Cheesy Potato Casserole With Kielbasa: A Comfort Food Classic

Introduction & Getting Started

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a cheesy, hearty casserole. This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is the ultimate easy-to-make, one-pan meal that’s packed with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese—all baked together in a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Whether you need a weeknight dinner, a potluck dish, or just something warm and cozy for a chilly night, this casserole has you covered. The smoky kielbasa adds a depth of flavor, while the cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth create a rich and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft, fork-tender potatoes.

Best of all? This recipe is simple to prepare with just a few pantry staples and minimal hands-on cooking. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ One-Pan Wonder – No need for multiple dishes—everything bakes in one pan!
✔️ Rich, Cheesy, & Savory – The ultimate comfort food with layers of flavor.
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Made with affordable ingredients, perfect for feeding a crowd.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste just as good the next day!
✔️ Customizable – Swap in different cheeses or add extra veggies to make it your own.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s go over everything you’ll need for this delicious, cheesy kielbasa and potato casserole.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb kielbasa sausage – Cut into ¼” thick slices, then quartered.
• 3 large potatoes – Peeled and diced into ½” cubes.
• 1 cup diced onions – Adds depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything is better with garlic!
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama® seasoning – For a touch of spice (or substitute Cajun seasoning).
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – Adds warmth and balance.

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup chicken broth – Enhances the savory flavors.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce rich and velvety.
• 10.5 oz can cheddar cheese soup – Use half a can for extra cheesiness without overwhelming the dish.
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese – For that delicious gooey texture.

For Cooking & Baking:

• ½ cup water – You may need more, adding ⅛ cup at a time while cooking.
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese – Optional, for a cheesier topping!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a 3-quart baking dish) with non-stick spray.
3️⃣ Set aside while you prepare the sausage and potatoes.

Step 3: Cook the Kielbasa & Aromatics

The first step in building deep, savory flavor is browning the kielbasa sausage and onions together.

1️⃣ In a Dutch oven or large pot, add the cut kielbasa sausage with about ½ cup of water.
2️⃣ Cook over medium heat, allowing the water to evaporate as the sausage browns. If needed, add more water ⅛ cup at a time to prevent burning.
3️⃣ Once the sausage begins to brown, add the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4️⃣ Add minced garlic and continue cooking until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

💡 Pro Tip: The key to getting perfectly browned kielbasa is letting the water evaporate before adding the onions and garlic. This ensures the sausage develops a deep, smoky flavor.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes & Sauce Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring in the potatoes and creamy cheese sauce for that ultimate comfort food experience!

1️⃣ Add the diced potatoes to the pot with the browned sausage mixture.
2️⃣ Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and half a can of cheddar cheese soup.
3️⃣ Sprinkle in the seasoning:
✔️ Slap Ya Mama® seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
✔️ Black pepper

4️⃣ Stir everything together, ensuring the potatoes are evenly coated.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t let the mixture boil for too long—just heat it until it starts to bubble, then turn off the heat. This prevents the sauce from becoming too thick before baking.

Step 5: Add Cheese & Transfer to Baking Dish

1️⃣ Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
2️⃣ Transfer everything into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
3️⃣ Optional: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesiness!

Part 2: Baking to Perfection & Adding That Golden, Cheesy Finish

Now that we’ve prepared our savory kielbasa, tender potatoes, and rich, cheesy sauce, it’s time to bake this comforting casserole until it’s hot, bubbly, and irresistibly golden.

If your kitchen isn’t already filled with the mouthwatering aroma of smoky sausage and melted cheese, it soon will be!

Step 6: Cover & Bake the Casserole

1️⃣ Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
✔️ This helps the potatoes steam and cook evenly while keeping everything moist.

2️⃣ Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 65-75 minutes.
✔️ The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork—this ensures they are fully cooked and infused with the creamy sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: If using fresh potatoes (instead of frozen hash browns), make sure they are diced into small, even cubes to cook faster and more evenly.

