There’s nothing like the aroma of a savory dish simmering in your slow cooker, welcoming you home with comforting warmth. Our Slow Cooker Kielbasa is a hearty blend of tangy pineapple, zesty tomato goodness, and the smoked richness of kielbasa sausage. It’s sweet, it’s spicy, and it’s utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned), drained
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
To start, slice the kielbasa into medallions. If you like a crispy edge, quickly sauté them on the stovetop, then transfer the slices into your slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Once the mixture is well combined, fold in the pineapple chunks for a burst of sweet flavor.
Pour this irresistible sauce over the kielbasa. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about four hours or on high for two hours, stirring halfway through if you have the chance. The sauce will bubble, thicken, and infuse the kielbasa with sweet and tangy notes. When you lift the lid and stir, you’ll be rewarded with a scrumptious, saucy meal that’s perfect over steamed rice, noodles, or a mound of buttery mashed potatoes.
If you want an even thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry. For a little extra heat, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes at the start.
Dig in and savor each bite of this sweet, smoky, and saucy kielbasa dish.
Why is this recipe so wonderful? It’s effortless, nutritious (with lean proteins and a dash of fruit), and easily tailored to your taste buds. If you’re watching your sugar intake, experiment with a sugar-free barbecue sauce or cut back on the brown sugar. Swap the pineapple for peaches, or use spicy mustard instead of Dijon for a sharper taste. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prep pro, or simply a fan of comforting slow-cooked dishes, this Slow Cooker Kielbasa recipe fits right in. Enjoy!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
