Crockpot Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole - A fan favorite!

Crockpot Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic and a fan favorite in my house!

If you're looking for a comforting, hearty dish that practically cooks itself, look no further than the Crockpot Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole. This recipe combines the rich flavors of creamy cheese, savory sausage, and tender potatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection. It's the ultimate comfort food that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner prep a breeze!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Preparation: The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep work, you can set it and forget it while your Crock Pot does all the hard work.

2. Versatile Ingredients: This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can use any type of sausage you prefer—pork, chicken, or even a vegetarian option. We prefer kielbasa in our household! The same goes for the cheese; cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.

3. Ultimate Comfort Food: There's something magical about the combination of potatoes, cheese, and sausage. It’s hearty, filling, and guaranteed to satisfy even the most ravenous of appetites. 

Ingredients You'll Need

- 2 lbs of potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold work best. Peel and cut into bite-sized chunks.

- 1 lb of sausage: You can use your favorite kind—breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or even a spicy chorizo for a kick. - we use 1 sometimes two packs of the kielbasa in ours 

- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra flavor. Unless you are a cheese freak. Don't worry about measuring that stuff and use as much as your heart desires! 

- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup: This adds a creamy base and helps bind the casserole together. You can use cream of chicken if your family is anything like mine and hates mushrooms ;) 

-1/2 cup of milk: To thin out the cream of mushroom soup and make the casserole nice and creamy.

- 1 onion: Finely chopped for added flavor. - We don't use any onions but the garlic helps add flavor too! 

- 2 cloves of garlic: Minced.

- Salt and pepper: To taste.

- Optional: A handful of chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into chunks. If you’re using raw sausage, cook it first in a skillet until browned, then slice into bite-sized pieces. - We don't peel our potatoes, but it is your preference on whether you do or not!

2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until well mixed. 

3. Layer the Crockpot: Place the potatoes at the bottom of the Crockpot. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Next, layer on the cooked sausage, onion, and garlic. Pour the soup mixture evenly over everything.

4. Cook: Set your Crockpot to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and the sausage thoroughly cooked.

5. Add Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt into a gooey, delicious layer. - We add a tiny bit about an hour into cooking it and then add more at that 30 minute mark!

6. Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, give the casserole a good stir and serve hot. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

- Use a Liner: For easier cleanup, consider using a Crockpot liner.

- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.

- Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days and also freezes nicely. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

The Crock pot Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole is a perfect blend of simplicity and satisfaction. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even as a dish to impress at potlucks. The slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully, making each bite a comforting experience. So, grab your Crockpot and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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