There is nothing quite like the heartwarming embrace of a comforting casserole, and this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Imagine smoky, tender slices of kielbasa sausage mingling with soft, diced potatoes, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that is bursting with flavor. This dish is a celebration of simple, satisfying ingredients coming together to create a meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. If you love rich, savory flavors with a cheesy kick, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is incredibly straightforward because it uses uncomplicated, pantry-friendly ingredients that build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a crucial role—from the smoky depth of the kielbasa to the creamy sauce and the golden cheese topping that makes it all irresistible.
- 1 pound of kielbasa beef sausage, sliced: Adds a smoky, savory backbone packed with meaty flavor.
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced: Provide tender, hearty bites that soak up the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup diced onions: Bring subtle sweetness and texture when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuse the dish with aromatic, garlicky warmth.
- 1 teaspoon seasoning (such as Slap Ya Mama): Boosts the savory profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Lends moisture and a light, savory touch to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Contributes luscious creaminess for a rich texture.
- 10.5 ounce can of cheddar cheese soup (half used in the mix): Offers convenient cheesy depth and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts throughout the casserole and forms a delicious golden crust on top.
- About ½ cup water: Used to assist browning the sausage and prevent sticking during cooking.
How to Make Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when the casserole is assembled. Lightly grease a large casserole dish, preferably 13×9 inches or one that holds around 3 quarts, to prevent sticking and help with easy serving later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a Dutch oven or large stock pot, add the sliced kielbasa along with about ½ cup of water. Cooking over medium heat, allow the water to evaporate which encourages the sausage to brown evenly without burning. If the pan gets too dry, add additional small amounts of water. Once browned, add the diced onions; cooking them until they soften and become translucent, then stir in the minced garlic to release its wonderful aroma.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes
Once the sausage and onions are ready, toss the diced potatoes into the pot. Their natural starchiness will help thicken the cooking liquid later, and they’ll absorb the smoky herbaceous flavor from the sausage and spices.
Step 4: Combine Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and about half the can of cheddar cheese soup. Sprinkle in your favorite seasoning and freshly ground black pepper. Gently stir everything together and heat the mixture until it just starts to boil, allowing all these flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Turn off the heat and fold in most of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This step lets the cheese melt slowly into the sauce, giving it a luscious creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor as the base for your casserole.
Step 6: Transfer and Bake
Pour the entire cooked mixture into your prepared baking dish. For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 65 to 75 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
Step 7: Finish Baking Uncovered
Remove the foil and continue baking for about 10 more minutes. This final step will brown the cheese on top and ensure a bubbly, golden finish that’s irresistible.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and portions hold together beautifully. Then, dig in and savor each cheesy, smoky bite!
How to Serve Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates this dish even more. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a light drizzle of hot sauce can add an extra zing, making each bite lively and exciting.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp, green side salads to balance out the creamy indulgence. Steamed or roasted green beans, broccoli, or sautéed spinach add just enough texture and brightness to complement the hearty flavors of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, consider scooping this casserole into small ramekins or individual baking dishes for charming single servings. You could also layer it with crispy bacon bits or sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs for additional crunch. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for casual family meals or fancy potluck presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, maintaining the dish’s delicious flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply cool the casserole completely, cover tightly with foil or place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but reheating in the oven helps preserve the casserole’s creamy texture and melt-in-your-mouth cheese top.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?
Absolutely! While kielbasa offers a distinctive smoky flavor, you can substitute with smoked Polish sausage, andouille, or even a good quality Italian sausage to create a slightly different but still delicious casserole.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes is traditional for this casserole to achieve a smooth texture, but leaving the skins on adds extra nutrients and a rustic feel. Just make sure to wash them well and dice into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Is there a substitute for the cheddar cheese soup?
If you don’t have cheddar cheese soup on hand, a homemade cheese sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese works well as a substitute, giving you full control over the ingredients and flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, swap the kielbasa for plant-based sausage or smoked mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cheesy potato base remains equally comforting.
How spicy is this casserole?
The seasoning and black pepper add mild heat and plenty of flavor, but this dish isn’t overly spicy. You can adjust the seasoning amounts or add hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you want more kick.
Final Thoughts
This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s comfort food at its finest, with smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese all baked to golden perfection. Whether for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this casserole offers the warm, satisfying flavors that bring everyone together. I wholeheartedly encourage you to make it and watch it become a treasured favorite on your table.
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Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 85 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal featuring smoky kielbasa sausage, tender diced potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture with baked cheese topping.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound kielbasa beef sausage, sliced into pieces
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon seasoning (such as Slap Ya Mama or your favorite seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- About ½ cup water (to help brown the sausage)
Cheese
- 10.5 ounce can cheddar cheese soup (use about half the can in the mix)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13×9-inch or 3-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat, add the sliced kielbasa sausage along with ½ cup water. Cook the sausage as the water evaporates, allowing it to brown. Add small amounts of water as needed to prevent sticking. Once browned, add diced onions and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic.
- Add Potatoes: Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot with sausage and onions, stirring to combine.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, about half the can of cheddar cheese soup, seasoning, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly and heat gently until the mixture just starts to boil.
- Add Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in most of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it begins to melt into the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Optionally, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesier crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 65–75 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese on top and melt it completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let the sauce thicken, ensuring neat slices and rich flavor in every bite.
Notes
- Adding water while browning sausage prevents sticking and helps achieve even browning.
- You can substitute the seasoning with your favorite blend or leave out for less spice.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor; mild cheddar can be used if preferred.
- Covering the casserole while baking ensures the potatoes cook through and stay moist.
- Removing the foil at the end helps develop a crisp, golden cheese topping.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it hold its shape when sliced.
