If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that fills your whole kitchen with mouthwatering smells, this Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s that perfect midweek meal or weekend treat that brings everyone to the table, packed with cheesy goodness, tender potatoes, and smoky sausage. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, it’ll become one of those go-to favorites that you keep coming back to.

What makes this Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe stand out is how simple ingredients come together to create something truly satisfying without a ton of fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a hearty dinner, this casserole handles it all — slow-cooked magic that lets the flavors blend perfectly while you relax or get other things done. I love throwing it together when I want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Combining frozen hash browns with savory sausage and sharp cheddar keeps things easy yet delicious.
Set It and Forget It: Using your crockpot means no constant stirring or babysitting; it cooks low and slow to tender perfection.
Creamy and Cheesy Comfort: The mix of sour cream and cream of chicken soup keeps the casserole moist and packed with cheesy richness.
Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Everyone loves this hearty, flavorful baked dish that’s ideal for gatherings or meal prep.

The image shows a close-up view of a creamy baked dish in a white container lined with foil. The dish has two main layers: the bottom layer is a soft, pale yellow pasta mixed with light-colored cheese melted throughout, and the top layer is coated with melted, bright orange cheese. Mixed inside the pasta are sliced sausage pieces with a pinkish-brown color. The texture looks soft and cheesy, with the cheese forming a smooth, glossy surface that covers the pasta and sausages. A black spoon is scooping out some of the dish from the container. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe strikes a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and convenience with its ingredients. Each component plays a key role, and I’ve got some tips to help you pick and prep for best results.

Frozen hash browns: Using frozen saves time and they cook evenly in the crockpot, giving a great tender texture.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang to balance the richness.
White onion: Provides a mild sweetness and subtle onion flavor without overpowering.
Cream of chicken soup: Acts as the flavor-packed binder to keep everything moist and cohesive.
Pepper: Just the right touch of spice to enhance all other ingredients.
Kielbasa or smoked sausage: This smoky sausage adds savory depth and a meaty bite that complements potatoes beautifully.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly, adding that irresistible cheesy punch with each bite.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe is — you can mix and match ingredients to suit what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving. Over time, I’ve found a few tweaks that really make it feel like my own kitchen creation.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the smoked sausage for spicy chorizo to give it a fiery kick, and trust me — it puts the casserole on a whole new level.
Dairy-Free: I’ve experimented using dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives for friends with sensitivities; it still turns out creamy and delicious.
Veggie Boost: Adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms before cooking adds extra color and nutrition without messing with the comforting vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Soften Those Hash Browns

Start by taking your frozen hash browns and letting them slightly soften before mixing — this usually takes about 10-15 minutes at room temperature. Don’t thaw completely; you want them just pliable enough to work with so they blend smoothly into the casserole. This little step helps avoid excess water making the dish soggy.

Step 2: Combine Everything in a Big Bowl

I dump the softened hash browns into a large mixing bowl, then add in two cups of shredded sharp cheddar along with diced onions, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, black pepper, and that sliced kielbasa sausage. Mixing everything thoroughly is key so every bite is balanced and flavorful. I usually use a big wooden spoon and patience — no one wants blobs of dry potato!

Step 3: Pour Into the Crockpot and Cook Low & Slow

Next, line or grease your crockpot well — I like lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup — then pour in the whole mixture. Cover and cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 hours. The slow cooker method is perfect here because it gently melts the cheese throughout and softens the potatoes just right without burning or drying.

Step 4: Stir and Top With More Cheese

After that initial cook, give the casserole a good stir with a long-handled spoon to redistribute everything. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar on top, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes to an hour. This extra time ensures the cheese on top melts beautifully and the potatoes become tender but not mushy.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

Don’t Over-Thaw Potatoes: Let hash browns soften slightly, but avoid fully thawing to prevent watery casserole.
Use Sharp Cheddar: It melts better and adds vibrant, tangy flavor that balances the richness.
Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for kielbasa or smoked sausage with good smoke flavor to avoid blandness.
Slow Cook Low and Long: Patiently cook on low to let flavors meld and potatoes soften without drying out.

How to Serve Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a creamy, cheesy casserole inside a dish, with a black serving spoon scooping out a portion. The casserole has several layers: the bottom layer is a creamy, soft mixture of shredded pasta with light beige color and smooth texture. Scattered throughout are chunks of sliced sausage with a pinkish tone and smooth surface. The top layer is a melted layer of rich, golden-orange cheese that covers the dish evenly with a slightly shiny and gooey texture. The edges of the dish have some browned, crispy cheese spots. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor contrast. Sometimes a dash of smoked paprika or a few slices of jalapeño give just the right zing. For me, garnishes don’t have to be fancy—just something to brighten each bite and the plate.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal veggies to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a soft dinner roll is also a great accompaniment if you want an extra comforting dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special family dinners or a potluck, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins which makes for adorable personal servings. You can also sprinkle extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top before the last cook and broil briefly for a golden crust that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always let the casserole cool a bit, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays good for 3 to 4 days, perfect for easy lunches or next-day dinners. Just know the cheese might firm up a bit, but reheating brings back that creamy magic.

Freezing

If you want to make extra ahead of time, I’ve froze portions in freezer-safe containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture pleasing. It saves time on busy days when you need a hearty home-cooked meal fast.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave for convenience, but the oven helps restore that just-baked texture better.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole without a crockpot?

Absolutely! You can bake this casserole in a 9×13-inch baking dish at 350°F for about 1 hour, covered with foil, stirring halfway through, then uncover and bake another 15 minutes for a bubbly cheese topping. Just watch your potatoes and cheese to avoid drying out.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, but you’ll want to peel and grate them, then lightly par-cook to remove excess starch and ensure they soften fully during slow cooking. Fresh potatoes may make the casserole a little denser, but still delicious.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?

I prefer kielbasa or smoked sausage for their bold, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with cheesy potatoes. You can also experiment with spicy sausage varieties if you like a little heat.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the sausage and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or diced bell peppers. You might also consider using a vegetarian cream soup or homemade sauce to keep that creamy texture.
Is this casserole freezer friendly?

Yes! You can freeze it before cooking or after it’s baked, as long as you use airtight containers. Just thaw completely before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s both comforting and foolproof — perfect for busy days or when you want to spoil yourself with ease. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it becomes one of your kitchen staples too. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth, invites sharing, and makes leftovers just as beloved. So grab those ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get ready for some cheesy, satisfying magic.

Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: Julia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It features tender hash browns, flavorful smoked sausage, and sharp cheddar cheese all slow-cooked to creamy perfection in a crock pot. Easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness, it’s an ideal make-ahead meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

30 ounces frozen hash browns
1 cup sour cream
1 cup white onion, diced
10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon pepper
1 pound Kielbasa or smoked sausage, thinly sliced and cut into half circles
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

Prepare the hash browns: Slightly soften the frozen hash browns by letting them sit out for a few minutes or microwaving briefly until pliable, then pour them into a large mixing bowl.
Mix the ingredients: Add 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced white onion, cream of chicken soup, pepper, and sliced Kielbasa or smoked sausage to the hash browns. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Transfer to crock pot: Pour the mixture into a lined or well-greased 5-quart crock pot or larger. Spread evenly and cover with the lid.
Cook on low: Cook the casserole on low heat for 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to soften.
Stir and add cheese: Using a long-handled spoon, stir the casserole to redistribute ingredients. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top, then cover again.
Final cook: Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese has melted into a golden layer.

Notes

For a creamier texture, add an extra 1/4 cup of sour cream.
Substitute cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free or homemade version if needed.
Use smoked sausage or Kielbasa to enhance flavor, but you can substitute with any cooked smoked meat.
Make sure to grease the crock pot well to prevent sticking or use a crock pot liner for easy cleanup.
Feel free to add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
If unavailable, shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese can be used instead of cheddar.