This Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food! It’s packed with tasty sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy goodness that warms you right up.
Honestly, the best part is how easy it is to make. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, go about your day, and come back to a yummy meal! You can’t beat that!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: I like using kielbasa for its rich flavor, but andouille gives a nice spicy kick. If you need a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too, or you can use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold are fantastic choices because they hold up well in a slow cooker. If you want something different, red potatoes or sweet potatoes can be a tasty substitute, but be mindful they’ll alter the flavor slightly.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess, but you can swap it for cream of mushroom or even a homemade sauce if you’re avoiding processed foods. Just blend some chicken broth with flour and cream to get that creamy texture!
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but feel free to use mild cheddar or even a cheese blend. If you’re avoiding dairy, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the milk!
Onion and Garlic: These ingredients give the dish a great base flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions, shallots or leeks make good alternatives. Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch!
How Do I Ensure the Potatoes Are Tender and Flavorful?
The key to perfectly tender potatoes in your casserole is cutting them into uniform pieces. This ensures that they cook at the same rate, so they’re all perfectly soft at serving time.
- Dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Make sure to layer them in the slow cooker with the sausage and veggies. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- If you like a bit of crispiness, you can pre-cook the potatoes in the oven for a short time before adding them to the slow cooker, though it’s not necessary.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), sliced
- 4 cups potatoes, diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh), drained (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and will need to cook in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a convenient dish that does most of the work for you while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by slicing the smoked sausage, dicing the potatoes, onion, and garlic. If you’re using optional diced tomatoes, drain them well. This prep work makes it easy to throw everything into the slow cooker.
2. Combine in Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, add the sliced sausage, diced potatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, and the optional diced tomatoes. Give it a gentle stir to spread things out evenly. This will create the base for your casserole.
3. Mix the Soup Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, milk, paprika, salt, and black pepper until it’s nice and smooth. This will give your casserole a creamy and flavorful sauce.
4. Pour and Stir:
Now, pour the creamy soup mixture over the sausage and potato mixture in the slow cooker. Stir everything together to make sure all the ingredients are well coated in that delicious sauce.
5. Set to Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The casserole is ready when the potatoes are tender—a perfect time to relax while it cooks!
6. Add Cheese and Serve:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover it again to let the cheese melt nicely. Once everything is cooked and the cheese is melted, give your casserole a good stir. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a lovely touch. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Substitute the Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use any type of cooked sausage you prefer, such as turkey sausage for a leaner option, or even a vegetarian sausage. Just ensure that the substitute is fully cooked before adding it to the slow cooker, as it won’t have additional cooking time.
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes work great, you can also use red potatoes or even sweet potatoes. If using sweet potatoes, note that they might cook a bit faster, so check for tenderness during the cooking process.
How Long Will the Casserole Last in the Fridge?
Your Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed for creaminess.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can make this casserole dairy-free! Replace the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative, use almond or soy milk, and choose a non-dairy cheese. Just check the labels to make sure all ingredients are dairy-free!
