Go Back

Smoked Sausage & Cheesy Potato Casserole

Ridiculously easy, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. This Smoked Sausage & Cheesy Potato Casserole is a simple, heartwarming dish that makes everyone feel right at home.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 4 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes thawed
  • 2 cups smoked sausage sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 0.5 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika optional
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Skillet
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to a nice 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This will make sure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.
  2. Step 2: Grab a skillet and set it over medium heat. Add your sliced smoked sausage and let it brown for about 5 minutes. You want it to get a little color and release some of that delicious smoky flavor. Once browned, set it aside for a moment.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, melted butter, garlic powder, black pepper, and the optional paprika. Give it a good stir until everything is nice and smooth. This creamy sauce is going to be the heart of our casserole!
  4. Step 4: Now, add the thawed hash browns, the browned sausage, the chopped yellow onion, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to that creamy mixture. Stir it all together gently until everything is well coated.
  5. Step 5: Pour the glorious mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese right over the top. More cheese is always the answer!
  6. Step 6: Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color and for the casserole to be bubbly around the edges. It smells absolutely amazing at this stage!
  7. Step 7: Once it’s perfectly baked, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 5 minutes – this helps it set up just right. Then, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: Cheese Swap: If cheddar isn't your favorite, try Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a Colby Jack blend. Veggie Boost: Feel free to add some steamed broccoli florets, sautéed bell peppers, or even some corn to the mix. Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the mix. Herbaceous Notes: Fresh chives or a sprinkle of dried thyme can add another layer of flavor. Cream of Chicken Soup: If you’re not a fan of mushroom, cream of chicken soup works wonderfully too.
Tips for Success: Don't Overcook the Sausage: You just want to brown it slightly; it will continue to cook in the oven. Thaw Hash Browns Completely: This is key for even cooking. If they're still frozen, the center might not cook through. Prep Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (up to step 5) a day in advance. Cover it and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Crispy Topping: If you like an extra crispy top, you can add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter during the last 10 minutes of baking.