Description
This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring browned kielbasa sausage, tender hash brown potatoes, and a creamy cheesy sauce baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for a family dinner, it combines savory flavors with a rich, cheesy texture, garnished optionally with fresh green onions or parsley for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 (14 oz) kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
Main Casserole Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen diced or shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping and Garnish
- 1/2 cup additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned and slightly crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. This will add a sweet, savory flavor base to the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, cooked onions, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
- Add Kielbasa: Fold the cooked kielbasa slices into the potato mixture evenly ensuring every bite has some sausage.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out to an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through completely.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired to add a fresh, colorful touch.
Notes
- For added crunch and texture, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or French-fried onions on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- To make a lighter version, substitute turkey kielbasa for the original sausage.
- You may use cubed cooked potatoes instead of frozen hash browns, adjusting moisture accordingly.
- Ensure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and sausage if following a gluten-free diet.
