Description
This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky sausage and tender potatoes, it’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Made in a slow cooker, this one-pot meal is easy, delicious, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 30 ounces frozen hash browns, slightly thawed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup white onion, diced
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound Kielbasa or smoked sausage, thinly sliced into half circles
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Slightly soften the frozen hash browns by letting them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, sour cream, diced onion, cream of chicken soup, black pepper, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Fold in the sliced sausage gently, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Grease or line a 5-quart or larger crockpot. Pour the mixture into the crockpot and spread it evenly using a spoon.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- After 2 ½ to 3 hours, stir the casserole to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy! This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or warm dinner rolls.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or spicy andouille sausage for a kick of heat.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the mixture a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and cook it fresh in the crockpot the next day.
- Cheese Options: For a twist, try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg