Kielbasa Potato Casserole

This Kielbasa Potato Casserole brings together smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and melted cheese in one comforting dish that’s been warming hearts in my kitchen for decades. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular Tuesday into something special.

I still remember the first time I made this casserole – it was a chilly November evening, and I needed something hearty to feed my hungry family after a long day. The aroma of browning kielbasa mixed with bubbling cheese filled every corner of my kitchen, and before I knew it, neighbors were knocking at the door, drawn in by the smell. That night, what started as a simple dinner became an impromptu gathering around my table, with everyone reaching for seconds. There’s something magical about how this dish transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort, the kind that makes you linger at the table long after the plates are clean. Your kitchen’s about to smell incredible!

What Makes This Kielbasa Potato Casserole So Special

I’ve been making casseroles in my Midwest kitchen since my children were young, and this kielbasa potato casserole has earned its place as a family favorite for good reason. It combines the smoky richness of quality sausage with creamy, cheesy potatoes in a way that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.

• Uses pantry staples you likely already have – frozen hash browns, canned soup, and cheese make this incredibly accessible
• Comes together in under 15 minutes of active prep time, perfect for busy weeknight cooking
• Delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every single time, which is why I bring it to every church potluck
• Adapts easily to dietary preferences with simple substitutions for lighter or richer versions
• Creates that perfect combination of crispy, golden-brown topping and creamy, tender interior
• Works beautifully as a make-ahead dish, freeing up your time on the day you need it

Through years of making this recipe, I’ve learned that its simplicity is its greatest strength – no complicated techniques, just honest ingredients that come together beautifully.

Ingredient Spotlight

Smoked kielbasa sausage brings that essential smoky, garlicky flavor that makes this casserole so distinctive, and I always choose a quality Polish-style kielbasa for the best taste. Frozen diced hash brown potatoes save significant prep time while delivering tender, evenly cooked results – just make sure to thaw them completely so they don’t release excess moisture during baking. Cream of chicken soup creates that classic creamy base that binds everything together, though cream of mushroom works equally well if that’s your preference. Sour cream adds tanginess and richness that balances the smoky sausage beautifully, and I prefer full-fat for the best texture. Shredded cheddar cheese provides that gooey, melted goodness we all crave – I always buy a block and shred it myself because pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Green onions contribute a mild, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness, and I’ve learned that sautéing them first brings out their sweetness. Garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika season the casserole with warm, savory notes that complement the kielbasa perfectly. Melted butter mixed with crushed cornflakes creates an irresistible crunchy topping that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy filling beneath.

How to Make Kielbasa Potato Casserole

Step 1. I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish – this ensures even cooking and easy cleanup later.

Step 2. Betty’s tip: Brown those kielbasa slices in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes first, because this extra step develops deeper, caramelized flavors that make the whole casserole taste better.

Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1½ cups of that shredded cheddar, the green onions, and all my seasonings, stirring until completely smooth.

Step 4. Add those thawed hash browns to the creamy mixture and stir thoroughly – I’ve learned that coating every potato piece ensures consistent flavor throughout the kielbasa potato casserole.

Step 5. Fold in your browned kielbasa slices gently, distributing them evenly so every serving gets plenty of that smoky sausage.

Step 6. Spread this mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.

Step 7. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top – this creates that golden, bubbly cheese layer everyone fights over.

Step 8. For the finishing touch, I mix melted butter with crushed cornflakes and scatter it over everything, which creates an addictive crunchy texture.

Step 9. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and a golden-brown topping that signals it’s ready.

Step 10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving – after years of making this, I discovered this brief wait allows the cheese to set slightly, making serving much neater.

Keeping This Casserole Fresh

I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The casserole actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.

Betty’s freezing method works beautifully for this dish – wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months. I’ve learned to label each package with the date and reheating instructions, which makes busy weeknight dinners effortless later.

For the best texture, I reheat by covering the casserole with foil and warming it in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. The oven method preserves that wonderful creamy texture and crispy topping much better than the microwave, though microwaving individual portions on 50% power works in a pinch. If reheating from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time and keep it covered for the first half of reheating.

Perfect Partners for Kielbasa Potato Casserole

• Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness with crisp greens and tangy dressing, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole
• Roasted green beans or broccoli add a healthy, slightly charred element that complements the smoky kielbasa beautifully – I toss mine with garlic and lemon
• Warm dinner rolls or cornbread are perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce on your plate, and they round out the comfort food experience
• Steamed or roasted carrots bring natural sweetness and bright color to the plate, balancing the savory flavors
• Coleslaw with a tangy dressing provides crunch and acidity that refreshes your palate between bites of the rich casserole
• Roasted vegetables caramelized with a touch of honey make an excellent seasonal pairing, especially during fall and winter months

FAQs

Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish – smoky kielbasa mixed with tender potatoes and plenty of gooey melted cheese, baked to golden perfection. An easy comfort food favorite for busy nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb smoked kielbasa sausage sliced into ½-inch pieces
• 32 oz frozen diced hash brown potatoes thawed
• 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• ½ cup green onions or white onion chopped and sautéed
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter melted
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers optional, for topping

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet (optional)

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Optional: Slice the kielbasa sausage into half-moons and lightly brown them in a skillet for 3-4 minutes for extra flavor.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1½ cups cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until smooth.
4. Stir in the thawed hash brown potatoes until evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
5. Fold in the sliced kielbasa sausage, distributing evenly throughout.
6. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
7. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
8. For a crunchy topping, mix melted butter with crushed cornflakes or crackers and scatter over the casserole.
9. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set.

Notes

Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Add 5-10 minutes extra baking time if baking from cold. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. For a lighter version, use turkey kielbasa, light sour cream, and low-fat cheese.