Hearty Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

My latest slow cooker sausage and potato casserole brings comfort directly to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Hearty ingredients meld together beautifully during long, gentle cooking hours.

Rustic flavors emerge from simple ingredients that create magic inside your kitchen.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions, and this recipe delivers without compromising taste or satisfaction.

Chunky potatoes and savory sausage combine in a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Each bite promises rich, satisfying flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals.

New Ways to Reinvent This Classic Casserole

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free alternative or homemade cream soup using cornstarch and vegetable broth.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap sausage with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu, use vegetable broth instead of milk, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips, and use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños, use spicy sausage, and incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to increase heat and flavor intensity.

Sausage Casserole FAQs for Prep

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can swap the sausage for kielbasa, Italian sausage, or smoked sausage based on your preference. Just ensure the sausage is pre-cooked or fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use turkey sausage instead of traditional pork sausage, choose low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and opt for reduced-fat cheese to lower the calorie and fat content while maintaining great flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free, and use a gluten-free sausage. Some brands of cream soup contain wheat flour, so read labels carefully.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can chop potatoes and slice sausage the night before, storing them in the refrigerator. Mix the sauce separately and combine everything in the morning for an easy, ready-to-cook meal.

Slow Cooker Sausage Potato Casserole Built for Comfort

• This slow cooker recipe requires minimal hands-on time, letting you toss ingredients in the pot and walk away while a delicious dinner practically cooks itself.
• Combining hearty potatoes, savory sausage, and creamy cheese, this casserole delivers ultimate comfort with every single bite, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
• Kids and adults alike will love this simple, filling dish that packs protein and flavor without complicated cooking techniques, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.
• With just 10 minutes of prep and the slow cooker doing all the work, you can have a complete meal ready in under 6 hours, leaving more time for family and relaxation.

What You’ll Need for a Cozy, Satisfying Meal

• Sausage: Hearty meat that adds rich flavor and substance to the casserole. Choose a smoked or Polish sausage for best results.

• Potatoes, Onion: Provide substantial base and natural sweetness. Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for even cooking and creamy texture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk, Sour Cream: Create a creamy, binding sauce with depth of flavor. Full-fat dairy ensures richness and smooth consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, melty topping with extra protein. Sharp varieties provide more intense flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Enhance overall taste profile with balanced and warming spices. Use freshly ground black pepper for best flavor.

• Parsley: Provides fresh, bright finish and visual appeal. Fresh parsley recommended over dried.

• Butter or Nonstick Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking. Butter adds subtle richness if used.

How to Layer and Cook This Sausage Potato Dish

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

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

Step 2: Layer Hearty Ingredients

• Sliced potatoes
• Chopped sausage links
• Diced onions

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Whole milk
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Combine Flavors

Pour the creamy sauce over the potato and sausage mixture. Stir gently to ensure everything gets a nice, even coating.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW setting for 5-6 hours or HIGH setting for 2-3 hours until potatoes become wonderfully tender.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.

Step 7: Melt and Finish

Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey deliciousness.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve piping hot. Watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Smart Tips for Full Flavor and Creamy Finish

• Prevent Sticking: Grease the slow cooker thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add fresh minced garlic or thyme alongside garlic powder for a more robust and complex taste profile.
• Customize Protein Choice: Swap sausage with chicken apple sausage, turkey sausage, or vegetarian sausage links for dietary preferences.
• Cheese Variation Hack: Replace cheddar with smoked gouda, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese to create different flavor experiences.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips for a lower-carbohydrate version of the casserole.

Reheating Tips for Casseroles That Stay Delicious

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack the casserole in freezer-safe containers, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture.

Best Side Pairings to Serve Alongside

• Choose a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the hearty sausage and rich, creamy sauce.
• Toss a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness.
• Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast.
• Enjoy a cold, effervescent drink like sparkling water with lemon or a light beer to cleanse the palate between bites.

Slow Cooker Sausage And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty “slow cooker sausage and potato casserole” brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Savory sausage, tender potatoes, and rich seasonings blend perfectly for a satisfying meal that warms souls and fills hungry bellies.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds

Vegetables and Starch:

• 1 (32 ounces) (907 grams) bag frozen diced hash browns (or 4 cups fresh potatoes, diced)
• 1 small onion, diced

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.5 ounces) (298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 1 cup milk
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by greasing the interior with a thin layer of butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Layer sliced potatoes across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even base for the casserole.
3. Distribute sausage pieces and diced onions uniformly over the potato layer to ensure balanced flavor in each serving.
4. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
5. Gently pour the seasoned sauce over the potato and sausage mixture, carefully stirring to guarantee all ingredients are evenly coated.
6. Set the slow cooker to LOW temperature and allow the casserole to simmer for 5-6 hours, or alternatively use HIGH temperature for 2-3 hours until potatoes reach a tender consistency.
7. During the final cooking stage, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, allowing it to melt and create a golden, creamy surface.
8. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to fully incorporate the cheese and enhance the dish’s richness.
9. Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and serve the casserole warm, directly from the slow cooker.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper or a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to stop ingredients from adhering to the pot.
• Customize Protein: Swap pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option, or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist.
• Boost Nutrition: Add diced bell peppers or spinach to increase vegetable content and create a more balanced one-pot meal.
• Texture Tip: Cut potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent softness throughout the casserole.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg