Easy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Savory Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering kielbasa hashbrown casserole that promises to satisfy every craving.

Hearty Polish sausage mingles perfectly with crispy potatoes and melted cheese in a dish that screams home-cooked goodness.

Creamy and packed with flavor, this casserole brings warmth to any dinner table.

One-pan meals rarely taste this delicious and look so inviting.

Generous portions ensure everyone leaves the table feeling content and happy.

The simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that takes minimal effort.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again for every potluck and family gathering.

Everything You Need for Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole

Main Protein and Starches:
  • Kielbasa: A smoky Polish sausage that adds rich, savory flavor to the casserole.
  • Frozen Hashbrowns: Convenient potato shreds that create a hearty base for the dish.
Dairy Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Milk: Creamy ingredients that provide richness and depth to the casserole.
Flavor Enhancers and Sauce:
  • Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup: A creamy sauce that binds all ingredients together.
  • Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder: Seasonings that boost the overall taste profile of the dish.

Handy Tools for Hashbrown Casserole Mastery

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the casserole evenly and keeping everything moist.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining the creamy soup mixture with seasonings.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and ensuring even coating.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure milk, sour cream, and cheese.
  • Cutting Board: Used for dicing kielbasa and onions with precision.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to chop kielbasa and onions into small, uniform pieces.

Quick Steps to Easy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

Grab your slow cooker and create a delicious foundation by layering frozen hashbrowns, sliced kielbasa, and diced onions.

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top to add rich, melty goodness.

Ingredients:
  • Frozen hashbrowns
  • Kielbasa sausage
  • Onion
  • Cheddar cheese

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend together creamy soup, milk, and sour cream.

Season the mixture with garlic, salt, and pepper to create a flavor-packed sauce that will bind all the ingredients together beautifully.

Ingredients:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Milk
  • Sour cream
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Pour the creamy sauce over the hashbrown and kielbasa mixture.

Gently stir to ensure every single bite is coated with the luxurious sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 4: Add Final Cheese Layer

Sprinkle an additional layer of cheddar cheese on top, creating a golden, melty crust that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the casserole is heated through and bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out generous portions of this comforting casserole.

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

For an extra indulgent touch, serve alongside warm garlic toast.

Tips to Make Your Casserole Creamy and Crisp

  • Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to enhance the kielbasa's smoky taste and give the dish a subtle kick.
  • Thaw hashbrowns slightly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy and well-textured casserole.
  • Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk, dairy-free cheese, and dairy-free cream soup for those with lactose intolerance.
  • Replace kielbasa with rotisserie chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that still delivers great flavor.
  • Prepare the casserole ingredients the night before, refrigerate, and start the slow cooker in the morning for a convenient, stress-free meal.

Hashbrown Casserole Variations for a New Twist

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu, adding bell peppers and zucchini for robust flavor and protein.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade gluten-free version using cornstarch and almond milk, ensuring safe consumption for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired version of the classic casserole.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute hashbrowns with riced cauliflower, maintaining creamy texture while reducing carbohydrate content for keto diet followers.

Serving Kielbasa Casserole at Any Meal

  • Hearty Breakfast Companion: Pair this rich casserole with sunny-side-up eggs for a protein-packed morning feast that'll kickstart your day with delicious energy.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Serve alongside fresh mimosas and a light mixed green salad to transform this humble dish into an impressive weekend gathering centerpiece.
  • Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Divide into smaller portions and serve as a warm, comforting appetizer during sports watch parties, guaranteed to keep hungry fans satisfied.
  • Family Potluck Champion: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to family gatherings, where its hearty flavors and easy preparation will make you the unofficial culinary hero.

Storing Leftover Hashbrown Casserole Perfectly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer casserole to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Add extra cheese on top for crispy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Yes, you can use freshly grated potatoes. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel to prevent a watery casserole.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the cream of mushroom or chicken soup typically contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream soup or make a homemade cream sauce.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next morning.

  • What can I substitute for kielbasa?

You can swap kielbasa with other sausages like smoked sausage, andouille, or even diced ham for a similar flavor profile.

Why Easy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Wins Hearts

  • Toss ingredients into a slow cooker and walk away, making dinner a breeze without constant monitoring or complex cooking techniques.
  • Packed with hearty kielbasa, cheesy hashbrowns, and creamy sauce, this casserole delivers satisfying flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
  • Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or lazy weekend meals, this dish adapts to any casual dining scenario with minimal effort.
  • Uses affordable, accessible ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people without breaking the bank, making it an economical meal solution.
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Easy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Easy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Kielbasa hashbrown casserole brings hearty comfort to family dinner tables across North America. Polish-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple one-dish meal you’ll crave during cold evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (32 ounces / 907 grams) bag of frozen hashbrowns
  • 1 kielbasa sausage, diced
  • 2 cups (454 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 (10 ounces / 283 grams) can cream of mushroom or chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Seasonings and Optional Ingredients:

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Minced garlic, to taste (optional)
  • Onion powder, to taste (optional)

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) additional shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker by generously greasing the interior with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Layer frozen hashbrowns as the foundational base of the casserole, creating an even bottom layer in the slow cooker.
  3. Distribute diced kielbasa and chopped onions uniformly across the hashbrown surface to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
  4. Sprinkle the first portion of shredded cheddar cheese over the kielbasa and onion layer, creating a preliminary cheese foundation.
  5. Whisk cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and completely integrated.
  6. Incorporate minced garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder into the liquid mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  7. Cascade the seasoned soup mixture over the hashbrown, kielbasa, and onion layers, gently folding to coat all ingredients completely.
  8. Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty surface.
  9. Cover the slow cooker and set to low temperature for 6 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, monitoring until the casserole becomes hot and bubbling.
  10. Once cooking is complete, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and achieve optimal serving consistency.
  11. Plate the casserole alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables for a hearty, complete meal.

Notes

  • Swap kielbasa with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish lighter and healthier.
  • Use low-fat cream soup and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
  • Customize the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy extra kick.
  • Prep ingredients the night before to make morning slow cooker assembly quick and effortless.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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