Slow Cooker Kielbasa Stew: A Hearty and Flavorful One-Pot Meal
The slow cooker is a busy cook's best friend, and this Kielbasa Stew recipe is a perfect example of why. This hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish is a cinch to prepare, and it's sure to become a family favorite. With its rich, savory flavors and tender ingredients, this stew is perfect for chilly evenings and makes for excellent leftovers.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious stew:
- 1 lb (450g) smoked kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp (15ml) paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 tsp (5ml) dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp (30ml) cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Here's how to make this Slow Cooker Kielbasa Stew:
- Place the sliced kielbasa, chicken, chicken broth, onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juice), paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves in your slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken and vegetables are tender.
- If you'd like a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water in a small bowl, then stir it into the stew. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the stew has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Here's a breakdown of the approximate nutrition information for this recipe, per serving (assuming 6 servings):
| Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbohydrate | Dietary Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 380 | 12g | 4.5g | 80mg | 1200mg | 33g | 4g | 4g | 32g |
This Slow Cooker Kielbasa Stew is not only delicious but also packed with protein and essential nutrients to keep you and your family healthy and satisfied. Plus, it's easily customizable – feel free to swap out or add vegetables based on what you have on hand or your family's preferences.
So, the next time you're looking for an easy, comforting, and flavorful dinner idea, give this Slow Cooker Kielbasa Stew a try. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you! Happy slow cooking!
