This hearty Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender sausage and creamy potatoes, it’s super easy to whip up.
You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Perfect for busy days when you want a tasty dinner waiting for you! 🍽️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: This is the main flavor source, and I recommend using turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. You can also try kielbasa for a different spin or veggie sausage for a meat-free option.
Frozen Diced Potatoes: Hash browns are super convenient. If you prefer fresh, you can dice up Yukon gold or russet potatoes. Just know they may need a little extra cooking time!
Cream of Chicken Soup: For a healthier version, consider using a low-fat or organic brand. If you’re allergic to chicken, switch to a cream of mushroom or even make a homemade version with broth and a little cornstarch.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I love a sharp cheddar here for extra bite, but you can swap in Monterey Jack or even a vegan cheese if you need it dairy-free.
Onion and Bell Pepper: Both add great flavor. If you’re not a fan of bell pepper, zucchini or mushrooms can work too. Onions can also easily be replaced with shallots for a milder taste!
How Do I Ensure the Potatoes Cook Perfectly in the Slow Cooker?
Cooking potatoes can sometimes be tricky, but they’re easy if you follow these tips! Make sure to cut them evenly, as this helps ensure they cook at the same rate. If using fresh potatoes, peel and dice them before adding to your slow cooker.
- Layer your ingredients carefully, with the potatoes on the bottom, so they absorb all the delicious flavors.
- If you find the potatoes aren’t tender after the recommended cooking time, let them cook a bit longer, checking every 30 minutes.
- Mix everything well before serving to make sure every bite is packed with flavor!
Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 cups frozen diced potatoes (hash browns)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and can cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Set it up in the morning, and you’ll have a warm meal waiting for you by dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by slicing the smoked sausage into nice rounds. Dice the onion and the bell pepper (if you’re using it). These fresh ingredients will add great flavor to your casserole.
2. Load Up the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, add the sliced sausage, frozen diced potatoes, diced onion, and diced bell pepper. Give it a good mix to combine everything.
3. Make the Soup Mixture:
In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until everything is combined smoothly.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the sausage and potato mix in the slow cooker. Don’t forget to cover all those ingredients so they’ll cook evenly!
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. This will melt beautifully while cooking and create a delicious cheesy flavor.
6. Set to Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and the cheese should be melted by the end of cooking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, give the casserole a good stir to mix everything together. Scoop into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy your warm, comforting meal!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! You can dice fresh potatoes and use them instead of frozen hash browns. Just be sure to cut them into small, even pieces for even cooking. Also, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly—fresh potatoes may require an extra 1-2 hours on low, so keep an eye on them!
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use a homemade version or substitute with cream of mushroom soup or even sour cream for a bit of tang. Just ensure that whatever you use has a similar creamy texture to maintain the dish’s consistency.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth or milk to help moisten it up before reheating.
