🥘 Ultimate Slow Cooker Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole – Cheesy, Creamy, and Irresistibly Easy
There’s something magical about a dish that’s comforting, hearty, and effortless all at once. Enter this Slow Cooker Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole — a creamy, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that feeds a crowd and costs under $15 to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, brunches, or potluck dinners, this casserole combines savory smoked sausage, tender hashbrowns, and rich, creamy cheese into a dish so irresistible, everyone will ask for seconds.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a busy parent, this dump-and-go recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food.
✅ Ingredients and Their Roles
- 1 package Kielbasa or smoked sausage, cut into chunks: Adds savory, smoky protein that forms the heart of the casserole.
- 1 32 oz bag frozen hashbrowns: Acts as a starchy base, soaking up all the creamy sauce and making every bite satisfying.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth to balance the richness of the cheese and sausage.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides melty, gooey comfort and an irresistible golden crust.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess that enriches the sauce without overpowering it.
- ½ cup milk: Adjusts the consistency of the creamy sauce, making it silky smooth.
- 1 10 oz can cream of mushroom or chicken soup: Serves as a rich, velvety binder that melds all the ingredients together.
- Salt, pepper, minced garlic, onion powder (to taste): Enhance the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and aroma.
▶️ Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Prepare the base
Grease your slow cooker or use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup. Add the sausage chunks, frozen hashbrowns, diced onion, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese, mixing lightly to distribute evenly.
🔹 Step 2: Make the creamy sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream soup, milk, and sour cream. Season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and onion powder to taste. This mixture forms the rich, flavorful sauce that binds the casserole.
🔹 Step 3: Combine
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the sausage and hashbrowns. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top for a golden, cheesy finish.
🔹 Step 4: Slow cook
Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the hashbrowns are tender and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
🔹 Pro Tips for Perfecting the Casserole
- Use a crockpot liner for effortless cleanup.
- Stir the casserole halfway through cooking for even sauce distribution.
- Add an additional ½ cup of cheese on top 30 minutes before the end for extra richness.
- Experiment with different smoked meats such as ham or chicken sausage for variation.
- Cook low and slow for the best texture and flavor melding.
✅️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or Texas toast to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Perfect for brunches or potluck gatherings — feeds a crowd and is easy to serve.
❤️ Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: A true dump-and-go recipe that minimizes kitchen time.
- Budget-friendly: Feeds multiple people for under $15.
- Family-approved: Cheesy, creamy, and savory flavors appeal to all ages.
- Make-ahead friendly: Flavors deepen if made ahead, ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
✨ Final Thoughts – Simple, Delicious, and Irresistibly Comforting
This Slow Cooker Sausage & Hashbrown Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of affordable, everyday ingredients, you can create a rich, creamy, and cheesy meal perfect for family dinners, brunches, or potlucks.
Hands-off, budget-friendly, and utterly satisfying, this casserole is destined to become your go-to recipe for effortless, crowd-pleasing comfort food. Grab your slow cooker and enjoy a hearty, cheesy meal tonight!