Hearty Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole Recipe

Cozy Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand a comforting and delicious slow cooker sausage and potato casserole that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple one-pot wonder.

Savory sausages nestle between tender potato chunks, creating a rustic meal that speaks to pure comfort.

Rich flavors develop slowly, transforming basic ingredients into a satisfying dinner everyone will love.

This recipe works magic with minimal prep time and maximum flavor impact.

Busy cooks appreciate how easily this casserole comes together with just a few simple steps.

Warm up your evening with this irresistible dish that promises to become a family favorite.

Tools for Slow Cooking This Cozy Casserole

  • Slow Cooker: The star of this recipe, perfectly cooking everything to tender deliciousness.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending the creamy sauce ingredients smoothly and evenly.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing sausage and dicing onions with precision.
  • Sharp Knife: Will help you chop ingredients quickly and safely.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients before pouring into the slow cooker.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions for the best flavor.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients inside the slow cooker.

Step-by-Step for Sausage and Potato Casserole

  • Prep the Slow Cooker

Grab your slow cooker and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

  • Layer the Goodness

Toss in sliced potatoes, chopped sausage, and diced onions, creating a delicious base layer for your comfort meal.

  • Mix the Creamy Sauce

Whip up a dreamy sauce by blending cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and a sprinkle of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  • Combine and Coat

Pour the creamy mixture over your potato and sausage combo, stirring gently to ensure every morsel gets coated with flavor.

  • Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and let your slow cooker work its magic – 5-6 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH until potatoes turn tender and delicious.

  • Cheese It Up

Shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt for an additional 15-20 minutes.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley and dish out this warm, comforting casserole to hungry friends and family.

Tips to Add Even More Comfort to This Casserole

  • Crispy Potato Hack: Pat potatoes dry before adding to the slow cooker to prevent excess moisture and ensure a more golden, slightly crisp texture around the edges.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole the night before, store in the refrigerator, and pop into the slow cooker in the morning for an effortless dinner.
  • Diet-Friendly Swaps: Use turkey sausage for a leaner option, swap cream of mushroom soup with a low-sodium version, or substitute dairy-free alternatives for those with lactose sensitivities.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with different sausage varieties like spicy Italian, smoked andouille, or herb-infused chicken sausage to create unique flavor profiles that transform the basic recipe.
  • Veggie Boost: Toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add extra color and texture to the casserole.

Serving the Sausage and Potato Dish with Style

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad on the side to balance the richness.
  • Brunch Sensation: Transform leftovers into a breakfast treat by topping with a sunny-side-up egg and fresh chives for added flavor and protein.
  • Potluck Perfect: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings in a portable slow cooker, keeping it warm and ready to serve for hungry friends and family.
  • Rustic Comfort Plating: Dish out generous portions onto warm plates and sprinkle extra parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb taste that elevates the entire meal.

Storing the Sausage and Potato Casserole for Later

  • Fresh Batch Magic: Prepare this casserole earlier in the day, refrigerate, and reheat gently in the slow cooker when ready to serve. Perfect for busy families needing convenient meal solutions.
  • Leftovers Love: Store remaining portions in airtight containers within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat carefully in microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual servings in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and warm thoroughly before enjoying.
  • Smart Portioning Trick: Divide casserole into single-serve containers immediately after cooking. This method ensures quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners during hectic weekdays, saving time and reducing food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4-6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s Inside the Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole

For Protein and Flavor:
  • Smoked Sausage: Brings a rich, smoky taste and hearty texture to the casserole, choose a high-quality sausage for maximum flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth that complements the sausage's robust profile.
For Creamy Base and Binding:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a velvety, umami-packed sauce that holds the casserole together.
  • Milk: Helps thin the soup and create a smooth, consistent texture.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the dish.
For Bulk and Texture:
  • Potatoes: Provide a comforting, starchy foundation that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully, select waxy potatoes that hold their shape during slow cooking.
  • Onion: Introduces a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the casserole.
For Topping and Finishing:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey layer that adds sharpness and richness.
  • Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright garnish that cuts through the dish's richness.
  • Paprika: Brings a mild, sweet pepper flavor and attractive color.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
Print
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Hearty Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker sausage and potato casserole brings comfort to dinner tables with Polish-inspired flavors. Simple ingredients create a satisfying meal that connects home cooks to traditional culinary warmth you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
  • 32 oz (907 g) bag frozen diced hash browns (or 4 cups fresh potatoes, diced)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 10.5 oz (298 g) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Coat the slow cooker interior with nonstick spray or butter to prevent adhering.
  2. Base Layer: Spread potato slices evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a foundational platform for the dish.
  3. Protein and Aromatics Distribution: Scatter sausage pieces and onion cubes uniformly over potato layer to ensure consistent flavor profile throughout.
  4. Sauce Creation: Whisk cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until achieving a silky, homogeneous mixture.
  5. Ingredient Integration: Pour seasoned sauce over potato and sausage mixture, gently folding to guarantee complete and even coating of all components.
  6. Slow Cooking: Select LOW temperature setting for 5-6 hours or HIGH temperature for 2-3 hours, cooking until potatoes become fork-tender and ingredients meld together seamlessly.
  7. Cheese Finalization: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface during the final cooking stage, allowing it to transform into a molten, golden blanket.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Top with freshly chopped parsley and present the casserole directly from the slow cooker while piping hot, ensuring maximum flavor and textural enjoyment.

Notes

  • Prevent Potato Discoloration: Soak sliced potatoes in cold water for 10-15 minutes before layering to prevent browning and maintain a fresh appearance.
  • Optimize Meat Quality: Choose high-quality sausage like kielbasa or Italian sausage for enhanced flavor and better texture in the casserole.
  • Control Moisture Levels: Avoid adding extra liquid as the potatoes and sausage release natural moisture during slow cooking, which prevents a soggy dish.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute regular sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option, and use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 402
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1095 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 66 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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