Welcome to Fresh Leaf Rezepte!
Sam’s love for cooking began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where fresh ingredients and family meals sparked a lifelong passion. Over twenty years, Sam cooked in diners, bistros, and street food stalls around the world, learning not just recipes but the stories and cultures behind them. Through Fresh Leaf Rezepte, Sam shares flavorful, easy-to-follow dishes perfect for everyday life, no fancy ingredients or endless hours needed. He believes cooking should be joyful, creative, and a way to bring people together.
Slow Cooker Sausage & Potato Casserole is the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth from the inside out. On cool, golden-leafed afternoons when the air smells like woodsmoke and cinnamon, this recipe becomes a comforting answer to busy weekdays or laid-back Sundays. Inspired by simple suppers Sam used to enjoy after chilly walks with his grandfather, this dish is packed with tender potatoes, well-seasoned sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce that gently simmers to perfection in the slow cooker.
There’s a reason this recipe is one of our most visited on Fresh Leaf Recipes. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and incredibly hands-off, just set it and forget it. If you’re craving something that feels like a cozy blanket in a bowl, this one’s for you.
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Slow Cooker Sausage & Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A cozy, hearty casserole made with tender potatoes, flavorful sausage, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all slow cooked to comfort-food perfection.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or red, sliced thin)
- 1 lb sausage (beef or chicken, sliced)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or green beans
- Optional: ½ cup cooked crumbled turkey bacon
- Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Spray your slow cooker insert with oil. Layer half the potatoes, onions, and sausage.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in half the shredded cheese.
- Pour half the sauce over the first layer. Repeat with remaining potatoes, onions, sausage, and sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until potatoes are fork-tender.
- In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Searing the sausage before adding it can enhance flavor. For added texture, top with crushed crackers or fried onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Sausage & Potato Casserole
This dish is built around affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together with little effort.
- 1.5 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or red, sliced thin)
- 1 lb sausage (beef or chicken, sliced)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup frozen peas or green beans
- ½ cup cooked crumbled turkey bacon for topping
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper for heat
For a dish like this, ingredients shine when they’re simple. You can always swap the sausage with chicken sausage or even ground meat. For a spicy twist, try jalapeño-cheddar sausage.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage & Potato Casserole
Let’s break this recipe down step-by-step. You’ll love how effortless it is.
Step 1: Prep your base
Spray your slow cooker insert with a bit of oil. Layer half the potatoes on the bottom, followed by half of the sliced onions and sausage.
Step 2: Mix the sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.
Step 3: Layer the rest
Pour half the sauce over your first layer. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, onions, sausage, and top with the rest of the sauce.
Step 4: Slow cook to perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Add cheese & serve
In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. Cover again until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Looking for a complete meal? Pair it with a side salad or a slice of Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes for extra indulgence.
Tips for a Perfect Slow Cooker Sausage & Potato Casserole
This dish is nearly foolproof, but here are a few pro tips to get it just right:
Choose the right potatoes
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds or reds hold their shape better in the slow cooker. Avoid Russets, they get too soft.
Slice consistently
Keep your potato slices about ¼ inch thick. Thinner ones may overcook and disappear into the sauce.
Brown the sausage (optional but flavorful)
Searing sausage slices in a hot pan before adding enhances flavor and keeps them from becoming too soft.
Layer smartly
Always start with potatoes on the bottom. They need more time to cook and benefit from direct heat.
Don’t over-stir
Once everything’s layered, resist the urge to stir. Let the slow cooker do the work for even cooking.
This recipe also pairs beautifully with Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole if you’re planning a fall gathering and need a crowd-pleasing second option.
Delicious Variations to Try
The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility. You can make small changes for big flavor upgrades or dietary needs.
Gluten-free
Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own from scratch with broth and cornstarch.
Low-dairy or dairy-free
Swap the sour cream and cheese with plant-based versions or use coconut cream for richness.
With a crispy topping
Just before serving, top with crushed crackers, cornflakes, or fried onions for added texture. Pop it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes if your slow cooker insert is oven-safe.
Make it spicy
Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some heat.
Extra veggies
Toss in sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or even frozen corn to bulk it up.
Streusel-style savory topping?
Believe it or not, a savory streusel with breadcrumbs, parmesan, and butter can add a buttery crunch.
For a fast, similar dinner idea, try our Dump and Bake Alfredo recipe, one pan, creamy comfort, ready in under 30 minutes.
How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
In the fridge
Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
In the freezer
Freeze in individual portions wrapped tightly or in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Reheating tip
Add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back that creamy texture. A sprinkle of cheese on top never hurts, either!
This casserole makes amazing leftovers, just like our reader-favorite Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot meal, it gets even more flavorful overnight.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Sausage & Potato Casserole
What type of sausage works best?
Fully cooked smoked sausage (beef or chicken) works perfectly. For a richer flavor, use spicy or garlic-seasoned varieties.
Can I use shredded hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes, you can! Just reduce the cooking time slightly (check after 3 hours on high). Frozen hash browns are a great shortcut.
Is it okay to prep this casserole the night before?
Absolutely. Assemble the layers, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pop it into your slow cooker and cook as directed.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Yes. Layer ingredients in a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for about 60 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes with cheese on top.
Conclusion
There’s something about a dish like Slow Cooker Sausage & Potato Casserole that instantly feels like home. Whether you’re hosting a cozy Sunday dinner or prepping a weeknight meal, it’s a reliable go-to that everyone loves. With its creamy sauce, hearty sausage, and melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, this casserole truly delivers warmth and comfort in every bite.
If you loved this, you’ll also enjoy dishes like One Pan Chicken and Chorizo or the creamy goodness of Hash Brown Soup Recipe. Keep your slow cooker busy—your fall meals just got a lot cozier.