This slow cooker hash brown sausage casserole recipe is the epitome of comfort food, effortlessly bringing together crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It's perfect for a chilly evening, a weekend brunch, or even a casual weeknight dinner. Forget the oven; your slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. This recipe elevates the classic casserole, offering a unique twist on a beloved dish.
What Makes This Slow Cooker Hash Brown Sausage Casserole Different?
Many hash brown casserole recipes rely heavily on cream of mushroom soup. While this can be delicious, it often lacks depth of flavor. This recipe uses a homemade cheese sauce, offering a richer, more nuanced taste profile. We also incorporate fresh herbs and spices to enhance the sausage and potato flavors, resulting in a truly elevated casserole experience. The slow cooking process ensures the hash browns are perfectly tender, the sausage is infused with flavor, and the cheese sauce is luxuriously creamy.
How to Make the Perfect Slow Cooker Hash Brown Sausage Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (your favorite kind – mild, spicy, or Italian works well)
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped (optional, but adds sweetness and color)
- 2 (32 ounce) bags frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onions and bell peppers (if using) to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the browned sausage and vegetables, thawed hash browns, and cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until heated through and bubbly.
- Top with cheese: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This will ensure it melts beautifully.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?
Yes, you can! If using fresh hash browns, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Start by parboiling them for a few minutes until slightly softened before adding them to the slow cooker.
What kind of sausage is best for this recipe?
Any type of breakfast sausage works well, from mild to spicy. Italian sausage would add a delicious savory flavor. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's thoroughly heated through.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
This slow cooker hash brown sausage casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy hash browns, savory sausage, and creamy cheese sauce creates a truly comforting and delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
