There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum satisfaction. Enter the “dump meal,” a culinary lifesaver for busy days when you need a hearty and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. One of my all-time favorite dump meals is this Super Easy Slow Cooker Hashbrown and Kielbasa Casserole. This recipe is a perfect blend of savory kielbasa, cheesy goodness, and tender hashbrowns, all brought together with a creamy sauce.
Growing up, my mom often made this dish on weekends when we were out and about all day. We would come home to the mouth-watering aroma of this casserole, which had been simmering away in the slow cooker. It was always a hit with the family, and I cherish those cozy dinners around the table. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing for various substitutions and additions to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious, comforting meal.
Ingredients
1 (32 oz) bag of frozen hashbrowns
1 kielbasa, diced
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 cream of chicken soup
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Minced garlic (optional)
Onion powder (optional)
1/2 cup additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
Preparation
Grease the Slow Cooker: Begin by greasing the inside of your slow cooker. This will prevent the ingredients from sticking to the sides and make cleanup easier. You can use non-stick cooking spray or a light coating of vegetable oil.
Prepare the Ingredients:
Hashbrowns: No need to thaw the hashbrowns; they can go straight from the freezer into the slow cooker.
Kielbasa: Dice the kielbasa into bite-sized pieces. Kielbasa adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the dish, but you can substitute it with other types of sausage if you prefer.
Onion: Peel and dice a small onion. The onion adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the casserole.
Cheese: Measure out 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. You’ll also need an additional 1/2 cup of cheese for the topping later on.
Layering the Ingredients
Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the frozen hashbrowns, diced kielbasa, diced onion, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the greased slow cooker. Mix them together to ensure even distribution.
Preparing the Sauce
Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom (or cream of chicken) soup, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of milk. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. This creamy mixture will coat the hashbrowns and kielbasa, giving the dish its rich texture.
Season the Sauce (Optional): If you like your food with a bit more flavor, add salt, pepper, minced garlic, and onion powder to the sauce. These additions are optional but recommended for an extra burst of flavor. Stir the seasonings into the sauce until well combined.
Combining and Cooking
Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the hashbrown mixture in the slow cooker. Use a spatula to spread the sauce evenly, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated.
Add the Topping: Sprinkle the additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will melt and create a delicious cheesy crust as the dish cooks.
Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low will yield a more tender result, while cooking on high is perfect if you need the meal ready sooner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Casserole: Once the cooking time is complete, give the casserole a gentle stir to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Serve the casserole hot, straight from the slow cooker.
Pair with Sides: This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables, which provide a nice contrast to the rich and creamy main dish. If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, serve it with Texas garlic toast to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Alternatives: If kielbasa isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with other sausages like andouille, chorizo, or even cooked, diced chicken breast.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, omit the kielbasa and add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. You can also use a vegetarian cream soup.
Cheese Varieties: While cheddar cheese is classic for this dish, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
Soup Options: You can use different cream soups such as cream of celery or cream of asparagus to change the flavor profile of the dish.
Conclusion
This Super Easy Slow Cooker Hashbrown and Kielbasa Casserole is a true lifesaver for busy days when you need a comforting meal with minimal effort. Its simple preparation and rich, satisfying flavors make it a favorite for both the cook and the eaters. The flexibility of the recipe allows for endless customization, so you can adapt it to suit your family’s tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Serve it with a crisp salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal, or go all out with some garlic toast for a truly indulgent experience. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this dump meal, and make it a regular part of your meal rotation.
