If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food, look no further than Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory kielbasa and tender potatoes, this dish turns into pure magic right inside your slow cooker, making it the best friend of busy home cooks and casserole fans alike. Whether for lazy weekends, potlucks, or heartwarming weeknight dinners, one spoonful of this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your regular rotation!

Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole lies in its straightforward, down-to-earth ingredients. Each component brings its own pop of flavor, color, or melty goodness—ensuring every bite is just right! Here’s what you’ll need, with a quick tip for each:

Hash Browns (32 oz. bag, or fresh diced potatoes): Frozen hash browns make this recipe a breeze, but fresh potatoes work too—just allow extra cooking time for that perfect tenderness.
Kielbasa Sausage (14 oz., cut into small pieces): Smoky and robust, kielbasa soaks up all the other flavors while giving the casserole a hearty bite.
Onion (1 small, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and a homey aroma; try sautéing it briefly for even deeper flavor.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully, giving the casserole that gooey, irresistible finish casseroles are famous for.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz. can): This soup binds everything together, making the casserole ultra-creamy without much fuss.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): It lends tanginess and another dreamy layer of creaminess—don’t skip it!
Creole Seasoning (1 tsp, or your favorite blend): Adds a gentle, savory kick and keeps the flavors lively.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Use these pantry classics to balance and bring out the best in the other ingredients.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients

Start by grabbing your slow cooker and giving it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray—this little step makes cleanup a breeze later. Next, toss in the hash browns (or diced fresh potatoes if you’ve got them), the sliced kielbasa, diced onion, and 2 full cups of shredded cheddar cheese. If you have a few extra minutes, try sautéing the sausage and onions together in a skillet before adding them; this really deepens their flavor and adds a subtle, smoky goodness that pays off big time.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, creole seasoning, and a big pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The soup and sour cream create a luscious, velvety sauce that will wrap all the casserole ingredients in savory creaminess, while the seasoning brings everything to life. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and fully blended.

Step 3: Stir Everything Together

Pour that beautiful creamy mixture right over the hash brown and sausage layers inside your slow cooker. Using a large spoon, gently mix everything together, making sure all the hash browns and sausage pieces get nicely coated in that sauce. This is where the magic starts to happen—the start of a casserole that’s packed with flavor in every single bite.

Step 4: Top with Remaining Cheese

Now comes my favorite part: grab that last half-cup of shredded cheddar and sprinkle it generously over the top of your casserole mixture. This layer of cheese gives the finished dish a bubbly, golden crown once it’s cooked, making it look and taste especially inviting when you serve it up.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to low for 6 hours or crank it up to high for 4 hours if you’re short on time. The Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole is ready when the potatoes and onions are fork-tender and everything is bubbling away in cheese and creamy sauce. Just be sure not to overcook, as you want those potatoes meltingly tender, not mushy. When done, scoop and serve—enjoy those smiles around the table!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can bring a burst of color and freshness that really makes the Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole pop. Try a sprinkle of sliced green onions for color and zing, or toss on a handful of chopped parsley for a light, herbal finish. If you love heat, a scattering of red pepper flakes looks beautiful and perks up each bite. Sometimes, a touch of hot sauce on the side is an unexpected treat for spice lovers.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to be the star, but it also teams up delightfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette—perfect for cutting through all that creamy richness! Steamed broccoli or a medley of roasted veggies add color and balance, while warm dinner rolls or crusty bread make the perfect vehicles for soaking up any cheesy sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks and parties, serve Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole straight from the slow cooker for easy grazing. Want to impress? Spoon individual portions into ramekins, top with a bit of fresh cheese and give them a quick broil for an extra bubbly finish. Or, stuff leftovers into a warm tortilla for a cheesy, handheld brunch or lunch option—trust me, there won’t be any complaints!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? No problem! Allow the Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole to cool to room temperature first, then transfer it into airtight containers. It stays fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making lunches and last-minute dinners a breeze throughout the week. The flavors seem to deepen overnight, so leftovers can be just as exciting as the first go-round.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully for up to three months. Portion cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or sturdy zip-top bags, squeezing out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready for a quick meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s handy to have a stash for unexpected guests or quick comfort food cravings!

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave until heated through, or warm larger portions in the oven at 325°F, covered loosely with foil to keep the cheese gooey. A splash of milk or broth stirred in can restore creaminess if it seems a little thick. If you’ve prepped it ahead, it reheats easily straight from the fridge or after gentle thawing from the freezer.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While kielbasa gives Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole its traditional smoky flair, you can easily substitute with smoked sausage, chicken sausage, or even spicy andouille for a bolder kick. Just be sure to use a sausage with plenty of flavor for best results.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?

Yes, fresh diced potatoes work wonderfully. Just keep in mind they may require a little extra time to become tender, so start checking for doneness after about five hours on low. Parboiling the potatoes beforehand can help speed things up if you’re in a rush.

Is there a way to make the casserole lighter?

If you’re lightening things up, try using reduced-fat sour cream and cheese, as well as turkey kielbasa in place of regular. You could also mix in extra vegetables, like chopped bell peppers or baby spinach, to bring a burst of color and nutrition without losing that cozy, irresistible flavor.

Does this recipe work for meal prep?

Definitely! Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole is a true meal prep champion. Just portion out servings into containers and refrigerate or freeze for easy lunches and dinners all week. The casserole holds up well and actually develops richer flavor after a day or two in the fridge.

What should I do if my casserole seems watery?

If your casserole is a bit watery, don’t worry—it can happen if your potatoes release extra moisture. Simply leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking to help evaporate some liquid, or stir in a bit more cheese to thicken things up. The hearty texture should bounce back in no time.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole enough—it truly is comfort food at its easiest and most delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to share, it’s sure to earn rave reviews. Give it a try, add your own spin, and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s easy to prepare and will become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 – 32 oz. bag of hash browns (or may substitute fresh diced potatoes)
14 oz. kielbasa sausage (cut into small pieces)
1 small onion (diced)
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp creole seasoning (or your favorite blend)
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Combine hash browns, kielbasa, onion, and 2 cups of the cheese in a greased slow cooker.
Mix Soup Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine cream of mushroom, sour cream, creole seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add Soup Mixture: Pour the soup mixture over the hash brown mix and stir to combine.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Cook: Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until potatoes and onions are cooked through. Be cautious not to overcook the potatoes.