Easy Slow Cooker Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

Name: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 - 32 oz. bag of frozen hash browns (or fresh diced potatoes); 14 oz. ground beef; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Posted on December 26, 2025

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Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole, oh where do I even begin extract? This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a comforting embrace on a chilly evening, and a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort from you. We all have those days when dinner feels like a monumental task, right? That’s precisely where this incredible slow cooker creation swoops in to save the day. The magic of a slow cooker is its ability to transform simple ingredients into something truly spectacular with just a little bit of planning. What makes this particular Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole so universally loved is its perfect harmony of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy, dreamy sauce that binds it all together. It’s hearty, satisfying, and the best part? You can toss everything in the pot in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-serve dinner. Forget the fuss and embrace the ease of this phenomenal recipe!

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

1 – 32 oz. bag of frozen hash browns (you can also use fresh diced potatoes if you prefer, just make sure they are cut into small, bite-sized pieces)
14 oz. kielbasa sausage, sliced into small, bite-sized pieces
1 small onion, finely diced
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice!)
10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (or your favorite savory spice blend, adjust to your liking)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparing the Casserole

This Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole is incredibly simple to assemble, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it does most of the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully into a comforting and delicious dish. We’ll start by layering the ingredients in your slow cooker, creating a foundation for this hearty casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin extract by adding the bag of frozen hash browns directly into your slow cooker. If you’re using fresh diced potatoes, ensure they are uniformly cut into about 1/2-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly. There’s no need to thaw the hash browns if you’re using them frozen; the slow cooker’s gentle heat will take care of that. I find that frozen hash browns offer a wonderful texture that holds up well throughout the slow cooking process. Make sure to spread them out evenly in the bottom of the cooker to create a consistent base.

2. Next, evenly distribute the sliced kielbasa sausage over the layer of hash browns. I like to cut my kielbasa into about 1/2-inch thick rounds, but you can adjust the thickness to your preference. If you prefer smaller pieces, feel free to chop them further. The kielbasa will release its savory juices as it cooks, infusing the entire casserole with its delicious flavor. Don’t worry about browning the sausage beforehand; it will cook to perfection in the slow cooker.

3. Now, scatter the finely diced onion over the sausage and hash browns. The onion will soften and become sweet as it cooks, adding another layer of aromatic flavor to the dish. You want to dice the onion fairly small so it disperses well throughout the casserole and doesn’t leave large, overwhelming chunks. If you’re not a fan of raw onion flavor but still want the depth it provides, you can sauté the onion lightly before adding it, but it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the sour cream. Stir these together until they are well incorporated and form a smooth, creamy mixture. This acts as the binding agent for our casserole, creating a rich and luscious sauce that will coat all the other ingredients. Pour this mixture evenly over the layers in the slow cooker, ensuring that it covers as much of the surface as possible. This helps to evenly distribute the creamy goodness.

5. Finally, season the contents of the slow cooker generously. Sprinkle the Creole seasoning over everything, followed by salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Remember that kielbasa is already quite flavorful, so you might want to start with a moderate amount of salt and adjust later if needed. Then, top the entire casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure to spread it out evenly so it melts beautifully over the top, creating a golden, cheesy crust.

Slow Cooking the Casserole

With all the ingredients layered and seasoned, it’s time to let the slow cooker work its magic. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker model. The casserole is ready when the potatoes are tender, the sausage is heated through, and the cheese on top is completely melted and bubbly. Give it a gentle stir before serving to ensure everything is well combined. This dish is fantastic served on its own or as a hearty side.

Conclusion:

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make the incredibly comforting and satisfying Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole! This recipe is a true weeknight hero, offering minimal prep for maximum flavor and a hearty, warming meal that the whole family will adore. Its simplicity makes it perfect for busy evenings, and the delicious combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce is sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings or cheese to make it your own!

Serving suggestions are plentiful! This Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside some crusty bread for dipping into that delectable sauce. Looking for variations? Feel free to swap out the sausage for kielbasa or even chicken sausage for a different flavor profile. Adding a cup of chopped bell peppers or onions in the last hour of cooking can also introduce delightful new textures and tastes.

Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try. It’s a forgiving dish, and the slow cooker does most of the hard work for you. Enjoy the process and savor every delicious bite of your homemade Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, simply place it in the slow cooker as directed. For reheating leftovers, you can gently warm it in the slow cooker on a low setting for an hour or two, or reheat smaller portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

What kind of sausage works best in this casserole?

For the best flavor and texture in your Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole, we recommend using a good quality beef sausage, such as Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference), breakfast sausage, or smoked sausage like kielbasa. The key is a sausage that has a good amount of fat and flavor to infuse into the potatoes and sauce.