There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole that just hits the spot on a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend brunch. That’s exactly why I keep coming back to this Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe—it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy enough to throw together even when you’re short on time. The blend of gooey melted cheddar, tender potatoes, and smoky sausage creates a dish that feels like a hug on a plate.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want some satisfying leftovers, this Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe works perfectly. I love that you can make it in the slow cooker, so it’s pretty hands-off, allowing you to focus on other things while it cooks. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to for those days when comfort food is calling your name.

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Why This Recipe Works

Slow Cooker Simplicity: Toss everything in and let it cook—minimal hands-on time means maximum flavor without stress.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The smoky kielbasa pairs beautifully with the sharp cheddar and creamy potatoes for a rich, savory taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: It’s hearty enough to satisfy hungry guests and easy to scale up for larger groups.
Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing that homey vibe.

The image shows a close-up view of a creamy baked dish in a white container lined with foil. The dish has two main layers: the bottom layer is a soft, pale yellow pasta mixed with light-colored cheese melted throughout, and the top layer is coated with melted, bright orange cheese. Mixed inside the pasta are sliced sausage pieces with a pinkish-brown color. The texture looks soft and cheesy, with the cheese forming a smooth, glossy surface that covers the pasta and sausages. A black spoon is scooping out some of the dish from the container. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Using frozen hash browns saves prep time and ensures a great texture once cooked.

Frozen hash browns: They give you tender, fluffy potatoes with zero peeling or chopping—plus, slightly thawing them first helps everything blend easier.
Sour cream: Adds a creamy tanginess that keeps the casserole moist and adds depth to the flavor.
Diced white onion: Fresh onion chunks bring a mild sweetness and a bit of crunch—feel free to sauté them if you want a softer bite.
Cream of chicken soup: This secret ingredient acts like a thickener and seasoning, binding everything together deliciously.
Pepper: Just a touch to balance the richness and add gentle heat.
Kielbasa or smoked sausage: The star protein! Its smoky, spiced flavor transforms this dish from simple to spectacular.
Sharp cheddar cheese: For that melt-in-your-mouth, cheesy goodness—using sharp cheese boosts flavor but feel free to mix mild or even Monterey Jack for a twist.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe sometimes by swapping out the sausage for spicy chorizo or adding in veggies. You absolutely should make it your own; that’s part of the fun!

Spicy Variation: Adding diced jalapeños or swapping kielbasa for spicy andouille sausage gives the dish a nice kick—my family loves that extra zing!
Vegetable Boost: Toss in some bell peppers or mushrooms to sneak in some veggies—you’ll barely notice, and it adds great flavor and texture.
Make it Gluten-Free: Just double-check your cream of chicken soup or swap for a gluten-free alternative to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Hash Browns

First, let your frozen hash browns sit out for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly—this makes mixing much easier and ensures they’ll cook evenly in the crock pot. No need to thaw completely, just allow them to lose the hard-freeze crunch.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients Together

In a large bowl, combine the softened hash browns with sour cream, diced onion, cream of chicken soup, pepper, and two cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Next, add the thinly sliced kielbasa or smoked sausage. Give everything a good stir until well mixed—don’t be shy here; thorough mixing is key to even flavor throughout.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Casserole

Grease or line your 5-quart (or larger) crock pot, then pour in the mixture. Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Cook for about 2 ½ to 3 hours, letting the flavors meld and the potatoes soften gently without drying out. This is where patience pays off—the slow cooker does all the magic!

Step 4: Finish with Cheese

Once the casserole has cooked through, give it a quick stir to redistribute the ingredients. Then sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top, cover again, and cook for another 30 minutes to an hour until the cheese melts perfectly and the potatoes are tender to your liking.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Softening Hash Browns: Don’t forget to slightly thaw the hash browns; it helps the potatoes absorb flavors and cook evenly without becoming mushy.
Stirring Mid-Cook: Giving the casserole a good stir halfway through cooking helps prevent sticking on the edges and ensures every bite gets sausage and cheese.
Choose Good Quality Sausage: Using kielbasa with a smoky kick really elevates the casserole—I learned this the hard way trying bland sausage first!
Don’t Rush the Cheese Topping: Adding cheese at the end keeps it melted and melty instead of burnt or dried out.

