Discover the Delight of Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes

Slow cooker meals are the epitome of comfort food – hearty, flavorful, and effortless to prepare. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes dish. This one-pot wonder combines savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce for a delightful and satisfying dinner. The best part? You can set it and forget it, letting your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the mouthwatering aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes

• 1 pound sausage (Italian or smoked)
• 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

Preparing the Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes

To start, wash and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, and slice the sausage into rounds. Layer half of the potatoes in the slow cooker, followed by half of the sausage and some diced onions. Next, mix the cream of mushroom soup with half the cheddar cheese and pour it over the layers. Top with the remaining potatoes and sausage, finishing off with the leftover onion and cheese.

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and let the magic happen. Cook the Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until everything is tender and the flavors have melded together. When the cooking time is up, give the dish a gentle stir before serving.

The Benefits of Slow Cooking

Slow cookers are culinary lifesavers, especially for busy home cooks. The beauty of this Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes recipe lies in its simplicity and hands-off approach. By allowing the ingredients to simmer away in the slow cooker, you’ll end up with a mouthwatering meal that practically cooks itself. The low, steady heat helps the flavors intensify and the textures become delightfully tender.

Another perk of slow cooking is the incredible aroma that fills your home. As the sausage, potatoes, and creamy sauce meld together, the scent will have your family eagerly awaiting dinnertime. Plus, with minimal prep work required, you can enjoy a delicious, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredient Spotlight: Sausage and Potatoes

The star ingredients in this Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes recipe are, of course, the sausage and the potatoes. When it comes to the sausage, you have a couple of options: Italian or smoked. Both varieties will work beautifully, so choose whichever suits your taste buds best.

As for the potatoes, Yukon Gold and Russet are excellent choices. Yukon Golds are known for their creamy, buttery texture, while Russets hold their shape well during the slow cooking process. Whichever you choose, be sure to dice them into even pieces for the most consistent cooking.

The cheddar cheese, diced onion, and cream of mushroom soup work together to create a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite. Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties or add extra vegetables to suit your preferences.

Cooking Tips for Perfection

To ensure your Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes turn out perfectly, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Layering for Flavor: The key to this dish is in the layering. By alternating the potatoes, sausage, and onions, you create distinct pockets of flavor that meld together as they cook.
• Even Cooking: Cut the potatoes and sausage into similar-sized pieces to promote even cooking throughout the slow cooker. This will prevent any undercooked or overcooked areas.
• Gentle Stirring: When it’s time to serve, gently stir the dish to combine the ingredients without breaking down the tender potatoes.
• Doneness Cues: The sausage should be fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 160°F) and the potatoes should be fork-tender when the dish is ready.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes

This hearty and comforting dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce. For a complete meal, you can also add a simple vegetable side, such as steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts.

When it comes to portions, this Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes recipe typically serves 4-6 people, depending on appetites. However, the beauty of slow cooker meals is that they often yield excellent leftovers, perfect for lunches or a quick and easy dinner the next day.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

Each serving of this Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes dish contains approximately 450 calories, 25 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that provides a balanced blend of macronutrients.

For those following a gluten-free diet, this recipe can be easily adapted by using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Additionally, you can explore alternative cheese options, such as a lactose-free cheddar or a plant-based cheese, to accommodate dietary restrictions.

FAQs About Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes

What is the best way to adjust cooking time if I want to make a smaller or larger batch of this dish?

When adjusting the cooking time for a smaller or larger batch of Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes, it’s essential to consider the volume of ingredients in relation to the slow cooker size. For smaller batches, you can typically maintain the same cooking time, but check for doneness about 30 minutes earlier. For larger batches, increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes to 1 hour on the low setting, as the additional ingredients will require more time to reach the appropriate temperature. Always ensure the sausage is fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F) and the potatoes are tender before serving.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of pre-peeled or frozen ones?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh potatoes for this recipe! If you opt for fresh potatoes, it’s best to wash and peel them before dicing. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are excellent choices as they hold up well during slow cooking. Just make sure to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can also consider parboiling the potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker, which can help soften them and reduce overall cooking time.

How can I add more vegetables to this recipe without sacrificing flavor?

To incorporate more vegetables into your Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes without compromising flavor, consider adding hearty vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. Chop them into similar sizes as the sausage and potatoes, and layer them in the slow cooker. You can also sauté them briefly before adding them, which enhances their flavor. Adding a bit of garlic or onion can also elevate the taste of the dish. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the slow cooker, as this may affect cooking times.

What can I do if my dish turns out too watery after cooking?

If your Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes ends up too watery, there are a few steps you can take to remedy this. First, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can thicken the sauce by mixing in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) and cooking on high for an additional 15-30 minutes until it thickens. For future preparations, consider reducing the amount of cream of mushroom soup or adding less liquid if you prefer a thicker consistency.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Smoked Sausage and Cheddar Potato Gratin
• One-Pot Sausage and Peppers Mac and Cheese
• Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans
• Cheesy Broccoli Sausage Pasta Skillet

Slow cooker meals like this Easy Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes are the ultimate in comfort food and convenience. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner that will have your family coming back for seconds. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to savor the rich, cheesy goodness in every bite!

Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

Print