Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

Wow, slow cooker sausage and potato casserole is, like, my favorite dinner. It smells so yummy as it cooks all day. I can’t wait to tell you about it.

I love how the sausage gets so tender. And the potatoes soak up all the tasty juices. It’s so easy to make, too.

Um, this dish makes my whole family happy. It tastes warm and cozy, like a snug blanket on a cold day. I feel so proud when I serve it.

So, would you like to try it? Grab your slow cooker and let’s make this tasty meal. You’ll be so glad you did!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, cheesy, and filling—this dish is like a hug on a plate.
• Set It and Forget It: Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need leftovers.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that are easy to find.
• Customizable: Easily switch up the sausage, cheese, or seasoning to fit your taste.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: About 6 hours and 15 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes about 6 servings, perfect for a family meal or meal prepping for the week.

Difficulty:
Easy—great for beginners or anyone needing a simple, hands-off meal.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot): A 6-quart size works best.
• Cutting Board: For chopping sausage and onions.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice sausage and dice vegetables easily.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate portions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing.

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole

• Frozen Hash Browns (32 oz bag) – These make the dish quick and easy, giving you tender potatoes with minimal prep. You can use fresh diced potatoes if you prefer.
• Kielbasa Sausage (14 oz) – Smoked and flavorful, this sausage adds a rich, savory taste with a slight hint of spice.
• Onion (Small) – Brings a mild sweetness and aroma that blends perfectly with the sausage and cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded) – Melts into the casserole, creating a gooey, cheesy layer. Sharp cheddar gives extra flavor, but mild works well too.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz can) – Acts as a creamy binder, adding richness and a subtle mushroom flavor.
• Sour Cream (1 cup) – Adds a tangy creaminess, making the casserole smooth and balanced.
• Creole Seasoning (1 teaspoon) – A blend of spices with a little kick, giving the dish a warm, flavorful depth. Adjust based on your spice preference.
• Salt (½ teaspoon) – Enhances all the other flavors.
• Black Pepper (½ teaspoon) – Adds a gentle heat and earthy balance to the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Slice the Kielbasa: Cut the sausage into thin, round slices.
• Chop the Onion: Peel and finely chop the onion.
• Dice the Potatoes (If Using Fresh): If you’re using fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns, peel and dice them into small, even cubes.

2. Mix Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

• Hash browns (or diced potatoes)
• Sliced kielbasa sausage
• Chopped onion
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (save the rest for topping later)
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Creole seasoning
• Salt and black pepper

Use a spoon to stir everything until the potatoes and sausage are well coated, and the cheese is evenly mixed in.

3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker

• Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
• Pour the potato and sausage mixture into the slow cooker and spread it out evenly.

4. Slow Cook

• Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours (or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours).
• No stirring is needed, but if you want to check it, give it a gentle stir halfway through cooking.

5. Add Cheese on Top

• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the casserole during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Cover and let the cheese melt until it’s bubbly and gooey.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Spoon the casserole into bowls or onto plates while hot.
• Serve it as a main dish, or pair it with a salad or bread for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is warm and filling on its own, but you can serve it with a few extras to round out your meal:

• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or peas add color and freshness.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any cheesy sauce left on your plate.
• Eggs: Add a fried or poached egg on top for a breakfast twist.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerating Leftovers:

• Allow the casserole to cool completely.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Portion into freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

• Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
• For larger portions, reheat in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until hot.

Variations for Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole

• Switch the Sausage: Try smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or even spicy andouille for extra kick.
• Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend for a twist.
• Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like some heat.
• Soup Swap: Cream of chicken or cheddar soup works if you’re not a fan of mushroom.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Skip the Cheese on Top: It creates a gooey, golden layer that brings everything together.
• Use Fresh Potatoes: If you prefer fresh over frozen, peel and dice them evenly so they cook through.
• Stir Gently: If you check and stir during cooking, do it gently to avoid breaking up the potatoes.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and add more salt, pepper, or Creole seasoning if needed.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat
400 kcal	17g	32g	24g

Nutritional values may vary based on brands and portion sizes.

FAQs

Can I Make This Without a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Mix everything in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, stirring once halfway through.

Can I Prep This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. Mix everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and pop it into the slow cooker in the morning.

What if I Don’t Have Creole Seasoning?

You can use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne as a substitute.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole is a go-to recipe for busy days. It’s hearty, cheesy, and makes everyone happy at the dinner table. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this dish fits right in. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!