Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Sweet Kielbasa recipe! Imagine tender, juicy kielbasa swimming in a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This incredibly easy, set-it-and-forget-it dish is about to become your new go-to comfort food that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa, sliced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Slice the kielbasa into 1/2-inch thick rounds, ensuring even cutting for consistent cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Whisk thoroughly until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Place the sliced kielbasa into the slow cooker, spreading the pieces evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the kielbasa, gently stirring to ensure all sausage pieces are well coated with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting. Allow the kielbasa to cook for 4 hours, which will help the flavors meld and the sauce caramelize.
- Occasionally stir the kielbasa during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even sauce distribution.
- After 4 hours, check that the kielbasa is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve hot directly from the slow cooker, using a slotted spoon to transfer the kielbasa to a serving dish.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for added color and freshness.
Tips
- Choose Quality Kielbasa: Select a high-quality smoked kielbasa for the best flavor and texture.
- Sauce Consistency: Whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure the brown sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth, glossy coating.
- Even Cooking: Slice the kielbasa uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and sauce distribution.
- Low and Slow: Stick to the low heat setting to allow flavors to develop and the sauce to caramelize without burning.
- Stirring Matters: Occasionally stir the kielbasa during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even sauce coverage.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice, alongside mashed potatoes, or as a delicious appetizer with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by modifying the brown sugar amount or add a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg
