Slow Cooker Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole 🧀🥔
Looking for an easy, hearty, and family-friendly meal? This Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole is the perfect comfort food made effortlessly in a slow cooker! With savory smoked sausage, crispy hashbrowns, gooey cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re making it for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, this one-pot dish requires minimal effort and delivers big flavors. Just dump everything into the crockpot, let it cook, and enjoy a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy to Make – A dump-and-go recipe with minimal prep!
✔ Hearty & Comforting – Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
✔ Slow Cooker Magic – Set it and forget it!
✔ Crowd-Pleaser – Great for potlucks, game nights, and gatherings.
✔ Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your taste!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package Kielbasa or smoked sausage (Ekrich, Hillshire Farm, or your favorite brand) – Adds a smoky, savory flavor.
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns – Either shredded or diced work great.
- 1 small onion, diced – Enhances flavor and adds texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – The ultimate gooey, cheesy goodness!
For the Creamy Sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream – Makes the dish extra creamy.
- ½ cup milk – Helps blend the sauce together.
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom or chicken soup – Adds a rich, comforting base.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for balancing flavors.
- Minced garlic, to taste – Adds a garlicky depth.
- Onion powder, to taste – Enhances the savory taste.
Optional Toppings:
- Extra ½ cup shredded cheese – For a crispy, melty top layer.
- Chopped fresh parsley – For garnish and a pop of color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Lightly grease your slow cooker with nonstick spray or use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Dice the Kielbasa & Assemble Ingredients
- Slice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces and place it in the slow cooker.
- Add the frozen hashbrowns, diced onion, and 2 cups of shredded cheese.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, and cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup.
- Season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and onion powder to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Pour the creamy mixture over the sausage and hashbrowns in the slow cooker.
- Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Add Extra Cheese & Cook
- Sprinkle an additional ½ cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Cover and cook:
- On LOW for 6 hours for the best texture.
- Or on HIGH for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
- Pair with a side salad, roasted veggies, or Texas garlic toast for a complete meal.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
🥓 Bacon Lovers – Add crispy bacon bits for extra smoky flavor.
🧄 Extra Creamy – Stir in cream cheese for an even richer texture.
🌶 Spicy Twist – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
🥦 Veggie Boost – Mix in broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free condensed soup.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker kielbasa casserole pairs well with:
🥗 Crisp Salad – A simple green salad balances the richness.
🥦 Roasted Veggies – Try asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
🥖 Garlic Bread or Texas Toast – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
🍳 Breakfast Option – Serve with scrambled eggs for a brunch twist!
Storage & Reheating Tips
🧊 Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or warm in a skillet over low heat.
❄ Freezing: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes! Assemble everything in a greased 9×13 baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
2. What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is a classic, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, Pepper Jack, or Swiss for variety.
3. Do I need to thaw the hashbrowns first?
No! Frozen hashbrowns work perfectly and help the casserole stay moist.
4. Can I add eggs to make it a breakfast dish?
Absolutely! Whisk 4-6 eggs and stir them into the mixture before cooking for a breakfast casserole twist.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole is a comfort food classic that’s perfect for busy families, meal prep, or potlucks. With savory kielbasa, creamy hashbrowns, and melty cheese, every bite is packed with flavor.
Whether you serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this easy slow cooker meal is sure to become a family favorite!
Try this simple crockpot recipe today, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Love this recipe? Share it with friends & family!
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 3-6 hrs | Total Time: 3-6 hrs 10 min | Serves: 6-8
