Slow Cooker Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Dinner

File this one in your comfort foods section because it is the ultimate comfort! You can serve it at breakfast or for dinner – whichever you want and whenever you want. I have made it for both, and it is wonderful morning or night It is so simple to assemble in the slow cooker and press start – perfect for busy days or when you don’t want to heat the whole kitchen!

My family loves when I substitute sour cream for the milk (I have had to do this many times). The sour cream with the sausage is a fantastic flavor!

It is also a great dish for any gathering or to take to potlucks. It will be a crowd favorite! We have a group of friends with whom we do a monthly potluck brunch once a month. I get requests for this recipe every time and there are never any leftovers.
Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 32 oz. bag of hash browns – cubed or shredded and defrosted

14 – 16 oz. kielbasa sausage – thawed if frozen and cut into small pieces

1 small onion, diced

⅓ cup butter – melted

2½ – 3 cups shredded cheese (I used a mix of Monterey Jack and Cheddar)

10.5 oz. can cream of chicken

1 cup half and half or whole milk – preferably one of these for best consistency

Directions

Combine hash browns, kielbasa, onion, and 2 cups of the cheese in a greased crock pot.

In a separate bowl, combine cream of chicken, butter, and milk. Pour over hash brown mix.

Sprinkle remaining cheese over top.

Cook on high for 3 hours.

Notes
• Storing: Cool completely and place in airtight container. Keep in fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Once cooled, either divide into individual servings in freezer containers or transfer it to an airtight container. Store up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Place the casserole in a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350° F until hot. You can also place it back in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook on low until heated through – it will be ready later in the day.

• Additions: Red Pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce add a little spiciness.

• Substitutions:

Sausage – You can substitute the Kielbasa with Smoked Sausage, Andouille sausage, or another variety of your preference.

Cream Soup – Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Celery soup is also delicious!

Half and Half / Whole Milk – Sour cream in place of milk is great and imparts a deeper flavor.

Hash Browns – I have substituted with tater tots, and it is great (my kids’ favorite version!) Also, you can dice fresh potatoes if you do not have hash browns.

Cheese – Cheddar is delicious as is Colby, Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack work very well in this recipe. Choose your favorite cheese that melts well! For the best melted cheese, shred your cheese from a block.