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Potato Kielbasa Soup – Hearty, Creamy & Comforting

When you’re craving a warm, hearty, soul-soothing bowl of comfort, Potato Kielbasa Soup is a perfect choice. This cozy classic brings together tender potatoes, savory sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy broth that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. It’s rustic, rich, filling, and incredibly flavorful — the ultimate cold-weather dinner that satisfies the whole family. Traditional versions often use pork kielbasa, but this recipe keeps things 100% compliant with your rules by using beef kielbasa or chicken kielbasa. The result is the same smoky, savory, deeply satisfying flavor without any pork. The sausage releases its aroma into the broth, mingling with onions, garlic, carrots, and herbs. As the potatoes soften, the soup thickens naturally, creating a velvety, creamy texture. This Potato Kielbasa Soup is the kind of meal that feels homemade, comforting, and wholesome — simple ingredients elevated into something extraordinary. It’s quick to make, perfect for meal prep, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat (Pork-Free)
  • 1 lb beef kielbasa or chicken kielbasa sliced into half-moons
Vegetables
  • 6 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 large carrots sliced
  • 2 celery ribs chopped
Liquids
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream optional for extra creaminess
Dairy
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
Finishing
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle
  • Potato masher (optional)
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1 — Brown the kielbasa
  1. Heat a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced beef or chicken kielbasa.
  3. Cook until lightly browned on the edges, about 4–5 minutes.
  4. Remove and set aside.
Step 2 — Sauté vegetables
  1. Add butter to the pot.
  2. Stir in onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
  3. Cook 6–8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3 — Add potatoes and seasonings
  1. Add cubed potatoes.
  2. Sprinkle thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 4 — Add broth
  1. Pour in the chicken broth.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5 — Simmer
  1. Reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 6 — Thicken the soup
  1. Mash a portion of the potatoes gently in the pot.
  2. This creates a thicker, creamy base without flour.
Step 7 — Add dairy
  1. Stir in milk and heavy cream.
  2. Warm gently — do NOT boil.
Step 8 — Add cheese
  1. Add shredded cheddar and stir until melted into a creamy broth.
Step 9 — Return the kielbasa
  1. Add the cooked beef/chicken kielbasa back to the pot.
  2. Simmer 5 more minutes to blend flavors.
Step 10 — Serve warm
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy a bowl of comforting, hearty goodness.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Stores 3–4 days.
Soup thickens in the fridge; add broth or milk to loosen.
Freezer
Freeze without dairy for up to 2 months.
Add milk and cheese after reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop.
Add liquid if needed.
🥄 Variations
1. Spicy Potato Kielbasa Soup
Add jalapeños or chili flakes.
2. Cheesy Lovers Version
Add more cheddar or a mix of cheeses.
3. Vegetable-Loaded
Add corn, spinach, cabbage, or zucchini.
4. Lighter Version
Use milk only and skip heavy cream.
5. German-Inspired
Add a pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder.
6. Keto/Low-Carb Version
Replace potatoes with cauliflower.
7. Gluten-Free
Naturally gluten-free — just confirm sausage ingredients.
8. Crockpot Version
8 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH, add dairy and cheese at the end.
9. Smoky Flavor Boost
Use smoked beef sausage.
10. Extra Thick
Mash more potatoes or add a little cream cheese.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use chicken sausage instead of kielbasa?
Yes — it works perfectly and keeps the recipe pork-free.
2. Do I have to brown the sausage?
It enhances flavor but is optional.
3. What potatoes work best?
Russet for creaminess, Yukon Gold for texture.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut milk; skip cheese (flavor changes slightly).
5. Does it freeze well?
Freeze before adding dairy.
6. Can I use plant-based sausage?
Yes — use your favorite vegan sausage.
7. Is the soup spicy?
Not unless you add heat.
8. Can I thicken without mashing?
Add cornstarch slurry or cream cheese.
9. What cheese melts best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
10. Does kielbasa flavor the soup?
Yes — it adds smoky, savory depth.
🏁 Conclusion
This Potato Kielbasa Soup is everything comfort food should be — warm, creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying. The tender potatoes melt into a velvety broth, the vegetables bring sweetness and body, and the beef/chicken kielbasa adds smoky richness that turns every bowl into a cozy, flavorful meal. Whether served on a winter night, a busy weekday, or a family dinner, this soup delivers pure comfort with every bite.
Simple ingredients. Easy method. Huge flavor.
This is a soup you’ll return to again and again.