This Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole is a warm and filling dish, combining tender sausage and hearty potatoes. It simmers together with simple seasonings for a delicious meal!
Cooking slow means it gets all those yummy flavors blended together perfectly. I love popping this in the cooker and then relaxing while it does all the work. Easy dinner, big win! 🥔ðŸŒ
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Sausage/Kielbasa: This provides a nice, smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey sausage works great. Vegetarian? Substitute with plant-based sausage or hearty veggies like mushrooms or tempeh for flavor.
Potatoes: I used regular russet potatoes, which hold up well during slow cooking. Yukon Golds are another great choice for a creamier texture. Want to skip the peeling? Small baby potatoes can be used whole if you enjoy the skin!
Diced Tomatoes: Ensure you drain them to prevent excess liquid. If fresh tomatoes are available, feel free to chop those up instead for a fresher taste. A can of diced green chilies can give a spicy twist!
Heavy Cream or Milk: Heavy cream adds richness, but if you’re aiming for fewer calories, use whole milk or a plant-based milk. Just note that plant milks often have less fat and may not thicken as much.
How Do You Ensure the Potatoes Are Tender?
Getting perfectly cooked potatoes involves the right timing and method. Here’s how to make sure they’re fork-tender:
- Chop potatoes into equal-sized pieces, around 1-inch cubes, so they cook evenly.
- Mix your ingredients thoroughly before transferring them to the slow cooker. This helps distribute flavors well.
- Keep the slow cooker covered during cooking to prevent heat loss.
- Check for doneness 30 minutes before the cooking time ends. If they’re not tender yet, let them go a bit longer.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz), drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let it cook in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, you can set it up in the morning and come home to a warm, hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by washing and peeling your potatoes, then dice them into small pieces. Chop your onion as well, and slice the smoked sausage or kielbasa into rounds. Drain the canned tomatoes. Once you have everything prepped, you’re ready to mix!
2. Mix the Potato and Sausage Base:
In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, sliced sausage, chopped onion, and the drained diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir to mix everything together evenly.
3. Whisk the Cream Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or milk), olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture will add flavor and richness to your casserole.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Pour the cream mixture over the potato and sausage mixture in the first bowl. Stir gently to make sure everything is nicely coated with that delicious cream mixture.
5. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Now, it’s time to pour everything into your slow cooker. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom to ensure it cooks nicely.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and everything smells amazing!
7. Add the Cheese:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover and let it continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s ready, scoop out portions and garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Serve it warm and enjoy your hearty, comforting casserole!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey, chicken, or even a spicy sausage like chorizo for added flavor. Just ensure that whatever sausage you choose is fully cooked before adding it to the dish, as the slow cooking time is mainly for the potatoes to become tender.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. Keep in mind that using milk may result in a slightly less creamy texture, so you might want to add a tablespoon of flour to thicken it up if desired.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to sneak in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or green beans. Just make sure to cut them to a similar size as the potatoes for even cooking. If adding high-water content veggies like zucchini, consider reducing the amount of cream to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
