Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Savory Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Comfort arrives with this mouthwatering kielbasa sausage cheesy potato casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a dish guaranteed to warm your soul.

Creamy potatoes intermingle with smoky sausage and melted cheese, creating an irresistible combination.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this casserole delivers unexpected depth and flavor.

Regional influences shine through each carefully layered bite of goodness.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

You will want seconds – maybe even thirds – of this comforting masterpiece.

What You Need For Kielbasa Potato Casserole

Proteins:
  • Kielbasa Sausage: A hearty Polish sausage with a smoky and rich flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that adds depth to the dish.
Dairy and Cream:
  • Heavy Cream: A rich and luxurious dairy product.
  • Cheddar Cheese Soup: A creamy cheese base that adds extra cheesiness.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty and gooey topping for extra comfort.
Vegetables and Seasonings:
  • Potatoes: Hearty and starchy base for the casserole.
  • Onions: Sweet and aromatic vegetable that adds flavor.
  • Garlic: Pungent and flavorful ingredient.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick.
  • Seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices for extra taste.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking in the baking dish.
  • Water: Used for cooking the sausage.
  • Foil: Covers the casserole during baking.

Steps To Make Cheesy Kielbasa Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Cooking Space

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 13 x 9 or 3-quart baking dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Pour a splash of water into a Dutch oven or large pot.

Add kielbasa sausage and cook over medium heat.

The water will help prevent sticking and create a nice golden color.

Keep adding small amounts of water if needed to prevent burning.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Once the sausage looks beautifully browned, toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook until the onions become soft and see-through, releasing their delicious flavor.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Base

Drop in diced potatoes and pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Cheddar cheese soup
  • Seasonings
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Create the Cheesy Mixture

Let the mixture simmer and barely start to bubble.

Remove from heat and stir in a generous handful of shredded cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the saucy mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven.

Bake for 65-75 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 8: Crisp the Top

Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to create a delightful golden crust.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully pull out your bubbling, cheesy creation and serve hot.

Get ready for comfort food heaven!

Tips For The Best Kielbasa Casserole

  • Choose lower-fat kielbasa varieties to reduce overall calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
  • Dice potatoes just before cooking and keep them in cold water to prevent discoloration and maintain their fresh appearance.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and create a more balanced one-pot meal.
  • Adjust heavy cream and chicken broth ratio to achieve desired sauce thickness – less liquid creates a thicker casserole, more liquid results in a saucier dish.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like Swiss, Gouda, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.

How To Store Kielbasa Potato Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, lasting up to 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
  • Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

Sides That Match Kielbasa Potato Casserole

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the kielbasa and creamy potato casserole.
  • Crisp Side Salad Companion: Create a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy dish and add freshness to the meal.
  • German-Style Beer Match: Choose a malty Oktoberfest or amber lager that enhances the sausage's smoky notes and cuts through the creamy potato texture.
  • Pickle Plate Accent: Serve cold, crisp pickles on the side to provide a sharp, acidic contrast to the rich casserole and cleanse the palate between bites.

Easy Swaps For Kielbasa Potato Casserole

  • Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream soup or homemade cream sauce, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
  • Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole with extra heat.

FAQs

  • What makes the kielbasa sausage special in this recipe?

Polish kielbasa adds a smoky, rich flavor that elevates the entire casserole and provides a traditional European sausage taste to the dish.

  • Can I use different types of potatoes?

Russet or Yukon gold potatoes work best because they hold their shape well during baking and provide a creamy, hearty texture to the casserole.

  • How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Replace heavy cream with milk, use less expensive cheese like regular cheddar instead of specialty cheeses, and buy kielbasa when it’s on sale to reduce overall cost.

  • Is this dish considered a complete meal?

Yes, the casserole combines protein from kielbasa, carbohydrates from potatoes, and dairy from cheese, making it a filling and nutritionally balanced one-dish meal.

Why You’ll Love The Kielbasa Potato Casserole

  • Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up a hearty, delicious casserole that satisfies hunger with minimal kitchen effort.
  • One-Pot Dish: Streamline cooking by preparing most ingredients in a single pot, reducing cleanup and saving precious time.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved flavors like sausage, cheese, and potatoes that appeal to all ages and taste preferences.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where you want a reliable, crowd-winning dish that everyone will love.
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Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Polish-inspired Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole delivers comforting layers of hearty sausage and creamy potatoes. Generous cheese melts perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that brings families together around one delicious skillet.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb kielbasa sausage, cut 1/4 inch thick then cut each piece into 4
  • 3 large potatoes, peeled, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cheddar cheese soup
  • 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup water, may need more, use 1/8 cup at a time

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coat a 13 x 9 or 3-quart baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Place kielbasa sausages in a Dutch oven or large pot with a small amount of water, browning them while occasionally adding water to prevent sticking.
  3. Once sausages develop a golden color, incorporate diced onions and cook until they become translucent, then add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
  4. Introduce diced potatoes to the sausage and onion mixture in the pot.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, half a can of cheddar cheese soup, and season with desired spices and pepper, stirring thoroughly to combine.
  6. Simmer the mixture until it reaches a gentle boil, then immediately remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese until melted and incorporated.
  7. Transfer the creamy sausage and potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and optionally topping with additional cheddar cheese.
  8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 65-75 minutes, or until potatoes reach a tender consistency.
  9. Remove foil and return casserole to the oven for an extra 10 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crispy top.
  10. Carefully extract from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Swap kielbasa with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that reduces overall fat content.
  • Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes to boost nutritional value and add natural sweetness.
  • Control sodium levels by choosing low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring additional salt additions.
  • Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, which enhances flavor melding.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 85 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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