This savory and creamy casserole is the perfect comfort food, featuring tender hashbrowns, smoky kielbasa, and melty cheese. It’s easy to make in the slow cooker, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a hearty side dish for holidays and gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 32 oz. bag of hash browns: Defrosted to prevent excess water during cooking.
- 14 oz. kielbasa: Thawed if frozen and cut into small pieces for even flavor distribution.
- 1 small onion: Diced finely for flavor blending.
- 1/3 cup of butter: Melted to mix smoothly with the creamy base.
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese: A mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar for a balanced flavor. Reserve 1/2 cup for topping.
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken: Adds creaminess and richness.
- 1 cup whole milk: At room temperature to blend easily.
Instructions:
- Prep the crock pot:
- Grease your slow cooker with a light coat of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- Combine base ingredients:
- In the slow cooker, mix the defrosted hash browns, kielbasa, diced onion, and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Stir to evenly distribute.
- Prepare the creamy mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cream of chicken soup, and milk until smooth. This will create the creamy base for the casserole.
- Add the creamy mixture:
- Pour the creamy mixture over the hash brown mixture in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure everything is well-coated.
- Add the final cheese layer:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. This will create a delicious golden crust during cooking.
- Cooking:
- Set the slow cooker to high and cook for approximately 3 hours. Check that the edges are bubbly and the center is hot.
- Serving:
- Once the cooking time is up, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set before serving. This makes it easier to serve and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the casserole warm, ideally with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor: You can swap out some of the milk for heavy cream.
- Add more veggies: Consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to add more color and flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight. Simply cook it on the day you plan to serve it.
This casserole combines smoky kielbasa, cheesy goodness, and comforting hashbrowns for a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!