Comfort Food on a Budget: Delicious Kielbasa Hash Brown Slow Cooker Recipe!

Photo byMhbolat Rasha

Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that won’t break the bank? This super easy slow cooker dump meal is exactly what you need. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe combines savory kielbasa, cheesy hash browns, and a creamy sauce for a meal that's hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable. With a total cost of around $12, this dish serves a crowd, making it a great option for feeding a hungry family or a gathering of friends.

The Comfort of a Classic Dump Meal

Dump meals have gained popularity for their simplicity and convenience, requiring minimal prep time and ingredients. This recipe is no exception. Imagine tossing a few simple ingredients into your slow cooker and coming back hours later to a mouthwatering meal ready to be enjoyed. This kielbasa and hash brown slow cooker recipe embodies everything great about dump meals—it's easy, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious.

The combination of kielbasa or smoked sausage with hash browns, cheese, and a creamy mushroom or chicken soup sauce creates a rich and comforting dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity. You can prep everything in just a few minutes, set your slow cooker, and let it do all the work while you go about your day.

Recipe: Easy Kielbasa and Hash Brown Slow Cooker Meal

Ingredients:

• 1 package kielbasa or smoked sausage (such as Ekrich Sausage), cut into chunks
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hash browns
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom or chicken soup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp minced garlic (optional)
• 1 tsp onion powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Begin by cutting the kielbasa or smoked sausage into bite-sized chunks. Dice the onion and gather all other ingredients.
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker: In a greased slow cooker (or use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup), add the sausage chunks, frozen hash browns, diced onion, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom or chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and onion powder to taste.
4. Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the sausage and hash browns in the slow cooker. Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the hash browns are tender and the dish is bubbling and hot throughout.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve this comforting dish with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Don’t forget a side of Texas garlic toast to soak up all the delicious, creamy sauce!

A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion

This kielbasa and hash brown slow cooker recipe is perfect for any time you want a hearty meal without the hassle. Whether it's a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, this dish will leave everyone at the table satisfied. With its creamy texture, smoky sausage flavor, and the comfort of melted cheese, it's sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with such an affordable ingredient list, it’s easy on the wallet, too.

So next time you need a stress-free meal that feeds a crowd, give this easy slow cooker recipe a try. You'll be glad you did!

You can find several variations of the Slow Cooker Kielbasa Hash Brown Casserole recipe online that highlight its versatility and ease. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want to set and forget your meal in the slow cooker.

The basic recipe involves layering frozen hash browns, diced kielbasa or smoked sausage, onions, and shredded cheese in a greased slow cooker. A creamy sauce made from a mix of cream of mushroom or chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and optional spices like garlic powder and onion powder is then poured over the layered ingredients. Finally, everything is topped with more cheese before cooking on high for about 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours​(Easy Peasy Slow Cook,Mama of Many Blessings,Pam's Daily Dish).

Some variations suggest additional ingredients like bell peppers, spinach, or different types of cheese (such as Monterey Jack or Swiss) to add more flavor and texture. You can also swap out the kielbasa for other proteins, like bacon bits or diced ham, for a different twist​(Pam's Daily Dish,By Kelsey Smith).

For those interested in meal prep, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge or even freeze it for later use. If freezing, it's best to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating​(Pam's Daily Dish,By Kelsey Smith).

If you're looking for more detailed instructions and tips, you can check out the full recipes here on Easy Peasy Slow Cookand here on Mama of Many Blessings.