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

Scale

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