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
Scale
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
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
