Easy Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Recipe for Family Meals

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy kielbasa hashbrown casserole that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Hearty kielbasa sausage brings robust flavor to every delightful bite.

Crispy golden hashbrowns create a perfect textural base for this crowd-pleasing dish.

Melted cheese binds all the ingredients into a harmonious blend of warmth and richness.

Each forkful delivers a comforting symphony of smoky sausage and cheesy potato goodness.

The simplicity of preparation makes this casserole a weeknight dinner champion.

Gather around the table and let this irresistible meal bring everyone closer together.

Ingredients for Cheesy Sausage and Potato Bake

• Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds a smoky touch to the dish.
• Frozen Hashbrowns: Convenient potato shreds that create a crispy and creamy base.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that brings rich flavor and creaminess.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy base that adds depth and richness.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and silky sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that provide a subtle and savory background flavor.
• Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

How to Bake a Hearty Kielbasa Hashbrown Dish

Step 1: Prepare the Delicious Foundation

Grab your slow cooker and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

• Diced kielbasa sausage
• Frozen hashbrowns
• Chopped onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Spread these ingredients evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a tempting first layer of flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Whole milk
• Sour cream

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic
• Onion powder

Whisk everything until smooth and well-combined, creating a luscious sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the creamy sauce over the layered ingredients, making sure every morsel gets a generous coating.

Sprinkle an extra handful of cheddar cheese on top for an ultimate cheesy finish.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low heat setting: Cook for 4-5 hours
• High heat setting: Cook for 2-3 hours

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and the hashbrowns are tender and irresistibly creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Give the casserole a gentle stir to mix all those incredible flavors.

Dish out this comfort food masterpiece while it’s warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Get ready for a crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Crispy Edges and Creamy Centers

• Generously spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup and smooth serving.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a sharp cheddar to elevate flavor complexity.
• Prepare the sauce and chop ingredients the night before, storing them separately in the refrigerator to speed up morning assembly.
• Substitute regular hashbrowns with cauliflower hashbrowns for a lower-carb option or use gluten-free cream soup for sensitive diets.
• Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow ingredients to set and flavors to meld together completely.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat This Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal the casserole in a freezer-safe container and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for extra flavor.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Side Ideas for a Hashbrown Bake Meal

• Enhance Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Enjoyment
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the casserole's richness and complement its creamy, cheesy texture.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Add a zesty, crunchy side salad with vinegar-based dressing to balance the dish's heaviness and provide a fresh contrast to the warm, comforting casserole.
• Add Fresh Green Salad: Create a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to introduce brightness and add nutritional balance to the hearty main course.
• Complement with Pickle Platter: Arrange dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, and pickled peppers on the side to offer a tangy, acidic counterpoint that helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Fun Swaps for Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole

• Veggie Lovers Swap: Replace kielbasa with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version that still packs rich flavor and protein.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and certified gluten-free hashbrowns to create a celiac-safe casserole without compromising taste or texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute hashbrowns with cauliflower rice or diced turnips, and use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty version with a kick of southwestern excitement.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh hashbrowns. Just make sure to drain excess moisture and pat them dry to prevent a watery casserole.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute kielbasa with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for protein and flavor.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate. Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to cook.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

Why You’ll Crave This Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combine smoky kielbasa, creamy cheese, and crispy hashbrowns into one irresistible dish that satisfies everyone from kids to adults.
• Family-Friendly Meal Solution: Create a hearty, one-pot wonder that eliminates complicated cooking steps and provides a complete meal with protein, potatoes, and cheesy goodness.
• Versatile Slow Cooker Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a rich, comforting casserole without standing over a hot stove, making meal prep stress-free and convenient for busy households.

Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory kielbasa hashbrown casserole delivers comfort in every hearty bite, blending smoky sausage with crispy potatoes and melted cheese. Creamy, satisfying layers promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (32 ounces / 907 grams) bag frozen hashbrowns
• 1 kielbasa sausage, diced
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (plus an extra 1/2 cup (57 grams) for topping)

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 (10 ounces / 284 grams) can cream of mushroom or chicken soup

Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating the interior with non-stick cooking spray to prevent ingredients from adhering to the surface.
2. Create a foundational layer in the slow cooker by evenly distributing diced kielbasa, frozen hashbrowns, chopped onions, and a generous portion of shredded cheddar cheese.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, craft a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth and well integrated.
4. Enhance the sauce with a blend of seasonings including salt, freshly ground black pepper, minced garlic, and onion powder, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Carefully pour the seasoned sauce over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete and uniform coverage throughout the slow cooker.
6. Sprinkle an additional layer of cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole to create a rich, golden finish.
7. Cover the slow cooker and set to low temperature, allowing the casserole to simmer and meld flavors for 4-5 hours, or alternatively use high heat for 2-3 hours.
8. Verify doneness by checking that the cheese is completely melted and the hashbrowns have reached a tender, creamy consistency.
9. Gently fold the ingredients to distribute the melted cheese and released flavors throughout the casserole.
10. Serve the dish immediately while warm, presenting a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.

Notes

• Prevent hashbrowns from turning mushy by using frozen shredded potatoes instead of fresh ones, which contain more moisture.
• Swap out high-fat ingredients for lighter alternatives like low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduced-sodium cream soup to make the dish more diet-friendly.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding crispy bacon bits, green onions, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth and excitement in each bite.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch as a thickener and selecting gluten-free cream soup or making a homemade cream sauce from scratch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg