There’s something nostalgic about the scent of smoky kielbasa and sweet baked beans simmering together—like summer BBQs and cozy potlucks all in one.

I love how hands-off this recipe is, letting the slow cooker do all the work while the flavors meld into something rich, tangy, and satisfying.

Jump to Recipe

This dish makes the perfect hearty side or easy main for gatherings, game days, or a comfort food night.

This slow cooker recipe combines the savory flavors of kielbasa sausage sliced into round pieces with hearty baked beans.

The dish is enhanced with ingredients such as diced onion, olive oil, and a blend of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper, resulting in a deliciously satisfying meal.

Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and allows the slow cooker to do all the work, resulting in a flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.

Comforting Flavors of Kielbasa and Baked Beans

This dish brings together the savory goodness of kielbasa sausage sliced into round pieces and hearty baked beans, creating a meal that warms the soul.

With the addition of diced onion sautéed in olive oil, the flavor profile deepens, making each bite a delightful experience.

The rich, saucy beans are enhanced by a blend of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper, resulting in a satisfying combination that is perfect for any occasion.

Slow Cooking for Maximum Flavor

Utilizing a slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld beautifully over time.

As the kielbasa and beans cook together, the flavors intensify, creating a dish that is both hearty and comforting.

This method not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures that the meal is ready when you are, making it ideal for busy days or gatherings with family and friends.

Preparation Made Simple

Getting started with this recipe is straightforward and quick.

Begin by sautéing the diced onion in olive oil until it becomes translucent, which takes just a few minutes.

Then, combine the sautéed onion with the sliced kielbasa, baked beans, and the flavorful sauce mixture in the slow cooker.

With minimal effort, you can set it to cook and let the slow cooker do the work for you.

Recipe Highlights

Slow Cooker Kielbasa & Baked Beans is your new go-to dish for when you want something that tastes like it’s been cooking all day—because it has!

The smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce wraps around tender slices of kielbasa and hearty beans.

It’s a classic dish with simple ingredients that’s made for sharing.

  • Tangy BBQ-style sauce
    .
  • Minimal prep—everything goes in the slow cooker
    .
  • Hearty, smoky kielbasa adds meaty depth
    .
  • Perfect for potlucks, weeknights, or BBQ sides
    .
  • Sweet and savory flavor that gets better as it cooks
    .
  • Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

Ingredient Notes

  • Kielbasa Sausage: Adds smoky flavor and a meaty bite. Sliced into rounds so every bite gets some sausage.
    .
  • Baked Beans: Use your favorite canned baked beans as a base. They bring sweetness and a rich, saucy texture.
    .
  • Onion: Adds savory depth and a little bite to the dish.
    .
  • Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and caramelizes beautifully with the sausage.
    .
  • BBQ Sauce: Gives the beans a smoky, tangy flavor. Choose your favorite kind—honey, spicy, or hickory.
    .
  • Mustard: Adds a zippy balance to the sweetness of the beans.
    .
  • Garlic Powder & Black Pepper: Round out the seasoning with just the right amount of savory kick.
Slow Cooker Kielbasa Sausage & Baked Beans

How to Make My Slow Cooker Kielbasa & Baked Beans

  1. Slice the Kielbasa into rounds about one-fourth inch thick.
    .
  2. Dice the Onion and set it aside.
    .
  3. In a large bowl, combine the baked beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
    .
  4. Add the sliced kielbasa and diced onion to the slow cooker.
    .
  5. Pour the sauce mixture over the sausage and onions, stirring to coat everything evenly.
    .
  6. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 2½ to 3 hours, until everything is hot and bubbly.
    .
  7. Stir before serving and enjoy warm.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served hot and garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or serve it over rice for a heartier meal.

Whether for a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this kielbasa and baked beans dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

  • Serve as a main dish with cornbread or crusty bread.
    .
  • Makes an amazing side at summer BBQs or tailgate parties.
    .
  • Pair with grilled veggies or a fresh green salad.
    .
  • Great over rice for a more filling meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Each serving of this comforting dish provides a balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates.

With approximately 410 calories per serving, it offers a satisfying meal without overwhelming your daily intake.

The combination of kielbasa and beans not only fills you up but also provides essential nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere

Imagine serving this hearty bowl in a cozy kitchen, where the inviting aroma fills the air.

The rustic presentation, complete with a side of crusty bread, enhances the home-cooked feel of the meal.

This dish not only nourishes the body but also creates a warm and welcoming environment that encourages gathering and sharing stories around the table.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Kielbasa & Baked Beans

Use a high-quality kielbasa for the best flavor—smoked varieties work especially well. Don’t skip the mustard; it adds essential tang to balance the sweet and smoky notes.

If your beans are already quite sweet, you can reduce the brown sugar. You can also sauté the kielbasa first for deeper flavor, but it’s completely optional.

For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Slow Cooker Kielbasa Sausage and Baked Beans

Recipe by JoanneCourse: Main or SideCuisine: American Comfort FoodDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

5

hours
Calories per serving

410

kcal

This dish features tender kielbasa sausage and baked beans cooked slowly to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. It takes about 6 hours in the slow cooker and serves 6 people.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

  • 16 ounces of kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cans (15 ounces each) baked beans

  • ½ cup barbecue sauce

  • ¼ cup brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Slice the kielbasa into one-fourth-inch thick rounds. Dice the onion.
  • In a large bowl, stir together the baked beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper until combined.
  • Add the kielbasa and onions to the slow cooker.
  • Pour the sauce mixture over everything. Stir gently to mix.
  • Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2½ to 3 hours.
  • Stir and serve warm, straight from the slow cooker.

Notes

  • You can add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for more color and kick.
  • Use spicy brown mustard instead of yellow for extra depth.
  • Double the recipe for large crowds or potlucks—this one disappears fast!
  • For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Storage and Warming Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

A bowl of kielbasa sausage and baked beans, garnished with parsley, served with bread in a cozy kitchen.