When using smoked kielbasa, which is the majority sold in the U.S., you do not have to but it is often cut to make it easier to cook and eat. Ring sausages are large, so it can be difficult to cook them evenly without slicing them.

Is there a difference between Polish sausage and Polish kielbasa?

They are essentially the same thing. Kielbasa is a type of sausage that originated in Poland, so when people say Polish sausage they are most often referring to kielbasa. There are, however, Polish sausages that are not kielbasa.

What condiments go with kielbasa?

We prefer Dijon mustard and ketchup when serving and preparing kielbasa.

Is store-bought kielbasa already cooked?

Usually. Almost all major kielbasa producers that sell in the U.S. sell pre-smoked kielbasa (a.k.a. cooked). A good rule of thumb is if the sausage is refrigerated, you should spend more time cooking it. If it is shelf-stable, you can likely eat it out of the package.

Should you poke holes in kielbasa?

Not unless you are trying to cut calories or fat content. Poking holes allows the fat and moisture in the kielbasa to escape, but this reduces flavor.

Do you have to thaw kielbasa before cooking?

If it is raw, it is preferable to thaw the kielbasa to avoid uneven cooking and the risk of contamination. Pre-smoked kielbasa can be cooked immediately without thawing.

Do I need to add liquid?

It is not required but preferable to avoid drying out the kielbasa. If your recipe doesn’t include a sauce, add a little broth or water to prevent sticking and burning.

Where to get the best kielbasa

Kielbasa sausages on a plate

The best pork comes from sustainable family farms that celebrate raising pigs the old-fashioned way — on open pastures with no GMOs, antibiotics, or added hormones. That’s exactly how we do it and is exactly how we will always do it. Why?

Because it’s better for us, the pigs, and the planet. Plus, nothing tastes better.

See what Polish pork sausage raised the right way tastes like.

Conclusion

Kielbasa is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious and easy protein to serve at a party.

It is great for crock-pots because it adds a delicious pork flavor to whatever you cook it. There are so many amazing ways to make kielbasa in a crock-pot, from sweet chili with a side of white rice to creamy potato soup.

Just pick a recipe, throw the ingredients in, and come back to a delicious dinner.

Enjoy!

 


Nathan PhelpsNathan Phelps

Nathan Phelps owns and writes for Crafted Copy, a boutique copywriting shop that finds the perfect words for interesting products. He is also an ethical foodie, outdoors-aficionado, and hails from Nashville, TN. He splits his time between helping sustainable businesses find new customers and managing his ever-increasing list of hobbies, which include playing guitar, baking bread, and creating board games.