Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the goodness of kielbasa sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or a potluck gathering. It’s easy to prepare, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks.
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Why Make This Recipe
This casserole is not only delicious but also very simple to make. It combines a variety of flavors and textures that everyone will love. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to use frozen hashbrowns, making it a convenient option when you’re low on fresh produce.
How to Make Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom or chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- Extra 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Directions:
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.
- Add diced kielbasa, frozen hashbrowns, onion, and 2 cups cheddar cheese to the slow cooker. Mix gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, soup, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the kielbasa and hashbrowns in the slow cooker. Stir lightly to coat everything.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Serve hot with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic toast.
How to Serve Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole
Serve this casserole hot, straight from the slow cooker. It pairs well with a fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or even some garlic toast to round out the meal. For added flavor, you can top it with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream when serving.
How to Store Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole
- Use fresh ingredients: If you have fresh hashbrowns or sausage, feel free to use them instead of frozen for even better flavor.
- Add veggies: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Variation
You can easily customize this casserole by using different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the kielbasa and substitute it with a mix of your favorite veggies, such as mushrooms and peppers.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply pour them into the slow cooker and cook as instructed.
Q: Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as fresh hashbrowns may cook faster.
Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: This dish pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen hashbrowns Use frozen for convenience.
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, diced Can substitute with other sausage types.
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Plus an extra 1/2 cup for topping.
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 can 10 oz cream of mushroom or chicken soup
- ½ teaspoon salt Optional.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
Preparation
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.
- Add diced kielbasa, frozen hashbrowns, onion, and 2 cups cheddar cheese to the slow cooker. Mix gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, soup, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the kielbasa and hashbrowns in the slow cooker. Stir lightly to coat everything.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
