This hearty casserole mixes tasty sausage and comforting potatoes in your slow cooker. Just toss in the ingredients and let the magic happen—you’ll love the rich flavors!
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Honestly, it’s perfect for busy days. I just prep everything in the morning, and by dinner, my house smells amazing and the meal is ready to enjoy with family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: This recipe shines with smoked sausage for flavor. You can swap it for turkey sausage or even kielbasa if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage to keep it hearty and satisfying.
Hash Brown Potatoes: Frozen diced hash browns are convenient. If you’re short on time, you can use fresh diced potatoes, just be sure to par-cook them for about 10 minutes first. Another option is to use tater tots for a fun twist!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This ingredient gives richness to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using cream of mushroom soup, or make your own using a simple mixture of broth, flour, and milk.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. If you want something milder, go with medium cheddar or even mozzarella for creaminess. For dairy-free, try a vegan cheese that melts nicely.
How Do I Get the Best Texture with Slow Cooking?
Getting the right texture in a slow cooker is key! Start with how you layer ingredients, as this can impact cooking time and doneness. Place meats at the bottom for even cooking and top with veggies and starches.
- Ensure the potatoes are fully covered by the soup mixture to prevent uneven cooking.
- If you’re using fresh potatoes, remember to par-cook to match the cooking times of the other ingredients.
- Stirring in the cheese halfway through cooking helps it melt perfectly without hardening.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup milk
- 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 casserole is super easy! You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep everything, and then you can let the slow cooker do its magic for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just remember to add the cheese about 30 minutes before you’re ready to enjoy it. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the sliced smoked sausage at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a tasty base for your casserole.
2. Add the Potatoes:
Next, pour the frozen diced hash brown potatoes over the sausage. No need to thaw them; they will cook perfectly in the slow cooker!
3. Make the Soup Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it well until everything is combined smoothly.
4. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the soup mixture over the potatoes and sausage in the slow cooker. Gently stir everything together to ensure all the ingredients are mixed well.
5. Cook It Up:
Cover the slow cooker and choose your cooking time: set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The goal is to have the potatoes nice and tender.
6. Add the Cheese:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again so the cheese can melt beautifully into the casserole.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s all ready, give the casserole a gentle stir, garnish with fresh chopped parsley on top, and get ready to dish out this delicious meal!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Just peel and dice them into small cubes, and add them to the slow cooker with a little extra cooking time, around 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, until they’re tender.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No problem! You can substitute with homemade cream soup by mixing 1 cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, and seasonings like chicken broth powder. Alternatively, cream of mushroom or celery soup works well too!
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach. Just chop them into small pieces and add them at the same time as the hash browns for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
