The Ultimate Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole (Dump Meal) Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this cheesy kielbasa hashbrown casserole that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Hearty kielbasa sausage brings robust smokiness to every delicious bite.

One-pan meals like this make weeknight dinners a breeze for busy households.

Layers of crispy hashbrowns meld perfectly with melted cheese and savory sausage chunks.

The combination creates a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Packed with protein and irresistible cheesy goodness, this dump meal will quickly become a family favorite.

You’ll want to keep this simple recipe in your back pocket for those nights when easy meets delectable.

Why Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Rocks

• Craft Quick Flavor Fusion: This cucumber salad blends fresh vegetables with a zesty dressing that combines sweet, tangy, and savory notes in one simple bowl.
• Boost Nutrition Easily: Packed with crunchy cucumbers and carrots, this salad delivers a powerful punch of vitamins and minerals while keeping calories low.
• Perfect Summer Companion: A chilled, light dish that provides instant refreshment and works brilliantly as a side or standalone snack during warm days.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires basic chopping skills and simple ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious and quick vegetable dish.

What’s Inside Cheesy Kielbasa Casserole

• Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds rich, savory depth to the casserole.
• Frozen Hashbrowns: Convenient potato shreds that create a hearty base for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that provides melty goodness and rich flavor.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk, Sour Cream: A creamy combination that forms a smooth and luxurious sauce base.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste and bring out the flavors of the main ingredients.

How to Make Kielbasa Dump Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker Base

• Diced kielbasa
• Frozen hashbrowns
• Chopped onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Make sure the ingredients are spread evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Whole milk
• Sour cream

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Combine and Top

Pour the creamy sauce all over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.

Use a spatula to ensure every morsel gets coated with the delicious mixture. Sprinkle an extra handful of cheddar cheese on top for a golden, melty finish.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Choose your cooking method:

Low setting: Cook for 6 hours

High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours

The casserole is ready when the hashbrowns are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop generous portions onto plates.

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For an extra treat, serve alongside some warm Texas garlic toast.

Get ready for a comfort food explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Notes for the Perfect Cheesy Casserole

• Drain excess moisture from hashbrowns before adding to slow cooker to maintain a crisp, hearty consistency.
• Sauté onions briefly before adding to enhance their natural sweetness and add more complexity to the dish.
• Swap kielbasa with ham, bacon, or chicken for variety while keeping the same creamy base.
• Use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium soup to create a healthier version without sacrificing taste.
• Top with chopped green onions or parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh element to the rich casserole.

Fun Mixes for Kielbasa Casserole Fans

• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu, add bell peppers and spinach for nutritional boost.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free cream soup, swap regular hashbrowns for sweet potato hashbrowns, add dairy-free cheese for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate chorizo instead of kielbasa, mix in diced green chiles, sprinkle pepper jack cheese, add taco seasoning for zesty flavor profile.
• Lean Protein Power: Substitute kielbasa with grilled chicken breast, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, choose low-fat cheese for healthier protein-packed version.

What Goes With This Cheesy Casserole Dish

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the rich, hearty flavors of the kielbasa and cheesy hashbrowns, cutting through the creamy texture with its tannic structure.
• Create Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette featuring apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs to provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy casserole, balancing the meal's richness.
• Match with Tangy Pickled Sides: Serve quick-pickled cucumber spears or traditional Polish dill pickles alongside the dish, offering a sharp, acidic counterpoint that highlights the smoky kielbasa and enhances overall flavor complexity.

Storing Hashbrown Casserole for Later Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?

Fresh hashbrowns can work, but frozen ones are recommended because they release less moisture and maintain better texture during slow cooking. If using fresh, drain excess liquid and pat dry before adding to the casserole.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats wonderfully and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying quick, hearty meals throughout the week.

• Can I substitute kielbasa with another sausage?

Yes, you can easily swap kielbasa with smoked sausage, andouille, or even chorizo for different flavor profiles. Just ensure the sausage is pre-cooked before adding to the casserole.

Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole (Dump Meal) Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty kielbasa hashbrown casserole delivers comfort and convenience in one delightful dish. Packed with savory sausage, creamy cheese, and crispy potatoes, this easy meal promises satisfaction for hungry families seeking quick and delicious dinner solutions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 kielbasa sausage, diced

Starches and Vegetables:

• 1 (32 ounces / 907 grams) bag of frozen hashbrowns
• 1 small onion, diced

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 (10 ounces / 284 grams) can cream of mushroom or chicken soup
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic
• Onion powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Create a foundational layer inside the slow cooker using diced kielbasa, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
3. Add a uniform layer of frozen hashbrowns directly over the kielbasa, covering the entire surface.
4. Sprinkle chopped onions across the hashbrown layer to distribute flavor throughout the dish.
5. Generously cover the existing layers with a substantial amount of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, combine cream soup, milk, and sour cream, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
7. Enhance the sauce with seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors.
8. Carefully pour the prepared sauce over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Distribute the remaining cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole for an additional cheesy layer.
10. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low temperature for 6 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until hashbrowns are tender and cheese is melted.
11. Once cooking is complete, gently stir the casserole to combine all ingredients and release trapped heat.
12. Serve hot, accompanied by a crisp salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, hearty dish.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a kick.
• Use turkey kielbasa for a leaner protein option that reduces overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Prevent hashbrowns from becoming soggy by briefly thawing and patting them dry with paper towels before adding to the slow cooker.
• Make this dish gluten-free by selecting a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and checking seasoning labels carefully.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 489 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 840 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg