Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes & Beef Sausage Recipe
A slow-cooked masterpiece of tender potatoes, savory beef sausage, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Dinner .
Why You'll Fall in Love
- **Effortless Comfort** - Honestly, the best part is the 'set it and forget it' nature of this dish. You do a little bit of prep in the morning, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. There's nothing quite like coming home to a hot, delicious meal that's been quietly cooking away all day. It’s a lifesaver on busy weekdays.
- **Incredibly Flavorful & Creamy** - Wow, the flavor here is just everything. The savory, slightly smoky beef sausage infuses the entire dish, and the creamy, rich cheese sauce clings to every single bite of tender potato. It's the kind of satisfying, layered flavor that you'd think took hours of active cooking to achieve.
- **Hearty & Satisfying** - This is not a light meal; it’s a beautifully hearty and filling dish that will leave everyone at the table feeling happy and satisfied. It's a complete meal in one pot, perfect for feeding a hungry family or having wonderful leftovers for the next day. It's just as comforting as a big bowl of potato hamburger soup.
- **Perfect for Any Occasion** - Whether it's a casual weeknight dinner, a potluck with friends, or a cozy Sunday supper, this recipe just fits. It feels special enough for company but is easy enough for a Tuesday. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and disappears so fast every time I make it.
This is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s the coziest, most delicious meal my family asks for every single week!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: For this recipe, Yukon Gold potatoes are my absolute favorite. They have this naturally buttery, almost creamy texture that holds up so beautifully in the slow cooker. They don't get mealy or fall apart like a Russet might; instead, they become perfectly tender while still retaining their shape. You don't even need to peel them! Their thin skin just adds a lovely rustic touch.
- Smoked Beef Sausage: Choosing a good quality, fully-cooked smoked beef sausage is key because its flavor is going to permeate the entire dish. Look for one with a robust, savory flavor profile. Slicing it into rounds and giving it a quick sear before adding it to the crockpot deepens that flavor and adds a wonderful texture. It's a trick I also use in my sausage tortellini soup to get the most flavor.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Please, if you can, shred your own cheese for this! Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that can make your sauce a little gritty. Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts into a dream—so smooth, so velvety, and it provides that classic, tangy cheese flavor that pairs perfectly with the potatoes and sausage. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack is also divine for extra creaminess.
Complete Cooking Process
- **Don't Overcook the Potatoes:** Check for doneness with a fork around the 3.5-hour mark on high. You want them tender, not mushy.
- **Cheese at the End:** Adding the bulk of the cheese towards the end of the cooking time ensures the sauce stays creamy and doesn't become oily or separate.
- **Season in Layers:** Be sure to season the potato layers as you build them in the crockpot. This helps distribute the flavor evenly throughout the entire dish.
This is the calming, rhythmic part of the process. I love the soft thud of the knife on the cutting board as I slice the potatoes into even rounds. You'll want to brown the beef sausage first in a skillet; don't skip this step! The sound of it sizzling and the amazing aroma it releases is the first layer of flavor you're building. While that's happening, you can whisk together the creamy sauce ingredients in a bowl. It’s a simple dance of prep that sets the stage for the slow cooker's magic, much like when making scalloped potatoes from scratch.
Now for the easy part. You'll layer everything into the crockpot – a layer of potatoes, then the sausage, and pour that beautiful sauce over the top. Once the lid is on, you just let it go. Over the next few hours, your kitchen will slowly transform, filling with the most incredible, mouth-watering scent. It’s a quiet, patient process where all those simple ingredients meld and merge into something truly special. You can just go about your day, knowing something wonderful is waiting for you.
About 30 minutes before you're ready to serve, you'll stir in the majority of the cheese. This is the moment it all comes together. Watching the cheese melt and create that luscious, gooey sauce is so satisfying. Give it a gentle stir to make sure every potato is coated in cheesy goodness. Then you'll sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, pop the lid back on, and let it get perfectly melty for the final few minutes. That final cheese pull when you serve it is, well, just perfection.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Finish
Following these little tips will take your cheesy potatoes from great to absolutely unforgettable. It’s all in the small details!
Frequently Asked Questions
→Can I use frozen potatoes to save time?