How to Serve Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a creamy, cheesy casserole inside a dish, with a black serving spoon scooping out a portion. The casserole has several layers: the bottom layer is a creamy, soft mixture of shredded pasta with light beige color and smooth texture. Scattered throughout are chunks of sliced sausage with a pinkish tone and smooth surface. The top layer is a melted layer of rich, golden-orange cheese that covers the dish evenly with a slightly shiny and gooey texture. The edges of the dish have some browned, crispy cheese spots. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or scallions—they add a burst of color and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes a spoonful of sour cream on the side never hurts either for extra creaminess.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is pretty filling on its own, I like to keep sides light: a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or even roasted Brussels sprouts pairs nicely. For a brunch spread, consider serving with fresh fruit or a simple tomato and cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings or potlucks, I’ve served the casserole in individual ramekins and topped each with little sausage slices and extra cheddar for a cute touch. You can also garnish with a drizzle of hot sauce or add sliced avocado on top for a modern twist that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole stores really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. As someone who loves meal prep, I appreciate being able to grab a warm, ready-to-eat portion whenever I want.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this casserole with great success. Just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat for a quick and comforting meal.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes, or microwave on medium power until warmed through. Adding a little extra shredded cheese on top before reheating makes it taste freshly baked each time!

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can bake this casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish covered with foil for about 45 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?

I recommend kielbasa or smoked sausage because their smoky flavors add depth and contrast to the creamy potatoes and cheese. However, you can experiment with bratwurst, chorizo, or even breakfast sausage depending on your preference.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep and freezing?

Yes! This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe freezes well, making it ideal for meal prepping. Just make sure to cool it fully before freezing and thaw overnight before reheating for best results.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Adding veggies like chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach is a great way to boost nutrition and flavor. Just mix them in with the other ingredients before cooking.
How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

Using slightly thawed, not fully melted, hash browns helps reduce excess water. Also, mixing the sour cream and soup properly before adding helps bind the ingredients. If you notice extra moisture after cooking, remove the lid for the last 10-15 minutes to let it evaporate.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I go back to again and again because it delivers that cozy, satisfying feeling only comfort food can. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s straightforward, forgiving, and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it—you might just find yourself adding it to your own list of all-time favorites like I did!

Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 34 reviews

Author: Lucy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This cheesy sausage and potato casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family gatherings or a cozy meal. Combining tender hash browns, savory smoked sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy mix of sour cream and cream of chicken soup, it delivers rich flavors and a satisfying texture. Cooked slowly in a crock pot, this casserole is easy to prepare and makes a delicious, filling meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

30 ounces frozen hash browns
1 cup sour cream
1 cup white onion, diced
10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon pepper
1 pound Kielbasa or smoked sausage, thinly sliced and cut into half circles
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

Soften the Hash Browns: Slightly soften the frozen hash browns to make mixing easier, then pour them into a large mixing bowl.
Mix Ingredients: Add 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced white onion, cream of chicken soup, pepper, and sliced Kielbasa sausage to the softened hash browns. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Prepare the Crock Pot: Line or grease a 5-quart or larger crock pot to prevent sticking. Pour the potato mixture into the crock pot, spreading it out evenly.
Cook on Low: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender.
Stir and Add Cheese: Using a long-handled spoon, gently stir the casserole to redistribute the ingredients. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top, then cover again.
Finish Cooking: Continue cooking the casserole on low for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

For a creamier texture, you can add a little extra sour cream or cream of chicken soup.
If you prefer a spicier flavor, add some crushed red pepper flakes or substitute the sausage with spicy sausage.
This recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before cooking; just add an extra 15-30 minutes to the cooking time if cooking from cold.
To make it gluten-free, ensure the cream of chicken soup and sausage are labeled gluten-free.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg