Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage and Potatoes is my kind of fix-it-and-forget-it dinner. If you’ve ever stared at your fridge at 5 PM, wondering how to turn a few ingredients into comfort on a plate, this one’s for you. We are talking tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and a creamy, melty cheese sauce that tastes like a hug after a long day. It’s hands-off, budget-friendly, and makes your kitchen smell like home. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a hearty casserole that practically serves itself.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
This is one of those recipes I lean on when life gets busy and everyone still wants something warm and cozy. It’s simple, filling, and satisfying without being high maintenance. You can toss everything in the slow cooker before school drop-off, then come home to a golden, bubbly casserole that’s ready to dish up.
Here’s what makes it a keeper:
- Hands-off cooking with minimal prep.
- Budget-friendly ingredients that stretch a meal.
- Kid-approved cheesy goodness and savory sausage.
- Flexible for different sausages, cheeses, and add-ins.
- Great for meal prep and next-day leftovers.
If you enjoy set-it-and-enjoy-it dinners, you’ll probably like browsing my favorite slow-cooker recipes too. I keep this slow cooker collection bookmarked for busy weeknights and lazy weekends.
“We made this for Sunday dinner and the pot was scraped clean. My picky eater asked for seconds and I got to relax while it cooked. Total win.”
By the way, I’ll say the name again because it’s truly the star: Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage and Potatoes. It’s the comfort dish that keeps giving.
Here’s What You’ll Need
Core ingredients
You don’t need much to get big flavor. Think classic pantry items with a few creamy helpers.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold, about 2 to 2.5 pounds, peeled if you like, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Sausage: Smoked sausage or kielbasa, 1 to 1.5 pounds, sliced into coins.
- Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced.
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, plus a little extra for topping.
- Cream base: 1 can condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup.
- Milk or broth: 1/2 to 3/4 cup to loosen the sauce.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, salt to taste.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted.
- Optional add-ins: 1 cup frozen peas or corn, sliced bell peppers, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
Helpful tools
A 5 to 7 quart slow cooker is ideal, plus a cutting board and a sharp knife. If you want the top extra browned and bubbly at the end, an oven-safe baking dish for a quick broil is handy, but not required.
Want a creamy side to go with your dinner? Try these super comforting slow cooker mashed potatoes for holidays or anytime you want double comfort.
How to Make This Kielbasa Sausage & Potatoes Recipe
Step-by-step, the easy way
This is very forgiving, so relax and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
- Grease the cooker: Lightly coat the slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray for easy cleanup.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk the condensed soup with milk or broth, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir in half the shredded cheese.
- Layer: Add half the potatoes, half the onions, and half the sausage to the slow cooker. Pour in half the sauce. Repeat the layers, then finish with the remaining cheese on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork tender. Try not to open the lid often, or it will delay cooking.
- Finish: If you want a browned top, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Otherwise, let it rest for 10 minutes, then dig in.
I like to serve this with a simple salad or buttery green beans. On nights when I want to switch things up, I’ll pair it with another set-and-forget classic like this ultra-tasty slow cooker Philly cheesesteak. It keeps dinner fun without adding work.
Remember to call it what it is: Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage and Potatoes. The name alone makes my heart happy.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
Make-ahead, texture, and flavor boosters
These small tweaks will make your casserole extra cozy and reliable.
Slice evenly: Keeping the potatoes about 1/4 inch thick helps everything cook at the same pace.
Pre-cook the sausage for extra flavor: Searing the slices in a skillet for 2 to 3 minutes before adding them builds color and juices. It isn’t required, but it’s a nice upgrade.
Keep it saucy: If your sauce seems too thick, splash in a little extra milk or broth. Slow cookers vary a bit, so adjust to taste.
Cheese matters: Pre-shredded works, but shredding your own cheddar or a cheddar-mozzarella blend melts smoother. Gouda or pepper jack adds fun flavor.
Veggie bump: Toss in peas, corn, or diced bell pepper during the last hour so they keep some bite. Spinach can go in for the last 10 minutes.
Make-ahead: Prep the layers the night before, store covered in the fridge, and start cooking in the morning. If starting cold, add 15 to 20 minutes.
Storing leftovers: Refrigerate up to 4 days in sealed containers. Reheat with a splash of milk, covered, at low heat so it stays creamy.
Want another cozy idea for your slow cooker lineup when you’re not in a cheesy mood? Try this hearty slow cooker beef stew with red wine. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for cooler weather.
I’ll also note this again because it never gets old: Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort dish for a busy weeknight.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Skillet shortcut
If you need dinner faster, par-cook sliced potatoes in the microwave for 6 to 8 minutes with a splash of water, then sauté sausage and onions in a large skillet. Stir in the sauce and par-cooked potatoes, cover, and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Sprinkle with cheese and cover to melt.
Oven-baked casserole
Layer potatoes, onions, and sausage in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Pour over the sauce, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 375 F for 50 to 60 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Uncover, top with cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly.
Instant Pot notes
If you want to use an electric pressure cooker, stack the layers as written with 1/2 cup broth. Seal and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then quick release. Switch to sauté, stir in cheese, and let it melt. The sauce will be looser than the slow cooker version, but still very tasty.
On days when the slow cooker is busy with something else, like a batch of Texas style chili, these alternate methods save the day.
And just to keep that name front and center, Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage and Potatoes is great no matter how you cook it.
Common Questions
Can I use a different sausage?
Yes. Smoked sausage, kielbasa, and chicken sausage all work well. Just keep the slices similar in size so everything cooks evenly.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Nope. Yukon Gold skins are thin and tender. If using russets and you prefer a smoother texture, peel them. Both will taste great.
Can I make it lighter?
Use chicken sausage, reduce cheese by half, and swap condensed soup for a light cream sauce with low fat milk. It will still be comforting and satisfying.
How do I fix it if it’s too thick?
Stir in a little warm milk or broth until the sauce loosens. Start with 2 tablespoons, then adjust.
What cheese melts best?
Freshly shredded cheddar melts smooth. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella is extra gooey. Pepper jack adds a gentle kick.
A cozy, cheesy dinner you’ll make again
If you’ve been craving a low-effort, high-reward dinner, this casserole hits every note. Creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and melted cheese come together with very little work. When I want that same comfort in a different flavor profile, I’ll switch to something like this punchy slow cooker creole chicken and sausage for spice and variety. For more ideas in this cozy category, I also recommend checking out this helpful take on a Slow Cooker Sausage and Potato Casserole. It’s always nice to see different spins on comfort classics. Now grab your slow cooker, gather your staples, and make Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage and Potatoes tonight. You’ll be so glad you did.
Cheesy Sausage and Potatoes
Ingredients
Core ingredients
- 2-2.5 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled if desired, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds.
- 1-1.5 pounds Smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into coins.
- 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced.
- 2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping.
- 1 can Condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup.
- 1/2-3/4 cup Milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper. Add salt to taste.
- 2 tablespoons Butter, melted.
- 1 cup Frozen peas or corn (optional), sliced bell peppers, or red pepper flakes for heat (optional). Optional add-ins.
Instructions
Preparation
- Lightly coat the slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray for easy cleanup.
- In a bowl, whisk the condensed soup with milk or broth, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir in half the shredded cheese.
- Add half the potatoes, half the onions, and half the sausage to the slow cooker. Pour in half the sauce. Repeat the layers, then finish with the remaining cheese on top.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork tender. Try not to open the lid often.
- If you want a browned top, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Otherwise, let it rest for 10 minutes, then serve.
