Hearty Kielbasa Potato Soup Recipe (Ready in Under an Hour)

Oh, friends, there’s nothing quite like a big, comforting bowl of soup to chase away a chill or simply soothe the soul. This hearty kielbasa potato soup is one of those magical concoctions that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. With tender Yukon Gold potatoes, savory kielbasa, and a rich, herb-infused broth, it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that speaks directly to the heart of home cooking.

I remember chilly afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, the scent of her simmering stews filling every corner of the house. It’s those memories that inspire me, reminding me that the simplest ingredients, when cooked with love, can create the most profound comfort. This recipe brings that same heartwarming essence, a testament to the power of a home-cooked meal.

This fantastic slow cooker kielbasa potato soup is not just incredibly easy to prepare; it’s also a family-friendly dish that consistently earns rave reviews. My top tip? Don’t rush the process, let your slow cooker do its magic, allowing all those beautiful flavors to meld together perfectly.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

This delightful soup comes together with humble, yet incredibly flavorful ingredients. We’re talking about succulent smoked kielbasa sausage, creamy Yukon Gold potatoes that melt in your mouth, and a touch of heavy cream at the end for that irresistible richness. These elements combine to create a truly memorable kielbasa potato soup experience. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card just below.

How to Make Kielbasa Potato Soup

Crafting this cozy kielbasa potato soup is a breeze, especially with the magic of a slow cooker! You’ll start by doing a quick prep of your ingredients, browning the kielbasa and sautéing a few aromatics. Then, everything goes into the slow cooker for a good long simmer, letting the flavors deepen and the potatoes become wonderfully tender. A few finishing touches at the end and your comforting meal is ready!

Hearty Slow Cooker Kielbasa Potato Soup

A comforting and robust soup packed with smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker for an easy, flavorful meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Eastern European

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Kielbasa & Vegetables

• 1.5 lbs Smoked Kielbasa Sausage sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 large Yellow Onion chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 2 medium Carrots peeled and diced
• 2 stalks Celery diced

For the Soup Base

• 4 cups Chicken Broth low sodium
• 2 cups Water
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes undrained
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1/2 tsp Dried Marjoram
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
• 1 large Bay Leaf

For the Potatoes & Finishing

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Large Skillet
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced kielbasa and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove kielbasa with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. To the same skillet, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Slow Cooking

1. Transfer the browned kielbasa and sautéed vegetables to a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, water, dried thyme, dried marjoram, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.

Finishing Touches

1. During the last 1.5 to 2 hours of cooking, add the cubed Yukon gold potatoes to the slow cooker. Stir gently to submerge the potatoes in the liquid. Continue cooking until potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Once potatoes are tender, remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a thicker soup, you can mash a few of the cooked potato cubes against the side of the slow cooker before stirring in the cream. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; the soup often tastes even better the next day! If you prefer a less smoky flavor, you can briefly boil the kielbasa before browning to reduce some of its strong taste.

Pro Tips for Making This Kielbasa Potato Soup

For a truly exceptional kielbasa potato soup, I’ve picked up a few tricks over my years in the kitchen.

• Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip browning the kielbasa and sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This crucial step develops a deeper, richer flavor that makes all the difference in your soup.
• Yukon Gold is Gold: While other potatoes can work, I always recommend Yukon Gold. Their creamy texture holds up beautifully during slow cooking and they lend a lovely richness to the broth.
• My Secret Trick: I always add a splash of heavy cream and fresh parsley right at the very end, just before serving. This brightens the flavor, adds a velvety finish, and makes the soup look absolutely irresistible.
• Season as You Go: Taste and adjust your seasonings (especially salt and pepper) throughout the cooking process, and definitely before serving. Flavors can mellow in the slow cooker, so a final check ensures perfection.

Fun Variations for Kielbasa Potato Soup

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe truly your own, and this kielbasa potato soup is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ways to add your unique touch.

Spice It Up!

If you love a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the dried thyme and marjoram. My friend, Emily, always asks me to swirl in a bit of smoked paprika for an extra layer of warmth and a beautiful color.

Veggie Boost

Feel free to toss in some extra vegetables! A handful of chopped kale or spinach added in the last 30 minutes of cooking would be a delicious and nutritious addition. Even some diced bell peppers could add a nice pop of color and flavor.

Cheesy Goodness

For an extra layer of comfort, a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of cream cheese stirred in at the end can create an even creamier, richer broth. My nephews absolutely adore when I make a cheesy version of this kielbasa potato soup.

What to Serve With Kielbasa Potato Soup

This hearty kielbasa potato soup is a meal in itself, but it truly shines when paired with a few simple accompaniments that enhance its comforting appeal.

I love serving it alongside a crusty loaf of bread or some warm, buttered rolls, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the soup. For an even quicker option, my mom always suggests a simple side of store-bought cornbread to serve with this delicious kielbasa potato soup – it’s a delightful pairing!

How to Store Kielbasa Potato Soup

Keeping your delicious kielbasa potato soup fresh for later is wonderfully easy, ensuring you can enjoy its comforting flavors again and again.

Fridge Friends

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping a few lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezer Fun

For longer storage, this soup freezes surprisingly well! Once cooled, portion the kielbasa potato soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace. It will stay delicious in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. I like to add a splash of extra broth or water when reheating if it seems too thick, to bring it back to its perfect consistency.

Nutritional Benefits

This hearty kielbasa potato soup offers more than just comfort; it’s packed with goodness! The kielbasa provides a good source of protein, while the potatoes, carrots, and celery contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s a wonderful example of how a satisfying treat can also be nourishing, embodying my philosophy of simple, wholesome ingredients creating a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make this kielbasa potato soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for making ahead. In fact, the flavors often deepen and meld even more wonderfully after a day or two in the refrigerator, making this kielbasa potato soup taste even better.

Faq 2

What kind of kielbasa should I use?
I recommend using a fully cooked, smoked kielbasa sausage for convenience and depth of flavor. Look for a good quality brand that you enjoy, as it’s a star ingredient in this kielbasa potato soup.

Faq 3

Can I use different potatoes?
Yes, you can! While Yukon Golds are my favorite for their creaminess, red potatoes or even Russets would also work. Just be mindful that Russets might break down a bit more, creating a thicker kielbasa potato soup.

Faq 4

Is this soup spicy?
No, this kielbasa potato soup is not inherently spicy. The recipe uses mild seasonings. If you prefer a little heat, you can easily add red pepper flakes to taste, as mentioned in the variations section.

Conclusion

There you have it, friends – a heartwarming, soul-satisfying recipe for kielbasa potato soup that promises to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. It’s a reminder that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be utterly delicious and deeply comforting. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try, gather your loved ones around the table, and create some beautiful, sweet memories, just like those cherished moments in my grandmother’s kitchen. Happy cooking, and may your home always be filled with the delicious aromas of love!