You know those nights when the wind is howling outside, and all you want is something warm, hearty, and downright comforting? That’s when my Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup swoops in to save the day. This soup is pure magic—the kind of meal that makes my kids actually cheer when they smell it simmering on the stove.
I first stumbled onto this recipe years ago when I needed to throw together dinner fast with whatever I had in the fridge. Some leftover kielbasa, a few potatoes, and a can of cream of chicken soup later—boom! A family favorite was born. Now, it’s my go-to on busy weeknights, snowy weekends, or anytime I want to feel like I’m giving my crew a big, cozy hug in a bowl.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup
Oh, where do I even begin? This soup is the ultimate comfort food hero in my kitchen, and here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it too:
- One-pot wonder: Less dishes = more happiness. Everything cooks together in one big pot, so cleanup is a breeze. (My least favorite chore? Washing dishes. This recipe gets me.)
- Weeknight lifesaver: Ready in just over 30 minutes! When the kids are hangry and I’m exhausted, this soup saves the day every time.
- Hearty enough for a crowd: The combo of creamy potatoes and smoky kielbasa makes it super filling—no need for side dishes unless you really want them.
- Kid-approved magic: My picky eaters gobble this up without complaining (a modern miracle). The cheesy broth makes even the veggies disappear!
- Comfort in every bite: That first spoonful tastes like being wrapped in your favorite blanket. Perfect for chilly nights or when you just need a little edible hug.
Seriously, I’ve lost count of how many times this recipe has bailed me out on busy nights. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table smile—and ask for seconds!
Ingredients for Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup
Gather these simple ingredients—you probably have most in your kitchen right now! Every item plays a special role in creating that rich, comforting flavor we love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 medium russet potatoes: Peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 6 cups). Trust me, fresh potatoes make all the difference in texture!
- 1 yellow onion: Chopped fine. It melts into the broth and adds that sweet, savory depth.
- 1 celery stalk: Cut into ½-inch pieces for a subtle crunch (don’t skip this—it balances the richness).
- 1 (14 oz) can beef broth: The backbone of our soup’s savory flavor.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth: Combined with beef broth, it creates the perfect base.
- 1 cup water: Just enough to thin things out without diluting flavor.
- ¾ lb kielbasa sausage: Sliced into ½-inch coins. I use the smoked variety for extra flavor.
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Our secret weapon for creamy, cheesy texture.
- Ground black pepper: To taste. I use about ½ teaspoon for a gentle kick.
See? Nothing fancy—just real ingredients that work together beautifully. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup
Okay, let’s get cooking! This soup comes together so easily—just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of cozy perfection in no time. Promise, it’s foolproof!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First, grab your biggest soup pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven) and heat it over medium. Toss in your chopped onions and celery with a tiny splash of olive oil. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and smell amazing. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions turn translucent—this little step builds SO much flavor!
Step 2: Simmer the Potatoes
Now, add those cubed potatoes along with both cans of broth and the water. Crank the heat up to bring it to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 15 minutes—that’s just enough time for the potatoes to go tender but not mushy. Test one with a fork; it should slide in easily but still hold its shape.
Step 3: Add Kielbasa and Cream Soup
Here’s where the magic happens! Stir in your sliced kielbasa and that glorious can of cream of chicken soup. Let everything simmer together for another 5-10 minutes until the soup thickens slightly and the sausage heats through. The aroma at this stage? Absolute heaven! Give it a taste and add black pepper until it’s just right for you.
See? Told you it was easy! Now grab some bowls and get ready for the coziest meal ever.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup
After making this soup more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from good to “Oh my gosh, can I have the recipe?” level. Here’s my cheat sheet for soup success:
- Brown your kielbasa first: A quick 2-minute sear in the pot before adding the veggies gives the sausage extra smoky flavor and a slightly crispy edge.
- Don’t rush the potatoes: Cutting them into even ½-inch cubes ensures they cook through without turning to mush—nobody wants potato soup with no potato chunks left!
- Taste as you go: The saltiness of kielbasa varies by brand, so I always wait until the end to adjust seasoning. A splash of milk at the end can mellow it if it’s too salty.
- Leftovers are magic: This soup thickens overnight—just thin it with a bit of broth when reheating. The flavors actually get better on day two!
My biggest tip? Trust your instincts. This soup is wonderfully forgiving, so make it your own! If you want more comforting soup ideas, check out my recipe for creamy loaded potato soup.
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Creamy 30-Minute Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup Saves Busy Nights
A hearty and comforting soup made with potatoes, kielbasa sausage, and a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy family meal.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- ¾ pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine potatoes, onion, celery, beef broth, chicken broth, and water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, 15 minutes.
- Stir in sausage and condensed soup and continue to simmer until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Season with pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh potatoes for the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of pepper to your taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Variations and Substitutions
One of my favorite things about this soup? It’s like a blank canvas for creativity! Here are some delicious ways to mix it up when you’re feeling adventurous (or just need to use what’s in your fridge):
- Swap the protein: Turkey kielbasa works great for a lighter version, or try smoked sausage for extra depth. I’ve even used diced ham in a pinch—still delicious!
- Cheese lovers unite: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar at the end for extra gooeyness. My kids beg for this version.
- Veggie boost: Toss in a cup of frozen corn or diced carrots with the potatoes—they add color and sweetness.
- Sweet potato twist: Swap half the russets for sweet potatoes. The hint of sweetness with the smoky sausage? *Chef’s kiss*
See? No matter how you tweak it, this soup stays cozy and satisfying. What’s your favorite twist? If you enjoy sausage and potatoes, you might also love my recipe for butternut squash gnocchi with sausage.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is a meal all by itself, but I love rounding it out with a few simple sides for the ultimate cozy experience. A crusty baguette is my go-to—perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. On nights when I want something fresh, I’ll toss together a quick green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. For extra fun, set out little bowls of shredded cheese, green onions, or sour cream so everyone can customize their bowl just how they like it!
Storing and Reheating Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Soup
Here’s the good news—this soup tastes even better the next day! Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in your fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to bring back that creamy texture. (Microwave works in a pinch, but stir often to prevent hot spots!)
Nutritional Information
Here’s the thing about nutrition info—it’s always an estimate since brands and ingredient sizes vary. This hearty soup packs protein from the kielbasa and good carbs from the potatoes, with that creamy broth tying it all together. If you’re watching specific numbers, always check your product labels. Mostly? Just enjoy every comforting bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about this soup ALL the time—here are the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my inbox!):
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely! Just sauté the veggies first (trust me, it’s worth it), then dump everything except the cream soup into your crockpot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4. Stir in the cream soup during the last 30 minutes.
- How can I spice it up? Oh, I love this one! A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika does wonders. Sometimes I’ll add a diced jalapeño with the onions for extra kick—my husband’s favorite version!
- Can I freeze this soup? Honestly? I don’t recommend it. The potatoes get grainy and the cream base separates. But leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for days!
- What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup? No panic! Use cream of celery or mushroom soup instead—they’ll give slightly different flavors but still taste amazing.
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments—I love helping troubleshoot kitchen adventures! You can also follow along for more quick dinner ideas on Facebook.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Nothing makes me happier than seeing your versions of this cozy soup! Did your family go crazy for it like mine does? Snap a photo and tag me—I want to see your cheesy, potato-y masterpieces. And don’t forget to rate the recipe below! Your stars and comments help other hungry cooks find their new favorite meal.
