Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown – The Ultimate Dump-and-Go Slow Cooker Meal
When you need a no-fuss, flavor-packed meal that’s both hearty and comforting, this Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Slow Cooker Recipe is the one to turn to. With just a handful of ingredients and zero prep work, this dump-and-go dish practically cooks itself. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even brunch with guests.
Using smoked sausage like Kielbasa, frozen hashbrowns, shredded cheese, and a creamy base, this meal is rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to throw together.
Ingredients for Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Slow Cooker Meal
To create this indulgent, savory dish, you’ll need the following:
- 1 (14 oz) package Kielbasa or smoked sausage (such as Eckrich), cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional for garnish)
🧀 Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- Dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra flavor
How to Make Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown in the Slow Cooker
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
No pre-cooking necessary! Just cut the Kielbasa into ½-inch pieces. If you’re adding optional vegetables, dice them now.
Step 2: Dump Everything into the Slow Cooker
In your 6-quart slow cooker, combine the following:
- Frozen hashbrowns
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Garlic powder and onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Kielbasa chunks
Mix everything together directly in the slow cooker until evenly combined.
Step 3: Cover and Cook
Set your slow cooker to:
- Low for 6–7 hours
- OR High for 3–4 hours
Cook until the hashbrowns are tender, the cheese is melted, and the edges are golden and slightly crispy.
🕒 Note: Slow cookers vary in temperature. If your mixture seems too thick, stir in a splash of milk during the last hour.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Once fully cooked, stir the mixture gently. Top with fresh parsley, green onions, or even extra shredded cheese. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, savory bite.
Why You’ll Love This Dump-and-Go Slow Cooker Recipe
✅ Minimal Effort
No browning, sautéing, or stovetop mess. Just dump the ingredients in and let the slow cooker do the work.
✅ Budget-Friendly
Made with affordable, readily available ingredients — perfect for feeding a family or a crowd.
✅ Customizable
Use what you have on hand — different cheeses, sausages, or add veggies for extra nutrition.
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly
Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or leftovers throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy sausage and hashbrown dish is a full meal on its own but pairs well with:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed green beans
- Buttered corn on the cob
- Fresh fruit salad (if serving for brunch)
For breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside:
- Scrambled eggs
- Fluffy biscuits
- Fresh orange juice or coffee
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat:
Microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese if desired.
FAQs
Can I use diced hashbrowns instead of shredded?
Yes! Diced works just as well and adds a slightly different texture. Make sure they’re thawed slightly for even cooking.
What kind of sausage can I use?
Any smoked sausage, Kielbasa, or even turkey sausage works great. For a spicier kick, try Andouille sausage.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can! Replace the sausage with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms, and use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken.
Can I prep this the night before?
Yes. Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pop it into the slow cooker and cook as directed.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Sausage & Hashbrown Slow Cooker meal is the definition of comfort food with zero stress. It’s warm, creamy, cheesy, and perfectly filling — the kind of meal that becomes a staple in your weekly rotation.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a low-effort dinner the whole family will love, this dump-and-go dish is a winner every time.