Polish Sausage and BBQ Meatballs Made in a Slow Cooker
A easy slow cooker recipe brings together savory Polish sausage and tender BBQ meatballs for a delicious, hands-off meal. Perfect for busy days, it’s packed with flavor and ready when you are.
Prep Time20 min
Cook Time1 hr 10 min
Total Time1 hr 30 min
Difficulty
Hard
Kitchen Advice
Brown the sausage and meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
Use low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours to ensure the meat is tender.
Stir occasionally if possible to keep the sauce evenly distributed.
Ingredients
0/11
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This dish combines savory Polish sausage with tender BBQ meatballs, creating a hearty and flavorful meal. Cooking everything slowly allows the flavors to blend perfectly, making it an easy and satisfying dinner option. It’s great for busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending much time in the kitchen.
Step 1
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Toss in the kielbasa and let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until heated through. Drain the sausage and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Transfer the kielbasa to your slow cooker, then add the salsa, grape jelly, water, and lemon juice—give it a good stir to combine everything.
Step 2
Beat the eggs in a bowl and mix in the chopped onion, ground beef, salt, pepper, and crushed cornflakes. Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of a large walnut and place them right on top of the kielbasa mixture in the slow cooker.
Step 3
Set the slow cooker to High and let it cook for about an hour, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Once done, give everything a gentle stir and it’s ready to enjoy!
237
people cooked this recipe
ByDaniel Wilson
Daniel focuses on practical recipes with clear steps and familiar ingredients.
Simple Serving Suggestions
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up the sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a simple garden salad adds freshness and balances the richness. For a casual meal, try it with crusty bread to dip into the BBQ sauce.
Best Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?
Yes, you can substitute with other smoked sausages like Andouille or smoked bratwurst for a similar flavor.
Is it necessary to boil the kielbasa before adding it to the slow cooker?
Boiling helps heat the sausage through and remove excess fat, but you can skip this step if your slow cooker cooks long enough.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
What can I use instead of cornflakes as a binder?
You can use breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or oats as a substitute for cornflakes.
How long should I cook this on low instead of high?
Cooking on low will take about 3 to 4 hours to ensure the meatballs are fully cooked.
Can I freeze leftovers from this dish?
Yes, let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Is the grape jelly necessary?
The grape jelly adds sweetness and balances the salsa’s acidity, but you can reduce or omit it based on your taste.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
You can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatball mixture or slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.
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