Quick Description
This Easy Cheesy Sausage & Hash Brown Crock Pot Meal is a simple, one-pot dinner that combines smoked sausage, crispy hash browns, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. The perfect comfort food for busy nights, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Servings & Timing
- Serves: 6–8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
- Total Time: ~6 hours (depending on the crock pot setting)
Ingredients List
- 1 package Kielbasa or smoked sausage (about 14 oz), sliced into bite-size chunks
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hash browns
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, minced garlic, onion powder (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease your slow cooker or use a liner for easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced sausage, frozen hash browns, diced onion, and 1½ cups of shredded cheese into the crock pot.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soup, milk, and sour cream. Add your seasonings (salt, pepper, minced garlic, and onion powder) to taste.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the creamy mixture over the sausage and hash brown mixture in the crock pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top of the mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until the mixture is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Once cooked, give everything a final gentle stir and serve hot.
Nutrition (per serving)
(Approximate values for one serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
Benefits
- Minimal Prep: This recipe is perfect for busy days, as it requires just a few minutes of prep and the slow cooker does all the work.
- Comforting & Hearty: A deliciously creamy and cheesy meal that’s sure to satisfy.
- Family-Friendly: A budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd for under $15.
Additional Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream to make this meal dairy-free.
- Flavor Additions: Spice it up with some red pepper flakes or add in a handful of fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Frozen Hash Browns: Using frozen hash browns saves time and ensures that the texture stays soft and tender. You can use fresh potatoes if preferred, but you will need to pre-cook them.
Dietary Info
- Gluten-Free: Yes, if using gluten-free soup and seasonings.
- Keto-Friendly: Not recommended as it contains carbs from the hash browns.
- Low-Carb Option: You can use a cauliflower hash brown alternative for a lower-carb version.
Brief Introduction
This Easy Cheesy Sausage & Hash Brown Crock Pot Meal is the ultimate comfort food with minimal work. A creamy, cheesy combination of sausage, hash browns, and onion comes together in a slow cooker for a hassle-free dinner that the whole family will love.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the Ingredients: Add the sausage, hash browns, onion, and cheese into the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soup, milk, and sour cream, adding seasonings to taste.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce over the mixture, stir, top with remaining cheese, and cook on Low or High.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once hot and bubbly, serve with your favorite sides.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage: You can use any type of sausage, but Kielbasa adds a nice smoky flavor.
- Frozen Hash Browns: Frozen hash browns are quick and convenient, but you can also use diced fresh potatoes.
- Soup: You can swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a dairy-free option for variety.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Add Veggies: Stir in some diced bell peppers, spinach, or peas to add some extra veggies.
- Serve with: Pair with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of garlic bread for a full meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze individual portions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?
Yes, but you’ll need to pre-cook them and chop them into small pieces. Using frozen hash browns saves time and ensures the right texture. -
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Feel free to use Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or your favorite type of sausage.
Optional Personal Story
I love this dish because it’s one of those “dump and go” recipes that makes life so much easier. Whether I’m busy with work or looking for a quick family dinner, this meal is always a hit. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor!
Call-to-Action
Give this Easy Cheesy Sausage & Hash Brown Crock Pot Meal a try the next time you need a quick and comforting meal. It’s perfect for meal prep or a busy family dinner. Let me know how it turns out!
