This Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole is warm and filling! It combines tasty sausage with soft potatoes and veggies, all cooked perfectly in one pot.
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself? Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. I love having leftovers for lunch the next day—so comforting! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage: This is where a lot of the flavor comes from! You can use kielbasa, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage if you’re looking for something lighter. I often mix and match based on what’s in my fridge!
Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well here, giving a nice texture. If you’re in a hurry, frozen diced potatoes can be a good substitute, though fresh always tastes best!
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but feel free to use mild cheddar or even a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack. If you want to keep it dairy-free, there are good vegan cheese options available.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you’re avoiding canned soups, you can make a simple homemade version by mixing cream, mushroom, and a bit of flour to thicken it. Alternative soups like cream of chicken or vegetable can also work well.
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Tender?
Getting the potatoes just right is key to this dish! Here are some tips:
- Cut your potatoes into even pieces (about 1/2 inch) so they cook uniformly.
- Make sure to layer the ingredients correctly in the slow cooker, with denser items like potatoes at the bottom.
- Check for tenderness about 30 minutes before the cooking time is done; if they’re not soft enough, keep them cooking a bit longer.
Remember, cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker model. If you’re planning to be gone for the day, the low and slow method is safest for perfectly cooked potatoes!
Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Casserole:
- 1 1/2 pounds smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Creamy Mixture:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs to cook in the slow cooker for 6 to 7 hours on LOW or about 3 to 4 hours on HIGH. Perfect for a day when you want to set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Begin by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In the slow cooker, combine the sliced smoked sausage, diced potatoes, onions, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir everything well to ensure the veggies and sausage are mixed together.
3. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture will be the glue that holds your casserole together!
4. Pour the Mixture:
Carefully pour the creamy mixture over the sausage and potato mixture in the slow cooker. Stir gently until everything is well coated. It should look delicious already!
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for about 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
6. Add the Cheese:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, saving the rest to sprinkle on top later. Mix well!
7. Melt the Remaining Cheese:
Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes. This will melt the cheese and take the dish to another level!
8. Adjust the Seasoning:
Once done, give it a taste! Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you’d like. This is the part where you can make it perfect for your taste!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your casserole is ready to serve! Scoop it into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting and comforting meal with your loved ones!
Enjoy this cheesy, hearty, and cozy casserole with minimal effort! It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a lot of flavor, you can substitute it with kielbasa, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just be mindful of the cooking time if using a different type of sausage.
What Are Some Good Substitutes for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you’re looking for alternatives to cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. For a homemade version, mix equal parts heavy cream, sautéed mushrooms, and a bit of flour to thicken it up!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or even hearty vegetables like mushrooms or extra bell peppers. You can also use vegetable broth and a dairy-free cream substitute for the creamy mixture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it seems a bit dry.
