This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole is the perfect recipe for those who crave a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and light on the wallet. With just a few ingredients, this meal comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. At around $12 or less to make, it’s a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Why This Recipe Works
Budget-Friendly: With affordable ingredients like sausage, frozen hashbrowns, and cheese, you get a satisfying meal for a minimal cost.
Quick Prep: This is a dump-and-bake recipe, meaning you toss everything together, bake, and let the oven do the work.
Hearty & Comforting: The combination of smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese is the ultimate comfort food.
Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for potlucks, large families, or leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
1 package Kielbasa or smoked sausage (I recommend Ekrich Sausage), cut into chunks
1 (32 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
1/4 cup melted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Ingredients
Cut the Kielbasa or smoked sausage into bite-sized chunks.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions (if using), melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole
Pour the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Add the sausage chunks on top, pressing them slightly into the potato mixture.
- Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the cheesy sauce.
Add hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on the side for extra flavor.
Timing Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Tips for Recipe Success
Make it Your Own: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra veggies.
Cheese Upgrade: Swap cheddar for a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a different flavor.
Crispy Topping: Sprinkle crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs mixed with butter on top before baking uncovered for a crunchy texture.
Conclusion
Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole is the ultimate dump-and-bake meal that brings comfort, flavor, and convenience to your table. With its rich, cheesy base and smoky sausage bites, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a make-ahead option for busy nights, this casserole is the answer. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is!
Let me know if you’d like adjustments or additional suggestions!