This hearty Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole is a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that can be prepared in a slow cooker or baked in the oven. With smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and plenty of cheddar cheese, it’s the perfect meal for a busy family dinner or a holiday potluck.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
Thinly sliced Kielbasa or smoked sausage paired with cheesy potatoes creates a savory dish that’s irresistibly delicious. Sharp cheddar cheese binds everything together, making each bite both satisfying and flavorful.
Best of all, this one-pot meal is incredibly easy to make, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time. Let it simmer in your slow cooker for a few hours or bake it to golden perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
• Frozen hash browns
• Kielbasa or smoked sausage (thinly sliced into half circles)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Diced onion
• Pepper
Optional: Add a ranch twist by mixing a packet of ranch seasoning into the sour cream or soup for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole
Slow Cooker Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix slightly softened frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, pepper, and sliced sausage. Stir until well combined.
2. Transfer the mixture to a greased or lined slow cooker (5-quart or larger).
3. Cover and cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours.
4. Stir the mixture, ensuring the edges are mixed into the center for even cooking.
5. Sprinkle an additional cup of cheese on top, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Oven-Baked Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine all ingredients (except 1 cup of cheese) in a large mixing bowl.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Bake for 30 minutes.
5. Add sliced sausage on top, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the sausage browns slightly.
6. Serve and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
• Use hash browns instead of cubed potatoes for a softer texture.
• Slightly thaw frozen hash browns for easier mixing.
• Stir the casserole occasionally while cooking in a slow cooker to prevent burning on the edges.
• If using raw sausage, cook it first before adding it to the casserole.
• Avoid adding extra salt, as the sausage and cheese provide plenty of seasoning.
Storage and Freezing
This casserole freezes well, whether uncooked or in individual cooked portions. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
How to Tell When It’s Done
The casserole is ready when the potatoes are tender and the center reaches a temperature of 145-150°F. Stirring occasionally during cooking ensures even heat distribution and prevents overcooking on the edges.
Make this Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole for your next family dinner or holiday gathering. Whether cooked in the slow cooker or baked in the oven, it’s a comforting, flavorful dish everyone will love!
Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole
This comforting, homestyle Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that can be prepared in the crockpot or baked in the oven.Savory smoked sausage or Kielbasa pairs perfectly with tender potatoes and gooey cheddar cheese to create a hearty family meal everyone will love!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound Kielbasa or smoked sausage thinly sliced into half circles
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese divided
Prep the Potatoes: Slightly thaw the frozen hash browns and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Combine Ingredients: Add 2 cups of cheddar cheese along with the sour cream, diced onion, cream of chicken soup, black pepper, and sliced sausage. Mix everything together until well combined.
Cook in the Crockpot: Transfer the mixture to a lined or well-greased 5-quart (or larger) crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 hours.
Add the Finishing Touch: Stir the casserole, then sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese evenly on top. Cover and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.
Serve warm and enjoy!