Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

The Heartiest Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

Slow cooker sausage and potato casserole promises a hearty meal that reinvents ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Comfort food enthusiasts will appreciate the simple yet robust flavors melding together effortlessly.

Every bite delivers a satisfying combination of tender potatoes and savory sausage, creating a dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Home cooks love how this recipe minimizes kitchen prep time while maximizing deliciousness.

The slow cooker method ensures each ingredient develops deep, rich flavors without constant monitoring.

Minimal effort yields maximum taste, making this casserole perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend gatherings.

This meal represents the ultimate solution for those craving a filling, no-fuss dinner that impresses everyone at the table.

Casserole Versions You Can Also Try

  • Spicy Southwest Sausage Skillet: Replace creole seasoning with chili powder and add diced green chiles for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Potato Bake: Swap kielbasa for Italian sausage, incorporate dried oregano and basil, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Smoky Bacon Potato Casserole: Dice crispy bacon and mix into the casserole, use smoked cheddar cheese, and sprinkle with chopped green onions for extra smoky flavor.
  • Vegetarian Hearty Veggie Casserole: Substitute kielbasa with plant-based sausage, add diced bell peppers and mushrooms, and use vegetable cream soup for a meat-free alternative.

Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole That Warms You Up

  • Effortless One-Pot Comfort: This slow cooker casserole transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, hands-off meal that requires minimal prep and cleanup.
  • Flavor-Packed Hearty Goodness: Kielbasa delivers rich, smoky notes while creole seasoning adds a zesty kick, creating a bold and satisfying taste profile that warms you from the inside out.
  • Convenience Meets Deliciousness: Perfect for busy families or anyone seeking a no-fuss dinner solution, this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy a delectable, filling meal with minimal effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Suitable for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, this dish offers a crowd-pleasing combination of cheesy potatoes and savory sausage that appeals to both kids and adults.

What Goes in Sausage and Potato Casserole

Main Protein and Starch:
  • Kielbasa: Flavorful Polish sausage that adds smoky richness to the casserole.
  • Hash Browns: Shredded potatoes that create a hearty base for the dish, providing texture and substance.
Dairy and Creamy Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a tangy, creamy element to the casserole.
  • Sour Cream: Adds a smooth, rich texture and subtle tanginess to the dish.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides a creamy base that helps bind ingredients together.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Adds depth of flavor and natural sweetness to the casserole.
  • Creole Seasoning: Spice blend that brings a zesty and complex flavor profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Casserole with Sausage

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer Base Ingredients

Combine the following ingredients in the slow cooker:
  • Frozen hash browns
  • Sliced kielbasa sausage
  • Diced onions
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups)

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Sour cream
  • Creole seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 4: Blend Ingredients

Pour the sauce over the hash brown mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) evenly across the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on:
  • Low setting for 6 hours, or
  • High setting for 4 hours

Cooking is complete when potatoes and onions are tender and fully cooked.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the hot casserole onto plates and serve immediately. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

Tip: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.

Tips to Get Creamy Potatoes and Sausage Right

  • Prevent Potato Mushiness: Opt for frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes to maintain a better texture during long slow cooking.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Add the final cheese sprinkle during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it perfectly melted and prevent burning.
  • Flavor Boost Technique: Use smoked kielbasa for deeper, richer flavor that complements the creamy potato base.
  • Seasoning Secret: Adjust creole seasoning to taste, starting with less and adding more to control spice level without overwhelming the dish.
  • Easy Prep Hack: Chop onions and slice kielbasa the night before to streamline morning cooking and save valuable time.

Reheating Sausage and Potato Casserole Smoothly

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or place in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly and cheese is bubbly.

Great Pairings for This Comforting Casserole

  • Craft Hearty Red Wine Pairing: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, savory flavors of the kielbasa and creamy potato casserole, cutting through the dish's richness with bold tannins.
  • Zesty Salad Side Kick: Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness, adding brightness and freshness to the meal with cucumber, tomatoes, and light herbs.
  • Elevate with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or French bread alongside the casserole, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and adding delightful textural contrast to each comforting bite.
  • Cool Beverage Refresh: Offer a cold, light beer like a pilsner or wheat beer to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's creamy, hearty profile.
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Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker sausage and potato casserole delivers comfort straight from Polish kitchens. Savory sausage, tender potatoes, and rich seasonings create a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 14 ounces (397 grams) kielbasa sausage, cut into small pieces

Starches and Vegetables:

  • 1 (32 ounces / 907 grams) bag of hash browns (or substitute fresh diced potatoes)
  • 1 small onion, diced

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon creole seasoning (or your favorite seasoning blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker by applying a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Layer the crispy hash browns as the foundational base, creating a hearty potato canvas for the casserole.
  3. Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized medallions, distributing them evenly across the hash brown layer to ensure consistent flavor in every serving.
  4. Dice the onions finely, sprinkling them throughout the mixture to add a subtle aromatic depth and sweetness.
  5. Generously scatter two-thirds of the sharp cheddar cheese over the potato and sausage mixture, allowing the cheese to melt and create a creamy texture.
  6. Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, tangy sour cream, robust creole seasoning, delicate salt, and freshly ground pepper in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
  7. Gently pour the seasoned soup mixture over the layered ingredients, carefully folding and stirring to ensure every morsel is coated and seasoned.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty crown for the casserole.
  9. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the dish to simmer on low temperature for approximately 6 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the potatoes become tender and the flavors marry completely.
  10. Once cooking is complete, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set and flavors to settle.
  11. Serve piping hot, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that blends hearty potatoes, savory sausage, and melted cheese.

Notes

  • Prep this hearty meal in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
  • Kielbasa sausage adds rich, smoky flavor that elevates the entire casserole from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Creole seasoning brings a subtle kick of spice, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable comfort food.
  • Slow cooking allows flavors to meld together, creating a creamy, tender dish that practically melts in your mouth.
  • Freezer-friendly option available: Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and store for up to 3 months before cooking.
  • Top with fresh chopped parsley or green onions just before serving to add a bright, fresh finishing touch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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