Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Hashbrown Casserole

 A classic, comforting "dump-and-go" meal that's hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor. With just minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the work, delivering a satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours (High) or 6-7 hours (Low)
Total Time: 3-4.5 hours

Ingredients

• 1 (14-16 oz) package kielbasa or smoked sausage, cut into ½-inch chunks

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes (do not thaw)

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, undiluted

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

• ¼ tsp salt (optional, taste first as soup and sausage are salty)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the insert of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.

2. Layer the Base Ingredients

Add the sliced kielbasa, frozen hash browns, diced onion, and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the slow cooker. Toss gently with your hands or a spoon to distribute evenly.

3. Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed soup, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble & Cook

Pour the sauce evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure everything is coated.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours. The casserole is done when it is hot and bubbly around the edges and the potatoes are tender.

5. Serve

Let the casserole rest, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly. Scoop and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

• For a complete meal: Serve with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli.

• For a indulgent side: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or buttery Texas toast.

Chef's Notes & Variations

• Protein Swap: Substitute the kielbasa with diced ham, cooked ground sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken.

• Add Veggies: Stir in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach when adding the hash browns for extra nutrition.

• Extra Creamy: For a richer sauce, increase the sour cream to ¾ cup or stir in 4 oz of softened cream cheese with the soup mixture.

• Crispy Top (Optional): For a browned, crispy topping, transfer the finished casserole to a baking dish and broil for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

This is the ultimate hands-off, family-friendly dinner. It leverages pantry staples and frozen ingredients to create a creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying casserole that everyone will love—with virtually no active cooking time required.