Why You’ll Love This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines savory, smoky flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness, this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is about to become your new favorite dish.
I make this whenever I need to feed a crowd or just want leftovers for days.
What’s not to love? Smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and two cups of melted cheddar create the perfect bite every time.
The sour cream adds tanginess while the optional crunchy topping gives wonderful texture contrast.
Plus, it’s fundamentally a one-bowl prep—who doesn’t appreciate minimal cleanup? Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
What Ingredients are in Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole?
The heart and soul of any great casserole lies in its ingredients, and this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole brings together a perfect blend of savory, creamy, and comforting elements.
You’ll find that most of these ingredients are probably already hanging out in your refrigerator or pantry, making this an accessible dish for even the busiest weeknight. The combination of smoky sausage with creamy potatoes creates that cozy, stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction we all crave when the weather turns chilly.
- 1 pound (450g) smoked beef kielbasa sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 1 bag (32 oz/900g) frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz/295g) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup chopped green onions (or sautéed white onion)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Optional: 1 cup crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers for topping
Feel free to adjust these ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
Can’t find kielbasa? Polish sausage, smoked bratwurst, or even sliced hot dogs would work in a pinch.
Want to add more vegetables? Frozen peas, corn, or even broccoli could be mixed in for added nutrition and color.
And while cheddar is the classic choice here, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a kick, or a smoky gouda to complement the kielbasa.
The beauty of casseroles is their versatility, so make it your own.
How to Make This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
Making this hearty casserole couldn’t be simpler, which is why it’s become such a weeknight staple in so many homes. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a good greasing to prevent any stubborn sticking. The prep work is mostly just mixing, which means you can have this assembled and in the oven in under 15 minutes—perfect for those evenings when you’re staring into the fridge at 5:30 wondering what to make.
In a large mixing bowl, create your creamy base by combining 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of sour cream, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese (saving the remaining ½ cup for topping), ½ cup of chopped green onions, and your seasonings—½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until everything is smooth and well-integrated.
This mixture is the flavor foundation of your casserole, rich and creamy with just enough seasoning to complement the sausage without overpowering it. Next, fold in your thawed 32 oz bag of hash brown potatoes, making sure they’re evenly coated in that delicious mixture. Then gently incorporate 1 pound of sliced kielbasa sausage before spreading everything into your prepared baking dish.
The finishing touch is what gives this casserole its irresistible appeal. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top, creating a melty, golden layer that will bubble and brown beautifully. Want to take it up another notch? Mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter with 1 cup of crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers and scatter this crunchy mixture over the cheese. This optional step adds wonderful textural contrast to each bite.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake until everything is hot and bubbly, usually 45-50 minutes, though the recipe doesn’t specify the exact time. The aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone asking when dinner will be ready, and the combination of crispy topping, gooey cheese, and savory filling makes this casserole worth every minute of the wait.
Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Substitutions and Variations
While mastering the basic recipe is rewarding, part of this casserole’s charm lies in its adaptability to whatever you’ve got on hand.
Need to swap meats? Try Polish kielbasa, andouille, or even chopped ham instead.
Vegetarian? Throw in mushrooms, plant-based sausage, or roasted veggies.
The cheese options are endless—pepper jack adds heat, gouda brings smokiness. Sometimes I use tater tots instead of hash browns, creating a delightful textural twist.
Short on sour cream? Greek yogurt works beautifully.
And that topping? I’ve used everything from panko breadcrumbs to crushed potato chips when my pantry’s running low on cornflakes.
What to Serve with Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
Because this hearty casserole already combines protein, starch, and dairy in one dish, I like to balance it with lighter sides that add freshness and color to the meal.
A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing works perfectly, as do steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll serve roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus drizzled with lemon juice.
Pickles or sauerkraut offer a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness, something I learned from my Polish grandmother.
And don’t forget a crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce, if you’re not counting carbs, that is.
Final Thoughts
This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole has become my go-to comfort dish whenever I need something hearty that’ll please a crowd.
I’ve made it for potlucks, family gatherings, and those nights when only cheesy goodness will do. The smoky kielbasa paired with creamy potatoes creates magic in every bite.
What I love most? It’s practically foolproof.
Even when I’ve forgotten ingredients or substituted what’s in my fridge, it still turns out delicious. The leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any, reheat beautifully for lunch the next day. Talk about comfort food perfection.
Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth and well-integrated.
- Fold in the thawed hash brown potatoes, making sure they're evenly coated in the mixture.
- Gently incorporate the sliced kielbasa sausage, then spread everything into your prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Optional: Mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter with 1 cup of crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers and scatter over the cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Bake until hot and bubbly, approximately 45-50 minutes.