Step 7: Remove Foil & Add the Final Touches

3️⃣ After baking for 65-75 minutes, remove the foil.
✔️ This allows the cheese to develop a crispy, golden top layer.

4️⃣ Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
✔️ This step enhances the flavor and texture, giving it that perfect baked finish.

💡 Love an extra crispy topping? Try broiling the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end to create a slightly golden, bubbly crust.

Step 8: Let It Rest & Serve

5️⃣ Once fully baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven.
✔️ Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
✔️ This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes scooping easier.

6️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
✔️ The freshness of parsley balances the richness of the cheese and sausage.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Casserole

This cheesy kielbasa and potato casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some delicious side options to round out your meal:

✔️ A crisp green salad – Adds a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
✔️ Steamed or roasted vegetables – Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
✔️ Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce!
✔️ A light soup – A bowl of tomato or vegetable soup pairs well with this dish.

FAQs, Storage Tips & Fun Variations

By now, your Cheesy Kielbasa and Potato Casserole is hot, bubbly, and golden brown, ready to be served. But what if you have leftovers? Or want to customize this dish with different flavors and ingredients?

In this section, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions, share storage tips, and offer fun variations so you can make this casserole exactly how you like it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes! This is a great make-ahead meal.

✔️ Refrigerator: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, set it out at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking as instructed.

✔️ Freezer: Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months.

💡 Baking From Frozen: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 90 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes to crisp up the top.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

✔️ Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔️ Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.

💡 Tip: If reheating in the oven, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to keep the casserole moist!

3. Can I Use Frozen Hash Browns Instead of Fresh Potatoes?

Yes! Frozen hash browns make this dish even quicker and easier.

✔️ Swap the fresh diced potatoes for 20 ounces of frozen hash browns.
✔️ No need to pre-cook—just mix everything together and bake as directed.

💡 Tip: If using frozen hash browns, you may need to reduce the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

4. What’s the Best Type of Cheese to Use?

✔️ Sharp cheddar cheese is the best choice for that rich, cheesy flavor.
✔️ You can also mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, mozzarella, or Pepper Jack for a fun twist.
✔️ Want a smoky flavor? Try smoked gouda or smoked cheddar!

💡 Tip: Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

5. Can I Make This in the Slow Cooker?

Yes! If you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it meal, try making this casserole in the crockpot.

✔️ Brown the kielbasa and onions in a skillet first, then transfer to the slow cooker.
✔️ Add all other ingredients (except cheese) and stir to combine.
✔️ Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
✔️ Stir in the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking and cover until melted.

💡 Tip: If using a slow cooker, reduce the liquid slightly to prevent it from becoming too soupy!

Fun Variations to Try!

🌶️ Spicy Cajun Version

✔️ Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning instead of Slap Ya Mama seasoning.
✔️ Use smoked Andouille sausage instead of kielbasa.
✔️ Stir in ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat!

🥦 Loaded Veggie Casserole

✔️ Add 1 cup of chopped broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
✔️ Swap half the potatoes for cauliflower for a lower-carb version.

🧄 Garlic Butter & Herb Upgrade

✔️ Mix 2 tablespoons of garlic butter into the sauce for an extra-rich flavor.
✔️ Add fresh thyme and rosemary for an herbaceous twist.

🧀 Extra Cheesy Version

✔️ Add ½ cup of cream cheese for an even creamier texture.
✔️ Use multiple cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and Parmesan make an amazing combo!

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Rich, Creamy, and Cheesy – The perfect comfort food for any occasion.
✔️ Easy to Make & Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
✔️ Customizable – Change up the seasonings, meats, or cheese to suit your taste.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead or freeze for later!

This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is pure comfort in a dish. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or just to treat yourself, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Now It’s Your Turn!

📌 Did you make this casserole? Let us know in the comments how it turned out!

🔥 Love this recipe? Share it with friends and family—because nothing brings people together like cheesy, hearty comfort food!

🍽️ Enjoy and happy cooking! 🧀🔥

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