This Sausage and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort meal when you want something warm, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. With smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy, rich sauce, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a gathering, or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
This recipe is everything you want in a classic comfort dish. It’s budget-friendly, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing. It requires almost no prep thanks to dump-and-cook simplicity, and it offers endless variations to match different tastes or diets. It’s perfect for busy students, families, or anyone who wants a reliable, delicious meal without hours of cooking.
Ingredients You Will Need
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 bag (32 oz) frozen diced potatoes
1 small onion, diced
1 can (10 oz) cream of celery soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Notes
Smoked sausage adds richness, but turkey or chicken sausage also work well.
Frozen diced potatoes are convenient and cook perfectly, though fresh potatoes cut into small cubes are a good alternative.
Cream of celery soup can be replaced with cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar if you prefer a different flavor.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1 — Mix the Base
Grease the inside of your slow cooker or baking dish to prevent sticking.
Add the sliced sausage, frozen potatoes, and diced onion.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of celery soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the sausage and potatoes and gently stir everything together so the sauce coats the ingredients evenly.
Step 2 — Choose Your Cooking Method
Slow Cooker Method
Cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Slow, gentle cooking helps the flavors blend beautifully, creating an extra creamy casserole.
Oven Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven for 15–20 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and golden.
Variations You’ll Love
Vegetarian Version
Replace sausage with black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers.
Swap the cream of celery soup with a homemade white sauce or a vegetable-based cream soup.
Spicy Cajun Twist
Use Andouille sausage for heat and smokiness.
Add Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture.
Loaded Potato Style
Stir in crispy bacon after cooking and garnish with green onions.
Top with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Nutritional Benefits
This casserole offers comforting flavors while still delivering nutritional value.
Sausage provides protein and essential vitamins.
Potatoes supply potassium, vitamin C, and complex carbohydrates.
Cheese and sour cream offer calcium and richness.
Pairing the casserole with vegetables or a salad helps keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Add a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or mixed vegetables for extra nutrients.
A crisp garden salad with light vinaigrette creates a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes — prep all ingredients and keep them refrigerated separately. Combine and cook when ready.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free cream soup and gluten-free sausage.
Conclusion
Sausage and Potato Casserole is a warm, cozy, no-stress dish that delivers comfort with every bite. Whether cooked in the slow cooker or baked in the oven, it’s simple, customizable, and perfect for busy days or laid-back dinners. Enjoy creating this hearty meal that’s guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds!