Slow Cooker Mississippi Kielbasa is an incredibly flavorful, effortlessly easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Requiring just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and delivers a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for more. Dive into the convenience and deliciousness of a classic comfort food, reimagined for your slow cooker!
Effortless Flavor: Your Go-To Crock Pot Kielbasa Recipe
If you’ve spent any time exploring recipes online, you’ve undoubtedly stumbled upon a “Mississippi” dish. From the moment the iconic Mississippi Pot Roast captivated taste buds across the internet, the unique flavor profile – a rich blend of savory, tangy, and a hint of spice – has been adapted to countless cuts of meat. It’s a culinary phenomenon that just seems to work with everything!
So, when the idea for Slow Cooker Mississippi Kielbasa came to mind, it felt like a natural progression. The same beloved flavors that made our Crock Pot Mississippi Lit’l Smokies such a hit are now ready to transform humble kielbasa into a star dish. What makes this recipe truly stand out is its incredible versatility. It can be served as a hearty main course over a bed of pasta or mashed potatoes, or even as a tantalizing appetizer for your next gathering. The convenience of the slow cooker combined with these irresistible flavors ensures a delightful meal with minimal fuss.
Unlocking the Mississippi Flavor Profile
The “Mississippi” style of cooking is celebrated for its incredibly rich, tangy, and savory taste, often featuring a subtle kick. This distinctive flavor combination typically relies on just a few key ingredients: ranch seasoning, au jus gravy mix, butter, and pepperoncini peppers. When these elements meld together in the gentle heat of a slow cooker, they create a deeply satisfying sauce that coats the meat beautifully, infusing every bite with complexity and warmth.
Kielbasa, a smoked sausage known for its robust flavor and firm texture, is an ideal candidate for this slow-cooking treatment. Its inherent smokiness complements the Mississippi seasoning perfectly, and its ability to hold up well during long cooking times ensures a tender, juicy result without falling apart. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Mississippi recipes or new to this delicious trend, this kielbasa variation is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Mississippi Kielbasa
While serving this Kielbasa over noodles is a fantastic option, helping to balance the richness and absorb all that delicious gravy, it’s certainly not mandatory. Feel free to use your favorite pasta varieties such as fettuccine, linguine, or even wide egg noodles. The goal is to fully enjoy the incredible sauce!
If pasta isn’t your preference, this versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice are excellent choices for soaking up the savory gravy. You could also try polenta, grits, or even roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a lighter alternative. For a truly unique twist, consider serving it on slider buns for a mini sandwich appetizer.
Like many Mississippi-style recipes, this dish can be perceived as salty by those sensitive to sodium, primarily due to the seasoning packets. To mitigate this, I highly recommend using unsalted butter. For the liquid, use plain water instead of broth or any other liquid that might contain added salt. Unfortunately, low-sodium ranch or au jus seasoning packets are not widely available in stores. If you’re serious about sodium control, consider making your own Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix, ensuring you omit the salt entirely. In this case, use approximately 2 tablespoons of your homemade salt-free ranch. Additionally, look for “Kielbasa Lite” options from brands like Hillshire Farms, which typically offer lower fat and lower sodium content compared to traditional kielbasa, without compromising on flavor.
The original recipe is not overly spicy, offering just a mild tang. If you enjoy a bit more heat, a simple solution is to add a splash of pepperoncini juice along with the water. You can also experiment with a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a few slices of pickled jalapeños for a more pronounced fiery kick. Adjust to your personal preference!
Leftover Slow Cooker Mississippi Kielbasa stores wonderfully! Place any remaining pieces and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to a truly satisfying meal. Each component plays a crucial role in building the signature Mississippi flavor profile. (For precise measurements, refer to the detailed recipe card below).
- Kielbasa: Approximately 28 ounces, cut into 2-inch pieces. As mentioned in our FAQ, “Kielbasa Lite” or lower sodium options are great for those mindful of their sodium intake. Its rich, smoky flavor is the star of this dish.
- Water: About ⅓ cup. This provides the necessary liquid to create that wonderful gravy and prevents the dish from becoming too salty.
- Au Jus Gravy Mix: One 1-ounce packet. This dry mix contributes a deep, savory, beefy undertone that is essential to the Mississippi flavor.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: One 1-ounce packet. The tangy, herbaceous notes of ranch seasoning are fundamental to this recipe. Remember, you can use a homemade ranch seasoning mix, omitting the salt if preferred.
