Kielbasa & Hashbrowns Slow Cooker Casserole

This Kielbasa & Hashbrowns Slow Cooker Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With smoky sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this slow cooker recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Just toss everything in, set it, and let your slow cooker do the work!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Cooking

With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, you can focus on other things while dinner cooks itself.

2. One-Pot Meal

This casserole combines protein, carbs, and cheese for a complete meal in one dish.

3. Family-Friendly

Smoky kielbasa and cheesy potatoes? Even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds.

4. Versatile

Easy to customize with different cheeses, sausages, or even veggies for your personal touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Ingredients:

• 1 package Kielbasa or smoked sausage: Cut into bite-sized chunks.
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns: Diced or shredded, depending on your texture preference.
• 1 small onion: Finely diced for a flavor boost.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Divided for mixing and topping.

Creamy Sauce:

• 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup: Choose based on your flavor preference.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness.
• 1/2 cup milk: Helps thin the sauce for even coverage.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Minced garlic: To taste, for added savory flavor.
• Onion powder: To taste, for a flavor boost.

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker (4-6 quarts)
• Mixing bowl
• Crockpot liner (optional, for easy cleanup)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or use a crockpot liner for effortless cleanup.

2. Layer the Ingredients

• Add the kielbasa, frozen hashbrowns, diced onion, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the slow cooker. Reserve 1/2 cup of cheese for topping later.

3. Mix the Sauce

• In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine Everything

• Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Gently stir everything to coat evenly.

5. Add the Final Touch

• Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.

6. Cook

• Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender, the cheese is melted, and everything is heated through.

7. Serve

• Once cooked, serve directly from the slow cooker. This casserole is great on its own or paired with a side of salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic toast.

Tips for the Best Kielbasa & Hashbrowns Casserole

1. Use High-Quality Sausage: A smoky, flavorful kielbasa or sausage will elevate this dish.
2. Don’t Over-Stir: Gently mix the ingredients to avoid breaking up the hashbrowns too much.
3. Make It Extra Crispy: If you want a crispy top, transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle extra cheese, and broil for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking.
4. Customize the Cheese: Swap cheddar for a cheese blend like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for a new twist.

Variations

• Add Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, spinach, or frozen peas for added nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Use spicy andouille sausage or add a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Swap the Soup: Try cream of celery or even cheddar soup for a different flavor base.
• Make It Breakfast: Add cooked, crumbled bacon or breakfast sausage and serve with scrambled eggs on the side.

What to Serve with This Casserole

This casserole is a satisfying one-pot meal, but it pairs well with:

• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp side balances the richness.
• Garlic Bread or Texas Toast: Perfect for scooping up the cheesy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are great options.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Yes! Dice fresh potatoes into small cubes and partially cook them (boil or sauté) before adding them to the slow cooker.

2. Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Combine the ingredients in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese.

3. What other types of sausage work well?

You can use smoked sausage, andouille, turkey sausage, or even vegan sausage as a substitute for kielbasa.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 15g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 25g

Final Thoughts

This Kielbasa & Hashbrowns Slow Cooker Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky flavor. It’s a foolproof, family-friendly recipe perfect for any occasion. Let it cook low and slow, and watch it disappear from plates in no time!

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to share your creations on Instagram or Pinterest. I’d love to see how you made it your own!

Looking for more slow cooker inspiration? Check out:

• Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup
• Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
• Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Happy cooking