Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Savory Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Comfort food meets hearty satisfaction in this mouthwatering kielbasa sausage cheesy potato casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

Polish culinary traditions blend perfectly with creamy, melted cheese and savory meat.

Layers of tender potatoes intermingle with smoky sausage chunks, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Crispy edges and gooey centers make each bite an irresistible experience.

Weeknight dinners just became more exciting with this simple yet impressive dish.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together without complicated techniques.

Savor every forkful and watch everyone around the table ask for seconds.

Sausage, Cheese, and Spuds – What’s Not to Love?

  • Create a Hearty Weeknight Feast: Savor the rich, comforting layers of this kielbasa potato casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add your favorite vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for adapting to what's in your pantry.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Designed to feed a hungry family or group with minimal prep work and maximum satisfaction, this one-dish wonder brings everyone together around the table.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Stores beautifully in the refrigerator and reheats perfectly, making it an ideal option for busy families seeking delicious make-ahead dinners.

All the Hearty Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds a smoky and rich taste to the casserole.
  • Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that create a solid base and provide a creamy, comforting texture.
  • Bacon: Crispy pork product that brings a salty and intense flavor to the dish.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onions, Green Bell Peppers: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and subtle sweetness to the casserole.
For the Creamy and Cheese Components:
  • Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Dairy ingredients that contribute to the rich and smooth texture of the sauce.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and creates a golden, crispy topping.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the creamy sauce together.
For the Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, herbaceous garnish to finish the dish.

How to Bake Up This Casserole Crowd-Pleaser

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Fire up your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Sizzle the Kielbasa

Toss sliced kielbasa into a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until it’s beautifully browned and caramelized, releasing those mouthwatering flavors.

Step 3: Sauté Veggie Companions

In the same skillet, quickly cook chopped onions and green bell peppers until they turn translucent and soft.

Step 4: Create the Potato Foundation

Spread diced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a delicious base for the casserole.

Step 5: Sprinkle Bacon Goodness

Scatter crumbled bacon over the potato layer, ensuring every bite gets a taste of smoky deliciousness.

Step 6: Layer the Protein and Veggies

Arrange the browned kielbasa and sautéed vegetables on top of the bacon and potato base.

Step 7: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Sour cream
  • Heavy cream
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk until smooth and perfectly combined.

Step 8: Pour the Creamy Magic

Drizzle the creamy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, making sure everything gets a good coating.

Step 9: Add the Cheesy Crown

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top, creating a golden, melty masterpiece.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for tender potatoes and a bubbly, slightly crisp cheese top.

Step 11: Let It Rest

Pull the casserole out and let it sit for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and the dish to set up nicely.

Step 12: Final Flourish

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy, Cheesy Bite

  • Prevent Sticking: Generously grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and clean-up.
  • Maximize Flavor Depth: Sauté kielbasa and vegetables in the same skillet to capture and build layered, caramelized taste profiles.
  • Achieve Crispy Cheese Top: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and develop a perfect golden-brown crust.
  • Balance Texture: Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
  • Boost Herb Freshness: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a vibrant color and light, aromatic finish to the casserole.

Fun Ideas For Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

  • Vegetarian Comfort Casserole: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu, keeping similar spicing and browning techniques for texture and flavor.
  • Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips, maintaining the creamy layered structure while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Southwestern Adaptation: Add diced jalapeños, replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, incorporate chili powder and cumin for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Substitute kielbasa with chorizo, include roasted red peppers, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and sprinkle dried oregano for Mediterranean flair.

What Tastes Great With Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

  • Enhance Kielbasa Potato Casserole Pairings
  • Pair with Crisp Beer: Select a light lager or pilsner that cuts through the rich, creamy casserole and balances its hearty flavors with refreshing carbonation.
  • Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Create a zesty side salad with vinegar-based dressing to provide a crunchy, acidic contrast against the dense, creamy casserole texture.
  • Complement with Pickled Vegetables: Add quick-pickled cucumber or dill pickles to introduce a sharp, briny element that brightens the dish's heavy profile.
  • Match with Light Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Beaujolais with subtle fruit notes that won't overpower the casserole's robust ingredients.

Best Way To Store Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole's texture and flavor intact.
  • Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness and prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying, then warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole FAQs To Know

  • Why use kielbasa in this casserole?

Kielbasa adds a smoky, robust flavor and provides protein. Its slightly spicy and rich taste complements the creamy potatoes and cheese perfectly.

  • Can I substitute the cream ingredients?

Using all heavy cream or all sour cream works, but the combination creates a richer, more balanced sauce that coats the ingredients evenly and adds depth to the dish.

  • How do I ensure my potatoes cook evenly?

Dice potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces around 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook consistently and ensures each piece is tender without being mushy.

  • Is this dish good for a crowd?

Absolutely! This casserole serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and weeknight dinners where you want a hearty, satisfying meal.

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Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Polish kielbasa sausage cheesy potato casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Melted cheese, smoky sausage, and creamy potatoes create a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

Potato and Vegetables:

  • 4 cups potatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green bell peppers, diced

Dairy and Seasoning:

  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet, sauté sliced kielbasa over medium-high heat until lightly browned and caramelized, creating a rich flavor profile.
  3. Remove kielbasa and use the same skillet to quickly sauté chopped onions and green bell peppers until they become translucent and slightly softened.
  4. Layer diced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid foundation for the casserole.
  5. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the potato layer, distributing it uniformly for consistent flavor in each bite.
  6. Arrange the browned kielbasa and sautéed vegetables on top of the bacon and potato base.
  7. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
  8. Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Generously top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a thick, golden blanket of melted goodness.
  10. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbling and slightly crisp around the edges.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and casserole to set.
  12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Ensure potatoes are cut uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Use high-quality, thick-cut kielbasa for maximum flavor and a more robust sausage profile in each bite.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and use reduced-fat cheese to decrease overall calorie content.
  • Vegetarian adaptation possible by replacing kielbasa with smoked tofu or plant-based sausage alternative, maintaining similar smoky flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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