Slow cooker kielbasa and potato casserole is an amazingly easy dinner. The perfect dish to make when you are out of ideas, time, and energy. This delicious meal will quickly become a family favorite.

Close up of cheesy potatoes and kielbasa bake

If you are looking for the ultimate "Dump and Go" comfort dish, this is it! All you have to do is to make sure all the ingredients are cut into bite-size pieces. Your crockpot does the rest!

This easy recipe has a relatively short cooking time (at least when compared to many other slow cooker recipes). The smoky flavor of slow cooker sausage combined with ultra cheesy potatoes will be loved by the whole family

🥘Shopping list

To make this easy crock pot recipe you will need:

Kielbasa - I am a fan of turkey sausage, but any will work
Hash brown potatoes - make sure potatoes are cut into bite size pieces, not shreds. You can also cut potatoes up by hand if you like - but that doesn't fit my definition of lazy;) Some hash browns come with onions and peppers in them, which all work in this recipe too.
Shredded cheddar cheese - pre-shredded works, but fresh shredded melts a little better (I use pre-shredded!).
Chicken stock - I mix my own from a bouillon powder
Powdered milk
Cornstarch
Onion - chopped
Garlic powder
Sour Cream - Full or reduced-fat will both work

Jump to full recipe and exact quantities

🥣How to assemble

Start by cutting your kielbasa into 1" coins.

In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken stock, powdered milk, and cornstarch and set aside.

Pro tip: use a coffee frother to mix together chicken stock and powdered ingredients.

Chicken stock, powdered milk and cornstarch mixed together

Combine hash browns, kielbasa, onion, potatoes, garlic, and cheese in slow cooker. Pour soup mixture over top. Stir and cover. Cook on low heat for 3 - 5 hours.

All ingredients in slow cooker ready to cook

You will know your dish is ready when your potato pieces are cooked all the way through and your kielbasa is heated all the way through. Mine is generally ready in about 3.5 hours.

You can leave this dish on warm for a few hours if need be. Just keep in mind that the potatoes will start to get mushier over time.

15 to 21 minutes prior to serving, add in sour cream and stir to fully combine. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top of dish. Place lid back on slow cooker and allow topping to melt.

Cheesy potatoes and kielbasa in slow cooker with a sour cream laying on top

🍽Serving suggestions

This cheesy potato and smoked sausage recipe is almost a complete meal on its own. A side salad, fresh green beans, green bean casserole, or Squash and Zucchini Parmesan would all round out this dish wonderfully. Sauteed spinach, steamed broccoli, and mashed cauliflower are also all amazing pairings.

Storing leftovers

This is comfort food at its finest! It is the kind of recipe that tastes even better the next day. The smoky flavor of the kielbasa sausage seeps into the tender potatoes and creamy cheese sauce as this dish rests.

Finished kielbasa dish with cheese melted on top and a serving spoon

For maximum freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container or bag. This cheesy potato recipe will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and several months in the freezer. It can be easily reheated in the microwave.

Storing in individual portions makes for each grab-and-go future meals.

Finished dish with melted cheese on top in a bowl

😉Hints & Hacks

To make this hearty meal even easier, you can substitute the chicken broth, powdered milk, and cornstarch with one can of cream of chicken soup.
Purchasing onion that has already been cut into small pieces can save you a lot of time (and tears!). It is generally available in both the frozen and the refrigerated sections of your local grocery store.
If the bag of hash browns you purchase is frozen, make sure it is fully defrosted prior to adding to slow cooker
I am a huge fan of slow cooker liners. If you prefer not to use them, spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray prior to adding any other ingredients.
In the market for a slow cooker? I love my new one!
Looking to add even more flavor? This dish is great served with some hot pepper sauce on the side!