Dinner

Slow Cooker Kielbasa in Orange Marmalade Barbecue Sauce Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi February 12, 2026February 12, 2026

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Kielbasa recipe brings smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors together for an effortlessly delicious meal. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner, the kielbasa simmers in a rich sauce that’s sure to please a crowd.

This image shows a close-up of a black slow cooker filled with thick brown sauce and several pieces of cut sausage. The sausages are sliced thickly, showing a lighter orange inside with a shiny, darker orange outside skin, all covered in smooth brown sauce. Two pieces of sausage are held up on a silver ladle, each pierced with a small colorful toothpick - one green and one yellow. The sauce looks rich and glossy, surrounding the sausage pieces throughout the black pot. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 to 3 lbs kielbasa, cut into 2 inch pieces
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
1 cup orange marmalade
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup orange juice
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons water

Instructions

Step 1: Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cut the kielbasa into 2 inch pieces and place them in the slow cooker.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine barbecue sauce, orange marmalade, Worcestershire sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until fully mixed.
Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture over the kielbasa in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
Step 6: For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Add this mixture to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking and stir well.
Step 7: Once cooking is complete, stir to coat the kielbasa evenly in the sauce, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce before cooking.
Serve with mustard or pickles on the side for a tangy contrast.
Substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage or bratwurst if preferred.
Add diced bell peppers or onions to the slow cooker for extra vegetables and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover kielbasa and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of sliced sausage pieces in a dark brown sauce inside a black pot. The sausages have a glossy, reddish-brown skin with a smooth, slightly shiny texture. The sausages are cut into thick, round slices and half-slices floating in the rich sauce. Two sausage slices on a metal spoon in the center are held together with colorful toothpicks, one green and one yellow, sticking upright. The overall scene has a warm, cooked look with juicy, tender sausages in a thick, dark sauce. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the kielbasa and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, simmering for about 30 minutes until heated through and flavors melded. Stir occasionally and adjust cooking time as needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, but check the labels on Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, and other ingredients to make sure they are gluten-free. Some brands contain gluten or wheat-based ingredients.