Honestly, I much prefer fresh potatoes for this recipe. Frozen hash browns or diced potatoes can work in a pinch, but their texture can become quite soft and sometimes a bit watery after slow cooking. If you do use them, there's no need to thaw them first, but you might need to reduce the cooking time slightly. For that classic, tender-but-firm bite, slicing fresh Yukon Gold or red potatoes is truly the way to go.
→What kind of beef sausage is best for this recipe?
I recommend using a fully-cooked smoked beef sausage, something like a beef kielbasa or a similar style. The smoking process adds a wonderful depth of flavor that really complements the cheesy potatoes. Be sure to choose a brand you enjoy the flavor of on its own, as it’s a key component of the final dish. Searing it first really elevates its taste and texture.
→Can I make this on the stovetop or in the oven instead?
You certainly could adapt it! For an oven-baked version, you would assemble it in a casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake at around 375°F (190°C) for about an hour or until the potatoes are tender. For the stovetop, you'd simmer it in a large Dutch oven over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The slow cooker method, however, is what makes it so wonderfully hands-off and foolproof.
→How do I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy or breaking?
This is a great question! The key is to use freshly shredded cheese, as the additives in pre-shredded bags can cause a gritty texture. Also, add the cheese at the end of the cooking process. High, prolonged heat can cause cheese sauce to separate or become oily. Stirring it in gently during the last 30 minutes allows it to melt perfectly into a smooth, velvety sauce without overcooking.
→What are some good side dishes to serve with this?
→Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Diced onions and bell peppers would be a wonderful addition; you could sauté them with the sausage before adding them to the crockpot. Some people also like to add a layer of broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal. Just be mindful not to add them too early, so they don't get overcooked.
→What's the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Leftovers are fantastic! Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but I find gently reheating it in a saucepan on the stove with a splash of milk brings back its creamy texture beautifully. You can also bake it in a small dish in the oven until hot and bubbly.
→Can I use a different type of cheese?
Recipe Origin & History
This recipe is a classic example of modern American comfort food, born from the tradition of potluck casseroles and the convenience of the slow cooker. It’s a descendant of cheesy potato bakes that have graced family dinner tables for generations. The addition of smoked beef sausage turns it from a beloved side dish into a hearty, all-in-one meal, perfect for busy families who still crave a wholesome, home-cooked dinner.
Skill Level Explained
This recipe is rated as Easy because the slow cooker does most of the work. The preparation involves simple slicing and mixing, with no complex techniques required. It’s a very forgiving recipe that is perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a low-effort, high-reward meal.
Best Season to Make
While this is a year-round comfort food, it truly shines in the cooler months. It's the perfect cozy meal for a chilly autumn evening or a cold winter's day. The warmth and heartiness of the dish are incredibly welcoming when you come in from the cold.
Taste & Texture Profile
Taste:
Rich, savory, and cheesy with a smoky undertone from the sausage.
Texture:
- Outside: Soft and saucy
- Inside: Fork-tender potatoes and firm sausage bites
- Bite: A creamy, melt-in-your-mouth feel with a pleasant chew from the sausage.
Luxuriously creamy and incredibly satisfying.
Make Ahead Tips
You can absolutely do some prep ahead of time to make assembly even faster. Slice the potatoes and store them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator overnight to prevent browning. You can also slice the sausage and chop the onion, storing them in an airtight container. The cheese sauce ingredients (except for the final cheese topping) can be whisked together and stored in a separate container in the fridge. Then, just drain the potatoes, layer, and go!
Leftover Ideas
Leftovers are just a dream! My favorite way to use them is to reheat them in a skillet and top with a fried egg for a ridiculously hearty and satisfying breakfast hash. You can also use them as a filling for a savory pie or simply enjoy them as they are for lunch the next day. The flavors truly deepen overnight, making them even more delicious.
Cooking Timeline
0-10 min: Wash and slice potatoes. Slice sausage and chop onion.
10-15 min: Sear sausage in a skillet. Whisk together the sauce ingredients.
15-20 min: Layer potatoes, sausage, onion, and sauce in the slow cooker.
20 min - 4 hours: Cook on HIGH. Let the slow cooker work its magic.
4 hours - 4.5 hours: Stir in remaining cheese and allow it to melt completely.
Equipment & Shopping
Equipment You'll Need:
- A 6-quart oval slow cooker is ideal as it provides a nice wide base for layering the potatoes and sausage, which helps them cook more evenly.
