Description

If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that practically cooks itself, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Casserole. It’s the perfect recipe for busy mornings, family brunches, or cozy dinners when you want something hearty and satisfying. With simple ingredients like frozen hash browns, breakfast sausage, and plenty of gooey cheese, this dish brings all the flavors of a classic breakfast casserole without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole

1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns
1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 small onion, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Before you begin, spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, cooked and crumbled sausage, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, diced onion, shredded cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and distributed. The mixture should look creamy and well-blended.

Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Spoon the mixture into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This ensures even cooking and helps the casserole set nicely as it cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Casserole

Cover the slow cooker and cook the casserole on low for 5–6 hours. The low and slow cooking method allows the hash browns to become tender, the sausage flavors to meld, and the cheese to melt into gooey goodness. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking unless necessary to maintain a consistent temperature.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest uncovered for about 10 minutes. This helps the dish firm up slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs like chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Slow Cooker Size: A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe.

Hash Browns: No need to thaw the hash browns beforehand; they cook perfectly from frozen.

Sausage: Cook the sausage thoroughly before adding it to the casserole mixture to ensure even cooking.

Cheese: For extra cheesiness, stir in an additional ½ cup of cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours