Description
This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender hash browns mixed with savory smoked sausage, creamy sour cream, onion, and a rich blend of cheddar cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Mixture
- 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
Meat and Cheese
- 1 pound Kielbasa or smoked sausage, thinly sliced and cut into half circles
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Prepare Hash Browns: Slightly soften the frozen hash browns by allowing them to thaw for a few minutes until they are easier to mix, then transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced white onion, cream of chicken soup, pepper, and sliced sausage to the bowl with the hash browns. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Cook in Crock Pot: Pour the mixture into a lined or well-greased 5-quart or larger crock pot. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Stir and Add Cheese: Carefully stir the casserole using a long-handled spoon to combine ingredients again. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top, cover, and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour until the potatoes are fully tender and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Once cooked, turn off the crock pot and serve the casserole warm. Enjoy as a filling main dish that pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Use smoked Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper when mixing.
- If you don’t have a crock pot, bake the casserole in a 9×13 inch baking dish at 350°F for about 1 hour, covering with foil for the first 45 minutes and uncovering to melt cheese on top.
- Make sure the sausage is fully cooked before adding if using raw sausage to ensure safety and proper texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
