Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole in 3 Easy Steps

There’s something magical about coming home to the smell of a slow cooker meal bubbling away, isn’t there? This Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole has saved my sanity on more weeknights than I can count. I first threw it together one chaotic Tuesday when my kids had soccer practice, my husband was working late, and I just needed dinner to basically cook itself. Now it’s our go-to comfort food – the kind of dish that makes everyone come running when they smell that cheesy, sausage-y goodness wafting through the house. The best part? You literally dump everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Pure gold for busy families!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole

Listen, I know we all have those days when we just need dinner to happen without a fuss—and this casserole delivers. Here’s why it’s a total winner:

• Dump-and-go magic: Brown the sausage (okay, fine, that’s one pan), then toss everything in the slow cooker. Done. No babysitting, no stress.
• Comfort in every bite: Creamy cheese, tender potatoes, and savory sausage? It’s like a hug for your taste buds.
• One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time for… well, not doing dishes. (You’re welcome.)
• Kid-approved: Picky eaters? Mine gobble this up—especially if I sneak in extra cheese. No judgment here.

Seriously, it’s the kind of meal that makes you look like a kitchen hero with zero effort. Win-win.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole

Grab these simple ingredients – you probably have most already! I always double-check my fridge before heading to the store because nothing’s worse than realizing you’re out of cheese mid-recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground sausage (I use mild, but spicy works great too – brown it first and drain the fat)
• 6 cups diced potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes – trust me, uniform size matters!)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is my favorite for maximum flavor)
• 1/2 cup diced onion (yellow or white both work beautifully)
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color you like – I often use red for sweetness)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (don’t dilute it – straight from the can)
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy, but any works)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes

Life happens – here’s how to adapt when needed! Swap turkey sausage for ground pork if you prefer, or use sweet potatoes instead of regular for a fun twist. Pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, but freshly grated melts so much better. If cream of mushroom isn’t your thing, cream of chicken makes a great stand-in. And listen – if you forget to brown the sausage first? Just break it up really well in the slow cooker (but really, browning adds so much flavor!).

How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole

Okay, let’s get cooking! This is seriously one of the easiest recipes in my rotation, but I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make it foolproof. Here’s how it all comes together:

1. Brown that sausage! Crumble it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain the fat – unless you want a greasy casserole, then by all means, skip this step. (But really, don’t skip it.)
2. Dump everything in (except the cheese – patience, my friend!). Add the cooked sausage, potatoes, onion, bell pepper, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker. Give it a good stir – I use a wooden spoon to make sure everything’s evenly coated.
3. Cook it low and slow for 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. If you’re around, give it a quick stir halfway through – but no stress if you forget. The potatoes should be fork-tender when done.
4. Cheese time! Sprinkle that glorious cheddar on top, cover, and let it melt for about 5-10 minutes. This is when my kids start hovering, sniffing the air like little cheese detectors.

That’s it! Spoon it into bowls and watch it disappear. Leftovers? Ha. Good luck with that.

Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole

Three game-changers I’ve learned the hard way: 1) Don’t cut potatoes too small or they’ll turn to mush. 2) Freshly shred your cheese – the pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that make it melt weirdly. 3) Resist peeking! Every time you lift the lid, you’re adding 15-20 minutes to the cook time. Trust the process!

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole

This hearty casserole stands proud on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for scooping up every last cheesy bite. On chilly nights, I’ll add steamed broccoli – the kids don’t complain when it’s covered in that creamy sauce!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Let’s talk leftovers – if you’re lucky enough to have any! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk before microwaving to bring back that creamy texture. Stir well and heat in 30-second bursts until piping hot. Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight, so day-two casserole might taste even better than the first serving!

Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re diving into (no judgment here!): A serving of this cozy casserole packs about 350 calories, with 20g fat, 15g protein, and 25g carbs. Remember, these are estimates—your exact numbers will dance a bit depending on your sausage choice, cheese brand, or if you sneak extra toppings like I do. The potatoes and milk bring some calcium and vitamin C to the party too, so we’re calling it balanced, right?

FAQs About Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Just cool it completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating – it might be a tad softer but still delicious.

What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is my go-to for maximum flavor, but Monterey Jack or Colby work great too. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible – it doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Can I skip browning the sausage?
Technically yes, but you’ll miss that caramelized flavor. If you’re in a rush, just crumble raw sausage into the slow cooker and stir well to break it up while cooking.

How do I know when it’s done?
The potatoes should pierce easily with a fork. If they’re still firm, give it another 30 minutes – slow cookers vary!

Can I add other veggies?
Of course! Diced carrots or mushrooms blend in nicely. Just keep the total veggie volume about the same so the cooking time stays accurate.

Share Your Experience

Did this become your new favorite weeknight lifesaver too? Snap a pic and tag me – I love seeing your cheesy masterpieces! Now grab a fork and dig in. You can also check out more of my favorite recipes on Pinterest.

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