Hearty Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Savory kielbasa hashbrown casserole promises a hearty meal that connects comfort with creativity.

Crisp potato shreds mingle with smoky sausage chunks in this one-pot wonder.

Morning or evening, you crave something satisfying and simple.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions that pack maximum flavor.

Minimal ingredients combine to create a dish bursting with robust tastes.

Cheese melts into golden layers, binding each delectable bite together.

Discover why this casserole might become your new go-to recipe that impresses everyone at the table.

Hashbrown Casserole With Kielbasa That Stays Savory

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy topping.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Warm Matches For Hashbrown Casserole

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp Beer Companion: A cold, light lager or pilsner cuts through the rich, creamy casserole and complements the smoky kielbasa flavors.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw Sidekick: Fresh, vinegar-based coleslaw provides a zesty crunch that balances the hearty, cheesy casserole and adds brightness to the plate.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate and offers a refreshing contrast to the dense, comforting casserole.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetable Accent: Quick-pickled cucumber or dill pickles deliver a sharp, acidic punch that cuts through the casserole's richness and adds a delightful tang.

Kielbasa Hashbrown Additions

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to ensure the entire dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap kielbasa with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition and maintain a hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute hashbrowns with cauliflower rice or diced turnips. Reduce milk and use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to keep the creamy consistency while lowering carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace smoked paprika with chili powder. Incorporate pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat and flavor complexity.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole?

The key ingredients are hashbrowns, kielbasa sausage, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and Ritz crackers. These components create a hearty, flavorful dish with a creamy texture and crispy topping.

• Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with other sausages like smoked sausage, andouille, or even breakfast sausage. The key is to choose a sausage with good flavor that complements the creamy hashbrown base.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be prepared in advance. You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals ahead of time.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make the casserole lighter, you can use low-fat versions of sour cream and cheese, opt for reduced-sodium soup, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value.

Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole – Comfort Food Classic

• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this hearty casserole in less than an hour, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Comfort Food Champion: Combines classic ingredients like kielbasa, hashbrowns, and cheese into a creamy, indulgent dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal prep work and cleanup make this recipe a stress-free option for home cooks seeking delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adaptable recipe works great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy goodness.

What’s Mixed Into Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole

• Kielbasa: Smoky sausage adding rich, meaty flavor to the casserole. Polish-style sausage works best, pre-cooked or fresh.

• Hashbrowns, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy, hearty base creating a comforting texture. Frozen hashbrowns are convenient, shredded cheese melts smoothly.
• Milk: Helps blend ingredients and creates smooth consistency. Whole milk recommended for richness.

• Onion, Garlic, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Thyme: Classic seasonings providing depth and aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic preferred over powdered.

• Ritz Crackers or Breadcrumbs, Butter: Adds crispy, golden crust. Panko breadcrumbs work as an alternative to Ritz crackers.

How to Layer Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa

Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook kielbasa slices until they develop a rich, golden-brown color.

This process takes about 3-4 minutes per side, creating delicious caramelized edges.

Transfer the browned slices to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Mixture

• Frozen hashbrowns
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Milk
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Stir everything together until the ingredients are thoroughly blended and create a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Incorporate Kielbasa

Gently fold the previously browned kielbasa slices into the creamy hashbrown mixture, ensuring an even distribution of meat throughout the casserole.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and carefully spread the kielbasa and hashbrown mixture evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Create Crispy Topping

In a separate small bowl, mix melted butter with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs.

Sprinkle this crunchy topping generously over the casserole to add a delightful texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).

Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate it’s ready.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This short resting period helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your hearty, comforting meal!

Hashbrown Casserole Tips That Work

• Brown kielbasa slices thoroughly to develop deep, rich caramelized edges that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Thaw hashbrowns completely and pat dry to prevent excess moisture, ensuring a crispy and well-integrated casserole.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for smoother melting and better flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Crush Ritz crackers just before sprinkling to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess during baking.
• Substitute low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and reduce added salt to control the dish's sodium content for health-conscious diners.

Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cheesy kielbasa hashbrown casserole brings comfort to dinner tables with its hearty Polish-inspired layers of sausage, potatoes, and melted cheese. Crispy edges and rich flavors promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 (14 ounces/400 grams) package kielbasa, sliced into rounds

Potatoes and Base Ingredients:

• 1 (32 ounces/907 grams) bag frozen hashbrowns, thawed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced onion

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Topping:

• 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create a golden-brown foundation by searing kielbasa slices in a skillet over medium heat until they develop a rich, caramelized exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the hashbrowns with a medley of creamy and savory ingredients including cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, milk, diced onions, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and aromatic thyme, whisking until thoroughly integrated.
4. Gently incorporate the expertly browned kielbasa slices into the hashbrown mixture, ensuring even distribution of the meat throughout the creamy base.
5. Transfer the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create a consistent layer.
6. Craft a crispy topping by combining melted butter with crushed Ritz crackers, then generously sprinkle this golden-brown mixture across the casserole’s surface.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, watching for a beautifully bronzed top and bubbling edges that indicate complete cooking.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

• Enhance the kielbasa’s flavor by slightly charring the edges for a smoky, caramelized taste that adds depth to the casserole.
• Swap regular hashbrowns with sweet potato hashbrowns for a nutritious twist that brings a subtle sweetness and extra vitamins.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium kielbasa and cream of mushroom soup, perfect for those watching their salt intake.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1030 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 48 mg