If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s easy, budget-friendly, and a total crowd-pleaser, look no further than the Cheesy Kielbasa and Hashbrown Casserole. It’s one of those “dump-and-cook” recipes that takes minimal effort yet delivers maximum comfort and flavor. Packed with cheesy goodness, creamy textures, and hearty kielbasa, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-Friendly: It uses inexpensive, simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Easy Prep: Just toss everything into a slow cooker, mix, and let it cook while you go about your day.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its cheesy, savory flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with a side salad or some roasted veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen hashbrowns
- 1 pound kielbasa, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom or chicken soup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep Your Slow Cooker: Start by greasing the inside of your slow cooker lightly to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the diced kielbasa, frozen hashbrowns, diced onion, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom or chicken soup, milk, and sour cream. For extra flavor, add in the minced garlic and onion powder if you’d like. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix It All Together: Pour the sauce mixture over the kielbasa and hashbrowns, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top for that extra cheesy finish.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When done, it should be hot and bubbly with a golden, cheesy top.
- Serve and Enjoy! Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal, or go all out and serve with Texas garlic toast for a truly indulgent experience.
Tips for Success:
- Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with a cheese blend for a more complex flavor.
- Add Veggies: If you want to make it a bit heartier, consider adding in some bell peppers or broccoli.
- Crispier Texture: For a crispy topping, you can transfer the cooked casserole to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top, and broil it for a few minutes.
This Cheesy Kielbasa and Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for busy families and anyone who loves a simple yet delicious meal. With its warm, cheesy layers and savory kielbasa, it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Cheesy Kielbasa and Hashbrown Casserole
Description
Looking for a budget-friendly meal that satisfies the whole family? This Cheesy Kielbasa and Hashbrown Casserole is your go-to! With minimal prep, this dump-and-cook recipe brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with savory kielbasa. Perfect for those busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
– 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen hashbrowns
– 1 pound kielbasa, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom or chicken soup
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional)
– 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Instructions
Instructions:
1. Prepare your slow cooker by greasing it lightly.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the diced kielbasa, frozen hashbrowns, onion, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom or chicken soup, milk, and sour cream. Stir in salt, pepper, minced garlic, and onion powder if desired.
4. Pour the soup mixture over the kielbasa and hashbrowns in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well coated.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the dish is hot and bubbly.
7. Serve with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal. For an extra indulgent touch, pair with Texas garlic toast.