Welcome to a culinary journey that brings the soulful flavors of the South straight to your kitchen, all with the incredible ease of a slow cooker. This Crock Pot Kielbasa and Shrimp Stew isn’t just a meal; it’s a heartwarming experience, perfect for anyone who loves rich, savory, and a touch of spicy goodness. My husband, John, a true Alabama native, has an undeniable affection for anything Cajun, Southern, or with a little kick. This recipe, which I almost called “Crock Pot Cajun Shrimp Stew,” was crafted specifically with his taste buds in mind, and let me tell you, it was a resounding success! He declared it “absolutely delish” and demanded it be made again soon – high praise indeed.
Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Shrimp Stew: A Southern-Inspired Delight
There’s nothing quite like serving a meal that elicits such an enthusiastic response. When your husband asks for a second, and then a third serving, you know you’ve hit on something truly special. This particular stew also had an unexpected, wonderful side effect: it rekindled John’s love for okra! As someone from the Pacific Northwest, okra wasn’t a staple in my upbringing, so learning to cook with it has been a delightful adventure. If you have any suggestions for okra-focused recipes, I’d love to hear them! It’s such a versatile ingredient once you get the hang of it, adding a unique texture and subtle flavor to dishes.
This slow cooker recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a complex and satisfying dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a hearty meal without a lot of fuss. The beauty of the crock pot is that it slowly melds all the flavors, making each bite incredibly rich and comforting. You’ll find that this kielbasa and shrimp stew isn’t just easy to make; it’s also incredibly forgiving, allowing you to adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Meal
Cooking with a slow cooker transforms meal preparation from a chore into a seamless process. For this Crock Pot Kielbasa and Shrimp Stew, it means you can simply combine your ingredients, set it, and forget it for several hours, returning to a kitchen filled with tantalizing aromas and a ready-to-eat dinner. This method not only saves time but also tenderizes the kielbasa to perfection and infuses every component with the bold, spicy notes of Cajun seasoning.
Beyond the convenience, this stew offers a fantastic flavor profile. The smoky, savory kielbasa pairs beautifully with the sweet, succulent shrimp. Diced tomatoes provide a bright, acidic balance, while frozen mixed vegetables add essential nutrients and vibrant color. And, of course, the okra, a Southern classic, acts as a natural thickener and adds its distinctive texture, making the stew wonderfully hearty and substantial. If you’re looking for great sides for stew, consider some crusty bread or a fresh green salad to complement the rich flavors.
Essential Ingredients for Your Kielbasa and Shrimp Stew
Crafting this delicious Crock Pot Kielbasa and Shrimp Stew requires a simple yet impactful list of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the robust flavor profile that makes this dish so irresistible:
- Kielbasa: Choose a good quality smoked kielbasa. Its savory, slightly garlicky flavor forms the backbone of the stew. You can opt for beef, pork, or turkey kielbasa based on your preference.
- Diced Tomatoes: A large can of diced tomatoes provides the liquid base and a tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the meats. Don’t drain them; the juice is essential for the stew.
- Frozen Mixed Veggies: This is where convenience meets nutrition. A bag of frozen mixed vegetables (like corn, peas, carrots, and green beans) adds color, texture, and vitamins without extra chopping.
- Cajun Seasoning: The heart and soul of the stew’s Southern-inspired flavor. Adjust the amount to control the spice level. You can use a store-bought blend or make your own with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
- Large Shrimp: Fresh or frozen (and thawed) large shrimp are perfect. Ensure they are peeled and deveined. Leaving the tails on can add to the presentation, but you can remove them if preferred. Add them towards the end to prevent overcooking.
- Frozen Sliced Okra: This traditional Southern vegetable is key. Frozen okra works wonderfully and is usually pre-sliced, saving you prep time. It contributes to the stew’s thickness and earthy flavor.
- Hot Cooked Rice: The ideal bed for this hearty stew, soaking up all the delicious juices.
When it comes to kitchen tools, a reliable Crockpot is your best friend. We highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer that automatically switches to a ‘warm’ setting after the cooking time is complete. This feature ensures your meal cooks perfectly without you having to constantly monitor it, giving you peace of mind and a perfectly cooked dinner every time.
Recipe Tips for a Perfect Stew
Making this Crock Pot Kielbasa and Shrimp Stew is quite straightforward, but a few tips can elevate your results:
- Mind the Liquid: Be prepared for the rice to absorb a significant amount of the liquid. Once the stew sits for a bit, it might not be as thin as you’d typically expect for a stew, but it will still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. If you prefer a looser stew, you can add a bit of vegetable or chicken broth during the last hour of cooking.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Adding them in the last 30 minutes ensures they remain tender and succulent, not rubbery.
- Sautéing for Depth: While the slow cooker makes this a dump-and-go recipe, you can add an extra layer of flavor by browning the kielbasa slices in a pan before adding them to the crock pot. This creates a delicious caramelized crust.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Cajun seasoning can vary in heat. Start with the recommended amount and taste before adding more. You can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you desire more heat.
- Okra Preparation: If you’re new to cooking with okra and are concerned about its natural sliminess, soaking frozen okra in vinegar for 15-30 minutes, then rinsing and patting dry, can help minimize this. However, in a stew like this, the “slime” helps to thicken the broth naturally.
Great Dinner Recipe Inspirations
If you’re constantly on the lookout for exciting dinner ideas, here are some other fantastic recipes to add to your rotation:
- Pringles Chicken: A fun, crispy take on classic chicken.
- Asian Flank Steak: Flavorful and tender, perfect for an Asian-inspired meal.
- Corn and Black Bean Taquitos: Crispy, savory, and a great vegetarian option.
- Broccoli Slaw: A fresh and healthy side dish.
- Crab Roll Sliders: Delightful mini sandwiches for a lighter meal or appetizer.
Don’t forget to check out all of our kielbasa dinner recipes for more delicious ideas featuring this versatile sausage.
Do you love exploring new recipes? Dive into our extensive collection of copycat recipes to recreate your restaurant favorites, discover decadent dessert recipes, and find even more convenient Crock Pot Recipes for every occasion. We’re always sharing new ideas to make your cooking adventures more enjoyable!
For all our latest recipe posts, follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. You won’t want to miss out on any delicious inspiration!
Crock Pot Kielbasa and Shrimp Stew Recipe Card
Crock Pot Kielbasa and Shrimp Stew Recipe
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of smoky kielbasa and tender shrimp, simmered with Southern flavors in your slow cooker for an effortless and delicious meal.
Print Recipe
6
15 minutes
2.5 – 6 hours
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 16 oz kielbasa, sliced into ¾-inch rounds
- 28 oz Diced Tomatoes, undrained
- 16 oz frozen mixed veggies
- 2 Teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ¾ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 2 cups frozen sliced okra (8oz)
- hot cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Coat the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add the sliced kielbasa into the prepared crock pot.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), frozen mixed veggies, and Cajun seasoning. Give it a good mix to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 2-2.5 hours. The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and how thick you prefer your stew.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shrimp and frozen okra. Continue to cook on high for about 30 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
- Serve your delicious Crock Pot Kielbasa and Shrimp Stew hot over a bed of fluffy, cooked rice. Enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker (preferably with a digital timer)
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 207
This recipe was originally shared on August 24, 2015, and updated in December 2020 to bring you the best possible version of this comforting slow cooker dish. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious Crock Pot Kielbasa and Shrimp Stew as much as we do!