Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Meet the Crockpot Smoked Sausage Hash Brown Casserole—a mouthwatering blend of savory smoked sausage, crispy hash browns, and creamy goodness that will have your family begging for seconds! This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy days, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time before you let your slow cooker work its magic. With each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Ready to dive into this delectable recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 30 oz frozen hash browns
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and bell pepper into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced smoked sausage, frozen hash browns, diced onion, diced bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This will help to create a creamy base for your casserole. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the soup and milk mixture over the sausage and hash brown mixture. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the creamy mixture.
- Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the entire mixture into the crockpot, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the casserole to cook for approximately 6 hours. This slow cooking method will help the flavors meld together and the hash browns to become tender.
- After 6 hours, check the casserole for doneness. The hash browns should be fully cooked, and the sausage should be heated through. If you desire a crispier top, you can uncover the crockpot for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Once cooked, turn off the crockpot and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set slightly, making it easier to scoop out portions.
- Serve the Crockpot Smoked Sausage Hash Brown Casserole warm. It can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, brunch, or even as a comforting dinner option. Garnish with additional shredded cheese or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can slice the smoked sausage and chop the onion and bell pepper the night before. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the casserole.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your casserole. You can also swap the cheddar cheese for your preferred variety.
- Layer for Flavor: When mixing the ingredients, try layering them in the crockpot rather than just mixing them in a bowl. This can help create distinct layers of flavor as the casserole cooks.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: For best results, stick to the low heat setting for the full 6 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the hash browns are perfectly tender.
- Crispy Top Option: If you love a crispy topping, uncover the crockpot for the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will allow the top to brown slightly and add a delightful texture to your casserole.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. Garnish with extra cheese or chopped green onions for an added touch of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
