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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating the interior with non-stick cooking spray to prevent ingredients from adhering to the surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully pour the seasoned sauce over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete and uniform coverage throughout the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle an additional layer of cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole to create a rich, golden finish.
- 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.
- Verify doneness by checking that the cheese is completely melted and the hashbrowns have reached a tender, creamy consistency.
- Gently fold the ingredients to distribute the melted cheese and released flavors throughout the casserole.
- 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