Description: A supremely satisfying and effortless slow cooker casserole, perfect for busy weeknights. This Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty combination of savory sausage, tender hashbrowns, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, all cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Simply dump in the ingredients, set it, and forget it until dinnertime! This recipe promises a warm, comforting, and family-friendly meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 (14 oz) package Kielbasa or smoked sausage (such as Eckrich), cut into chunks
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup additional cheddar cheese (for topping)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the Slow Cooker: Start by greasing the inside of your slow cooker. This step is crucial to prevent the casserole from sticking to the sides, making cleanup a breeze. Alternatively, for an even easier cleanup process, consider using a crockpot liner. These liners create a barrier between the food and the slow cooker, allowing you to simply lift the liner out and discard it after serving. This will save you considerable time and effort when it comes to washing up.
Step 2: Combining the Main Ingredients: Add the star ingredients to the prepared slow cooker. Begin with the sausage chunks, evenly distributing them across the bottom of the cooker. Follow this by adding the frozen hashbrowns. It’s important to use frozen hashbrowns, as they have the right texture for this recipe. Freshly grated potatoes may release too much moisture and result in a soggy casserole. Next, add the diced onion. Diced onions provide a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish. Then sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheddar cheese adds a creamy texture and a sharp, savory flavor that complements the sausage and hashbrowns perfectly.
Step 3: Making the Creamy Sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ingredients that form the luscious, creamy sauce. Start by adding the can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. These soups act as the base of the sauce, providing a rich and comforting flavor. To this, add the milk. The milk thins out the soup, creating a smooth and pourable sauce. Follow this with the sour cream. Sour cream adds a tangy richness to the sauce, balancing out the savory flavors of the sausage and cheese. Next, add the minced garlic. Garlic contributes a pungent and aromatic kick to the sauce. Then, include the onion powder. Onion powder enhances the overall onion flavor of the dish. Finally, season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt content, as both the sausage and cheese already contain salt.
Step 4: Assembling the Casserole: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the sausage, hashbrowns, onion, and cheese mixture in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to gently mix everything together, ensuring that all of the ingredients are well coated in the sauce. This will guarantee that every bite of the casserole is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Final Touch and Cooking: Top the casserole with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This final layer of cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust during the cooking process, adding a delicious textural contrast to the creamy casserole. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so it’s important to check for doneness periodically. The casserole is ready when the hashbrowns are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole is a winner for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. The “dump-and-go” nature of this recipe means minimal prep time and effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Secondly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory sausage, tender hashbrowns, creamy sauce, and melted cheese is sure to appeal to both kids and adults alike. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that will leave everyone feeling satisfied. Thirdly, it’s versatile. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Swap out the sausage for bacon or ham, use different types of cheese, or add in your favorite vegetables. Fourthly, it’s budget-friendly. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive and readily available, making it an affordable option for family meals. Lastly, it’s a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the casserole in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply pop it into the slow cooker and let it cook while you go about your day.
Serving Suggestions:
This Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with complementary side dishes. Consider pairing it with a fresh salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, add a nutritious and flavorful element to the meal. For a truly indulgent experience, serve it with buttery Texas garlic toast. The crispy, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. To make it a breakfast or brunch item, consider adding a fried or poached egg on top of each serving. You can also serve with a side of fruit salad or yogurt parfait.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- If you prefer a less creamy casserole, reduce the amount of milk or sour cream.
- To prevent the casserole from sticking to the slow cooker, spray the inside with non-stick cooking spray or use a crockpot liner.
- If the casserole is browning too quickly on top, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Consider adding bell pepper for added veggie.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 6 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 10 minutes (HIGH) Servings: 6-8
Nutritional Information: (Estimated, per serving)
- Calories: 450-550 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on the sausage and cheese used)
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole is the epitome of comfort food – easy to make, satisfying to eat, and sure to please everyone at the table. Its versatility makes it a perfect meal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even a weekend brunch. With minimal effort, you can create a delicious and hearty meal that will become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, grab your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of pure comfort!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While Kielbasa or smoked sausage are recommended for their flavor and texture, you can easily substitute them with other types of sausage such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even ground sausage. Just be sure to cook the ground sausage before adding it to the slow cooker.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Yes, you can! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this casserole. Some good options include diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach. Add the vegetables along with the hashbrowns and sausage.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Definitely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Simply assemble the casserole in the slow cooker, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the hashbrowns may change slightly after thawing. If you choose to freeze it, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q5: What can I do if my casserole is too watery?
A: If your casserole appears too watery, you can remove the lid from the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the sauce to help thicken it.
