Slow Cooker Kielbasa recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Satisfy your craving for something savory and comforting with this sweet-and-tangy Honey-Garlic Kielbasa Stew. With its smoky kielbasa and robust sauce, your house will smell divine, and the meal will virtually cook itself. Grab your slow cooker, and let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced into coins
- 3 medium potatoes, chopped into bite-sized chunks
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Begin by warming olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced kielbasa and brown it for 3–4 minutes on each side. This step adds depth and a hint of caramelization to the final dish. Once browned, transfer the kielbasa directly into your slow cooker.
Next, add the chopped potatoes, carrots, and diced onion to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the minced garlic. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and chili flakes (if you love a little spice). Pour this flavorful sauce over the kielbasa and vegetables, ensuring everything is nicely coated.
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. Let the stew simmer and develop its savory-sweet magic for 6 to 7 hours. If you’re short on time, cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours instead. When the vegetables are fork-tender, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or an extra drizzle of honey, if desired.
Pair this Zesty Honey-Garlic Kielbasa Stew with crusty bread or serve it atop fluffy rice. It’s a hearty meal that will keep you warm and satisfied.
This recipe is fantastic because it’s straightforward, budget-friendly, and ideal for both comfort seekers and busy cooks craving an easy yet flavorful dinner option. Kielbasa provides a smoky richness that pairs deliciously with the subtle sweetness of honey and the warming undertones of garlic.
Feel free to substitute turkey kielbasa for a lighter version or swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for an added nutritional boost. No matter how you enjoy it, this slow cooker stew is sure to bring a satisfying, home-cooked touch to your table.
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.
