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There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade mac and cheese, especially when it’s slow-cooked to creamy perfection. This Crockpot Mac and Cheese With Kielbasa recipe takes a beloved classic and gives it a savory, hearty twist by adding slices of smoky kielbasa sausage. It’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your typical boxed mac and cheese. Slow-cooking allows the cheese to melt into a silky, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite of tender pasta.
Adding kielbasa infuses the dish with smoky, savory depth, turning it into a complete and hearty meal. Plus, the crockpot makes everything hands-off—just toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it!
Highlights:
1. No boiling pasta beforehand
2. Simple pantry-friendly ingredients
3. Crowd-pleasing comfort food
4. Easy cleanup with one-pot cooking
5. Great for potlucks, holidays, or weekday dinners
Quick Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours (on low)
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this slow-cooked cheesy masterpiece:
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
14 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced into half-moons
2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup cream cheese, softened
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Before you begin, slice the kielbasa into bite-sized half-moons and shred your cheeses if not using pre-shredded. You’ll also want to spray your crockpot insert with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Layer in the Crockpot
Add the uncooked macaroni to the bottom of the crockpot. Pour in the evaporated milk and whole milk, then stir in the cream cheese, butter, and spices (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper).
Top it with cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then scatter the sliced kielbasa over the top.
3. Set It and Forget It
Cover and cook on LOW for about 2 hours, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on the pasta toward the end to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
Note: All crockpots cook slightly differently. Start checking around 1 hour and 45 minutes to avoid mushy noodles.
4. Serve Warm and Garnish
Once the pasta is tender and the cheese is fully melted into a rich sauce, give everything a good stir. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Use the LOW setting and check your crockpot near the 1 hour 45 minute mark to ensure perfectly tender noodles.
Cheese Variety: Feel free to mix in Gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for more flavor.
Avoid Pre-shredded Cheese: For best results, shred cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Creamier Sauce: For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream toward the end of cooking.
Customization Ideas
This recipe is incredibly flexible! Here are a few variations to try:
Spicy Version
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Swap in spicy kielbasa for extra heat.
Extra Cheesy
Add a third cheese like smoked Gouda or American cheese for even more melt factor.
Veggie-Loaded
Toss in some steamed broccoli florets or sautéed spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Bacon-Lover’s Twist
Top with crispy bacon bits just before serving for a smoky crunch.
What to Serve With It
Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Kielbasa is hearty enough to stand alone, but also pairs well with:
1. Simple green salad
2. Steamed broccoli or green beans
3. Cornbread or dinner rolls
4. Roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat
Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge.
Freezing
Not recommended for the best texture. Cooked pasta can become mushy when thawed. If freezing, freeze before cooking and thaw in the fridge overnight before slow cooking.
Nutrition Info (per serving)
Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: 21g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Mac and Cheese With Kielbasa recipe brings together the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional macaroni with the smoky, savory flavor of sausage—all in one convenient slow cooker dish. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for game day, or simply craving comfort food, this meal delivers.
It’s flexible, fuss-free, and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. Add it to your meal rotation and enjoy cozy satisfaction with every bite.
More Recipes:
Carrabba’s Zucchini Fritte Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Pizza Sauce Recipe
Crockpot Mac and Cheese With Kielbasa Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage, sliced into half-moons
- 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Before you begin, slice the kielbasa into bite-sized half-moons and shred your cheeses if not using pre-shredded. You’ll also want to spray your crockpot insert with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Add the uncooked macaroni to the bottom of the crockpot. Pour in the evaporated milk and whole milk, then stir in the cream cheese, butter, and spices (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper).
- Top it with cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then scatter the sliced kielbasa over the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for about 2 hours, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on the pasta toward the end to make sure it doesn't overcook.
- Note: All crockpots cook slightly differently. Start checking around 1 hour 45 minutes to avoid mushy noodles.
- Once the pasta is tender and the cheese is fully melted into a rich sauce, give everything a good stir. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Norma Parker is a recipe creator at Nomqom.com. She shares simple, tasty, and easy home-cooking ideas for everyday meals. Her goal is to help home cooks make delicious food with confidence.