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup, thinly sliced. Butter adds a luxurious richness and helps to mellow out the strong flavors, creating a smooth, delectable sauce. Using unsalted butter offers more control over the dish’s overall sodium content.
- Pepperoncini Peppers: About 6 whole peppers. These provide a delightful tangy and slightly sweet kick, along with a hint of mild heat that brightens the entire dish. Don’t underestimate their impact on the final flavor!
Crafting Your Slow Cooker Mississippi Kielbasa: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing this Mississippi Kielbasa is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to enjoy maximum flavor with minimal effort. Simply follow these steps to achieve a perfectly cooked, tender, and incredibly delicious meal.
- Begin by lightly coating the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Add the prepared kielbasa, cut into uniform 2-inch pieces, to the bottom of the slow cooker. Distribute them evenly.
- Pour the specified amount of water over the kielbasa. This liquid is crucial for generating the rich gravy that will envelop your sausage.
- Evenly sprinkle the au jus gravy mix over the kielbasa, followed by the ranch seasoning mix. Try to spread the dry ingredients as much as possible for even distribution.
- Give everything a thorough stir, ensuring that all the kielbasa pieces are well-coated with the seasoning mixture. This initial mixing is key to developing the full flavor.
- Next, arrange the thinly sliced unsalted butter on top of the seasoned kielbasa. Finally, nestle the whole pepperoncini peppers amongst the kielbasa pieces.
- Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or on LOW for 4-5 hours. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it. The goal is for the flavors to meld beautifully and the kielbasa to be perfectly tender.
- Before serving, give the entire dish a good stir to thoroughly combine the rich gravy and the kielbasa. Serve hot over your choice of egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or any other side you desire. Enjoy the delicious aroma and the comforting taste!
Tips for the Best Mississippi Kielbasa
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter: The generous amount of butter is key to the richness and smooth texture of the Mississippi gravy. While it might seem like a lot, it contributes significantly to the dish’s signature flavor.
- Stir Midway if Possible: While slow cookers are designed for hands-off cooking, a quick stir halfway through the cooking process can help ensure even distribution of flavors and prevent any seasoning from settling at the bottom.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste the sauce. If it’s too salty, a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar can help balance the flavors. If it needs more kick, add a bit more pepperoncini juice or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make Ahead Option: This dish is fantastic for meal prep! The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Simply store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
- Consider Your Slow Cooker: Cooking times can vary between slow cooker models. If your slow cooker tends to run hot, check the kielbasa a bit earlier. The goal is tender, flavorful kielbasa, not dried-out pieces.
More Irresistible Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and flavors of this Slow Cooker Mississippi Kielbasa, you’ll be thrilled to discover other fantastic slow cooker and Mississippi-inspired dishes. Expand your culinary repertoire with these mouth-watering options:
- Crock Pot Kielbasa and Potatoes: A classic, comforting pairing.
- Kielbasa Sheet Pan Meal: Quick, easy, and minimal cleanup.
- Kielbasa Corn Chowder: A hearty and flavorful soup.
- Crock Pot Glazed Sausages: Sweet and savory, perfect for appetizers or a meal.
- Glazed Kielbasa Bites: Irresistible finger food for any occasion.
And for those who can’t get enough of the incredible Mississippi flavor:
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Crock Pot Mississippi Roast Chicken
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Roast
- Crock Pot Mississippi Meatloaf
- Crock Pot Mississippi Meatballs
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Chops
- Crock Pot Mississippi Turkey Breast
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- 10 Crock Pot Mississippi Recipes
Slow Cooker Mississippi Kielbasa
Kielbasa infused with the irresistible, tangy, and savory flavors of a classic “Mississippi recipe,” all made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (9 Reviews)
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Pin Recipe
8 minutes
4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Approximately 5 hours 8 minutes
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 28 ounces kielbasa, cut into 2-inch pieces
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 ounce au jus gravy mix (1 packet)
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- 6 pepperoncini peppers
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Add the cut kielbasa to the slow cooker.
- Add the water.
- Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix on top, followed by the ranch seasoning.
- Stir everything so the pieces are coated in the seasoning.
- Add the sliced butter on top, followed by the peppers.
- Place the lid on top and cook for 2-3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low.
- Give it a good stir before serving. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes or however you wish.
Notes
- For more details on substitutions, common questions, or sodium control, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and ingredient list sections above.
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 5g |
Protein: 19g |
Fat: 53g |
Sodium: 1536mg |
Fiber: 0.3g |
Sugar: 0.2g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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