Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

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Nothing screams comfort food quite like a bubbling dish of Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole. This hearty meal is a beautiful medley of smoky, savory kielbasa slices tucked into creamy, cheesy potatoes with just the right amount of seasoning. Every spoonful is rich, satisfying, and guaranteed to win over the whole table—from hungry kids to picky eaters and even the most seasoned foodies.

It’s the perfect dish for cozy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can whip up this casserole in no time, letting your oven do most of the work. The golden crust, gooey cheese, and tender potatoes are a flavor trio that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

• It’s incredibly easy to put together—perfect for busy nights.
• Combines simple pantry staples with bold, comforting flavors.
• Great for meal prepping; reheats beautifully.
• Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Works as a full meal or a side dish for gatherings.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, gather the following essential tools to make the process smooth and mess-free:

• Cutting board and sharp knife: To slice the kielbasa and dice the potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
• Large skillet: To lightly brown the sausage and add a depth of flavor before baking.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for tossing the potatoes, sausage, and cheese mixture together.
• Casserole dish (9×13 inch): The perfect size for evenly baking the casserole.
• Aluminum foil: To cover during baking and prevent the cheese from overbrowning.

Each of these tools plays a key role in preparing the dish efficiently, ensuring everything is cooked to perfection and clean-up is minimal.

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Preparation Tips

Start by cutting your potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes—this ensures they cook at the same rate and become tender throughout. Lightly brown the kielbasa slices before adding them to the casserole for added flavor and texture. Don’t skimp on the cheese—use a good melting cheese like sharp cheddar for that perfect creamy consistency. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked or leftover potatoes. Finally, let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

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Ingredients for this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

• 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 14 oz smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh for garnish)
• Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the casserole dish

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Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Peel and cube the potatoes into even 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Slice the kielbasa sausage into thin, round pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.

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Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the kielbasa slices until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-6 minutes. This adds flavor and helps the sausage maintain its texture during baking. Set aside.

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Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure no lumps form. Simmer until slightly thickened. Add in paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, browned kielbasa, and cheese sauce. Mix gently until everything is coated evenly.

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Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Pour the potato and sausage mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese on top for a golden finish.

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Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. Check that the potatoes are fork-tender.

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Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. Sprinkle with dried or fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy as a full meal or pair with a light salad or green vegetable.

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Notes

For the creamiest texture, use a mix of whole milk and heavy cream in your cheese sauce. You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon Gold for a slightly buttery flavor and smoother consistency. Sharp cheddar cheese works best for a bold, cheesy punch, but feel free to add mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness. This casserole is versatile—add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even broccoli to sneak in more veggies without sacrificing flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Undercooking the potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are diced small and cooked long enough; undercooked potatoes will ruin the dish’s texture.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning the kielbasa boosts the flavor. Don’t toss it in raw.
• Overheating the cheese sauce: Keep the heat medium to low while melting the cheese to prevent curdling.
• Forgetting to cover the dish: Covering during the first phase of baking ensures the potatoes cook evenly and stay moist.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the full dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 1020mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, frozen diced potatoes or hash browns can be used—just make sure they’re thawed and drained before mixing.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar is ideal, but a mix of cheeses like Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even Gruyère works beautifully.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap kielbasa for vegetarian sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The potatoes should be fork-tender and the top golden and bubbly. A knife should easily pierce through the center.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger casserole dish or two 9×13 pans and increase the baking time slightly.

What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with a fresh green salad, sautéed greens, or a light soup.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the roux.

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Conclusion

Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is the definition of comfort in a dish—simple, hearty, and bursting with rich, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, prepping for a potluck, or looking to spice up your meal rotation, this dish delivers every time. With its golden top, creamy center, and smoky bites of sausage, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

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