If you love hearty, satisfying meals that practically cook themselves, you’ll want to bookmark this Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole. It’s an effortless slow cooker recipe that delivers rich, savory flavor in every bite. From busy weeknights to holiday brunches, this comforting dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Prep: Just 10 minutes of mixing and layering ingredients.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Set it and forget it—dinner will be ready hours later.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite sausage, cheese, or cream soup.
- Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- Extra 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Tip: For extra richness, try smoked gouda or Colby Jack cheese in place of cheddar.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to assemble and cook your casserole:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Main Ingredients
Add the diced kielbasa sausage, frozen hashbrowns, diced onion, and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese to the slow cooker. Gently stir to distribute everything evenly.
3. Make the Creamy Mixture
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, cream soup, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and minced garlic until smooth.
4. Combine Everything
Pour the creamy mixture over the kielbasa and hashbrowns in the slow cooker. Lightly stir to coat all the ingredients without mashing the potatoes.
5. Top with Extra Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a golden, melty finish.
6. Cook
Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker:
- Low Heat: Cook for 6 hours.
- High Heat: Cook for 3 to 4 hours.
You’ll know it’s ready when the hashbrowns are tender, the cheese is melted, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is rich and hearty, so it pairs perfectly with:
- A fresh green salad to lighten the meal.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for extra vegetables.
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Meal Prep: Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in your slow cooker and start cooking.
Leftovers: Store cooled casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations to Try
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetarian: Omit kielbasa and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
- Extra Protein: Stir in cooked chicken or crumbled bacon for even more heartiness.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Approximate, based on 8 servings:
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 32g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dinner, or as a potluck dish, this Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and rich, comforting flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
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