Crock Pot Ground Sausage and Potato Casserole – A Hearty and Easy Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, you’ll love this Crock Pot Ground Sausage and Potato Casserole. It’s one of those dump-and-go slow cooker recipes that fills your home with delicious smells and leaves you with a warm, satisfying dinner.

Instead of using ground beef like in most slow cooker casseroles, this version uses ground sausage, which adds a rich and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with tender potatoes, vegetables, and a cheesy, creamy sauce.

This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending much time in the kitchen. After a few hours in the crock pot, the potatoes soften and soak up all the flavor from the sausage and seasonings.

Stir in a little cheese at the end, and you’ve got a delicious casserole that tastes like it took a lot more effort than it did.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make crock pot ground sausage and potato casserole. You may already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.

• Ground sausage – Use mild or spicy ground sausage depending on your taste preference. It’s a great way to add more flavor than traditional ground beef.
• Shallot – Has a gentler flavor than onions, which helps balance the richness of the sausage.
• Water – Helps create steam in the crock pot so the potatoes cook evenly and stay moist.
• Russet potato – The potato slices break down nicely in the crock pot, becoming soft and tender. Just be sure to peel them first. *You will need 1 large Russet potato.
• Onion soup mix – Adds a nice boost of flavor with minimal effort. *Use the other half of the packet to make: Crock Pot Beef Tips & Noodles
• Diced tomatoes – Use petite diced tomatoes for better texture. You’ll need both the tomatoes and their juice.
• Frozen corn – Sweet corn adds a touch of color and sweetness that works well with the sausage.
• Cream cheese – Makes the sauce creamy and rich without needing a ton of other ingredients.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Added at the end for flavor and to help bring all the ingredients together.
• Salt and pepper – To season everything just before serving.

Why Ground Sausage Works So Well

Instead of using ground beef I use sausage in this casserole to give it a completely different flavor profile. Sausage has built-in seasoning that makes the dish taste like you added a bunch of spices, even though you didn’t. It’s a simple change that makes a big impact.

You can use mild sausage if you prefer a more classic flavor, or hot sausage if you like things a bit spicier. You can even use ground turkey or chicken sausage. No matter what you choose, the sausage adds a depth of flavor that makes this crock pot ground sausage and potato casserole extra delicious.

Crock Pot Ground Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ pound ground sausage (mild or spicy)
• ½ shallot, diced (or 1/4 cup diced sweet onion)
• ¼ cup water
• ¾ pound Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
• ½ (1 oz) packet onion soup mix
• ½ (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
• ½ cup frozen corn
• 2 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the Sausage and Shallots
Start by browning the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the sausage is mostly cooked, add the diced shallots. If you don’t have shallots on hand, add a little diced onion instead.

Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned and the shallots are soft. If you see a lot of grease in the pan, drain off the excess before moving to the next step.

2. Layer in the Crock Pot
Spray your crock pot with non-stick spray or use a crock pot liner for easier cleanup. Add the sausage and shallot mixture to the bottom of the crock pot.

3. Prep the Potatoes
Peel and slice the Russet potatoes into thin rounds or half-rounds, about ¼ inch thick. Place them on top of the sausage mixture.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour the water in the crock pot over the ground sausage and potato mixture, sprinkle on the onion soup mix, then add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and frozen corn. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Try to press the potatoes down into the liquid a bit so they cook evenly.

5. Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crock pot and cook the ground sausage and potato casserole on low for about 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.

6. Add the Cream Cheese
Once the potatoes are just fork tender, stir in the cream cheese. It will melt and create a creamy, flavorful base for your casserole. Let it continue to cook for another hour on low.

7. Stir in the Cheese and Serve
After that final hour, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. It should melt quickly. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Then it’s ready to serve.

Tips When Making Crock Pot Ground Sausage and Potato Casserole

• Thinly slice the potatoes – Thick slices will take longer to cook, and the casserole won’t have that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Submerge the potatoes – Try to push the potatoes into the liquid so they cook more evenly. Don’t worry if some slices are on top; the steam will still help them soften.
• Add the cheese last – Waiting until the end to add the cheddar keeps it from separating or getting grainy.

Customization Ideas

One of the best parts about this crock pot sausage and potato casserole is how easy it is to adapt. You can make a few simple swaps or additions depending on what you have on hand or your taste preference.

• Switch the cheese – Try Pepper Jack for spice, Colby Jack for creaminess, or even a Mexican or Italian blend.
• Try different vegetables – Corn is sweet and goes well with sausage, but frozen peas, green beans, or mixed vegetables work too.
• Swap the sausage – If you prefer a leaner dish, use turkey sausage. Or go all in with spicy Italian sausage for more heat.
• Use Greek yogurt – If you’re out of cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can give you that same creamy texture with a tangy twist. Plus, it is a little healthier.
• Add herbs – A sprinkle of thyme, parsley, or rosemary before serving gives it a fresh finish.

What to Serve With Ground Sausage and Potato Casserole

This dish is rich and hearty, so you don’t need much to go with it. A side salad or some steamed green beans will balance out the meal. If you want to stretch it a little further, warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are great for soaking up any extra sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftovers of crock pot sausage and potato casserole store really well. Here’s how to keep them tasting just as good the next day:

• Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: This casserole can be frozen. Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Or reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

When you need a reliable, filling dinner that doesn’t take a lot of time or effort, crock pot sausage and potato casserole is a great option. Whether you make it exactly as written or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this slow cooker dish is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Enjoy! Mary

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