- Using a box grater for your cheese not only improves the sauce texture but also feels wonderfully old-fashioned and satisfying. It’s a small step that makes a big impact.
- If your slow cooker has a removable insert that is stovetop-safe, you can sear the sausage right in the insert to save on washing an extra pan.
Shopping List:
- Yukon Gold potatoes
- Smoked beef sausage
- Yellow onion
- Condensed cream of chicken soup
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Sharp cheddar cheese block
- Fresh chives or green onions
Ingredient Prep Guide
Slice potatoes evenly, about 1/4-inch thick. This uniformity is the secret to ensuring all the potatoes are perfectly tender at the same time.
Pat the sausage slices dry before searing to get a better color on them. This helps them brown rather than steam in the skillet.
Bring your sour cream and milk to room temperature for about 20 minutes before whisking into the sauce. This helps prevent the sauce from curdling and ensures a smoother consistency.
Temperature Guide
Stovetop: Medium-high for searing the sausage
Oven: Not required for this recipe
Safe Internal Temp: The dish is ready when potatoes are fork-tender.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp, simple green salad with a lemon-herb vinaigrette
Steamed green beans with a sprinkle of sea salt
Roasted broccoli or asparagus spears
Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Slicing potatoes too thick, which can lead to uneven cooking and some underdone pieces.
- Forgetting to season the layers, resulting in pockets of blandness. Salt the potatoes as you layer them!
- Lifting the lid frequently, which extends the cooking time unnecessarily. Let it be!
- Using pre-shredded cheese, which can lead to a less-than-creamy sauce.
Flavor Boosters:
- A pinch of smoked paprika in the sauce adds a lovely warmth and color.
- A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a gentle background heat.
- Stirring in a spoonful of Dijon mustard into the sauce mixture adds a tangy depth that cuts through the richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in bowls garnished with fresh chives for a simple, complete meal.
Pair with a side of steamed asparagus or a crisp Caesar salad.
Offer crusty bread on the side for dipping into the delicious cheese sauce.
For a potluck, keep it in the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting for easy self-serving.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Southwest Version: Add a can of diced green chiles and 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the sauce. Use a pepper jack cheese blend for a spicy kick and serve with a dollop of sour cream and cilantro.
Cheesesteak Inspired: This is a fun twist! Sauté sliced bell peppers and onions with the sausage. Use provolone cheese instead of cheddar, reminiscent of a delicious cheesesteak casserole. It’s a wonderful and unexpected flavor combination that always gets rave reviews.
Substitutions & Dietary Adaptations
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Beef Sausage → Smoked Turkey Sausage or Diced Turkey Ham (If you prefer, smoked turkey sausage or even diced, cooked turkey ham works wonderfully here. The cooking time will remain the same as these are also pre-cooked.)
- Cream of Chicken Soup → Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Celery Soup (You can easily swap the cream of chicken for cream of mushroom or celery soup for a slightly different flavor profile. There are also great gluten-free cream soup options available.)
Dietary Adaptations:
- Gluten-Free: To make this gluten-free, ensure you use a certified gluten-free condensed cream soup. Also, double-check that your brand of beef sausage is gluten-free, as some may contain fillers.
- Lower Fat: For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage, low-fat cream of chicken soup, light sour cream, and a reduced-fat cheddar cheese. The texture will be slightly less rich, but still very delicious.
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes & Beef Sausage Recipe
Enjoy this ultimate crockpot cheesy potatoes and beef sausage recipe. A creamy, flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and satisfying!
Timing
Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
4-5 Hours
Total Time
4 Hours 20 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Potatoes and Sausage
- 012.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 021 lb smoked beef sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 031 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 041 teaspoon salt
- 051/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 061/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- 011 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 021/2 cup milk
- 031/2 cup sour cream
- 043 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 051/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
First, let's get everything ready. It’s like setting the stage. Start by washing your potatoes and slicing them into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds—no need to peel them, the skin adds a lovely texture. Then, slice your beef sausage and chop your onion. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, briefly sear the sausage slices for a couple of minutes per side until they get a little browned and fragrant. This step isn't strictly necessary, but wow, it really deepens the flavor. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Now for the heart of the dish, the creamy sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream until it’s nice and smooth. This is your base that will transform into a luscious sauce. Season this mixture with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Finally, stir in 1 cup of your shredded cheddar cheese. Mixing some cheese in now helps flavor the dish from the very beginning.
It’s time to build the layers in your slow cooker. It’s a bit like making a lasagna or even those cheesy meatballs I love. Start by placing half of your sliced potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Arrange them in an even layer. Top the potatoes with half of the seared beef sausage and half of the chopped onion. Pour half of the creamy sauce mixture over this layer, spreading it gently to cover everything. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, sausage, and onion, and then pour the rest of the sauce over the top.
Now, the magic happens. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. You'll know it's ready when the potatoes are perfectly tender when pierced with a fork. About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, uncover and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top. Put the lid back on and let it cook for that final stretch, just until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and irresistible. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes & Tips
- 1For the creamiest results, I really recommend shredding your own block of cheese. Packaged shredded cheese contains starches to prevent clumping that can sometimes result in a slightly gritty texture when melted. Taking a few extra minutes to grate it yourself makes a world of difference in the final sauce.
- 2Don't be afraid to check your potatoes for doneness a little early, as all slow cookers can vary in temperature. You're looking for fork-tender, not mushy. Once they reach that perfect point, you can turn the slow cooker to the 'warm' setting until you're ready to serve.
- 3If you find your sauce is a little too thick for your liking at the end, you can stir in another splash of milk to thin it out to your desired consistency. Do this before you add the final cheese topping. It allows you to customize it to be just perfect for your family.
Tools You'll Need
- •6-Quart Slow Cooker: This is the essential tool for this recipe. A 6-quart model provides ample space for all the ingredients to cook evenly without being too crowded. It does all the work for you!
- •Large Skillet: A skillet is used to give the beef sausage a quick sear. This step is optional but highly recommended as it adds a fantastic layer of deep, savory flavor to the dish.
- •Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: A good-sized cutting board and a sharp chef's knife are necessary for slicing the potatoes and sausage uniformly. Consistent slices ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
- •Mixing Bowl and Whisk: You'll need a medium mixing bowl and a whisk to combine the sauce ingredients. A whisk helps to ensure the sauce is smooth and free of lumps before you pour it over the potatoes.
Must-Know Tips
- 💡**Layer Evenly:** Take a moment to spread the potatoes and sausage in even layers. This ensures that every scoop has a little bit of everything and that the sauce is distributed properly for even cooking.
- 💡**Don't Lift the Lid:** It's so tempting to peek, I know! But every time you lift the lid on your slow cooker, heat escapes and it can add a significant amount of time to the cooking process. Trust the process and let it do its thing.
- 💡**Rest Before Serving:** After it's done cooking, let the dish rest with the lid off for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken up just a little bit more, making it perfectly creamy and luscious when you serve it.
Serving Suggestion
When it's time to serve, I love to scoop this right from the crockpot into low, wide bowls. It looks so rustic and inviting. A generous sprinkle of fresh, finely chopped chives or green onions on top adds a beautiful touch of green and a mild, fresh bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese. It’s so satisfying and complete on its own, you honestly don’t need much else. For a more complete meal, especially if you have guests, a simple side salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette is a perfect companion. The acidity provides a lovely contrast. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus also work beautifully. If you love potato-based meals, you might also enjoy these steak bites and potatoes for another cozy dinner idea. The goal is to complement the star of the show, not overshadow it.
Storage Instructions
Storing leftovers is a breeze, and honestly, they might be even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Allow the potatoes to cool down completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I wouldn't recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the potatoes and the cream-based sauce can change significantly upon thawing, often becoming watery and grainy. When you're ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is gently in a saucepan over low heat. Add a small splash of milk to help loosen the sauce and restore its original creaminess, stirring occasionally until it's heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the stovetop method really helps bring it back to life.
Allergy Information
This recipe contains dairy (milk, sour cream, cheese) and gluten (in the condensed soup). Please be sure to check the labels on all your ingredients, especially the condensed soup and beef sausage, for any hidden allergens like soy or wheat. For a gluten-free version, be sure to use a certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verify that your sausage is gluten-free. Always exercise caution and read labels carefully if you or your guests have any food allergies.
The nutritional information provided here is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. The values are calculated using an online calculator and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, exact measurements, and serving sizes. This information should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for any specific dietary needs or health concerns.
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