Cheese, Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole is the kind of meal that warms your whole kitchen with comfort. Tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and gooey cheese bake together into one irresistible dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or next-day meal prep.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
This cheese, potato and smoked sausage casserole delivers everything you want in a cozy dinner. The creamy Velveeta-based sauce hugs every bite of potato, while sharp cheddar adds a little tang. Smoked sausage brings bold, savory flavor that balances the richness of the cheese. Together, they create a hearty, satisfying meal.
What makes this casserole so practical is its versatility. You can prepare it ahead, pop it in the oven when needed, and even freeze portions for later. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a reliable option for busy weeks. Plus, it’s an easy one-dish dinner that pairs with just a light salad or roasted vegetables. With minimal prep and plenty of comfort, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the best results, gather these simple ingredients:
- Potatoes (3 cups, boiled): Russets hold their shape and add fluffy texture.
- Smoked sausage (1 pound, sliced): Brings rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): Creates the base for a creamy sauce.
- Flour (4 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce without lumps.
- Milk (2 cups): Adds smooth creaminess.
- Velveeta cheese (½ pound): Melts into a velvety sauce.
- Cheddar cheese (½ cup, shredded): Adds sharp, cheesy bite.
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika): Simple but effective for balance and color.
Each ingredient plays a role, making this casserole cheesy, savory, and comforting in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Dish
First, set your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish, then add your boiled potato chunks and sliced smoked sausage. Spread evenly so every bite has both sausage and potato.
Cook the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and Velveeta pieces, stirring until melted and creamy.
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and sausage. Stir gently so everything gets coated. This step locks in flavor and keeps the casserole moist.
Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Dust lightly with paprika for color. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes. This short wait makes slicing easier and ensures the flavors settle before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
Parboil potatoes in advance to save time on busy nights. Always whisk the sauce slowly to keep it smooth and lump-free. For the best flavor, make sure potatoes and sausage are evenly coated in cheese sauce before baking. Don’t skip the resting step, as it helps the casserole firm up for serving. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like a pop of color.
Variations and Substitutions
This dish is flexible, so you can swap smoked sausage for kielbasa, Italian sausage, or even ground sausage. For cheese, try Monterey Jack for creaminess or pepper jack for a little kick. Add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. You can even swap half the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a fun twist. Each change keeps the casserole exciting while staying true to its comforting base.
What to Serve with This Casserole
Since this dish is rich and filling, pair it with lighter sides. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the cheesy richness. Garlic bread or rolls work perfectly for soaking up extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add a fresh, flavorful contrast.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Let leftovers cool to room temperature before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave single servings for convenience. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating to keep the flavor vibrant.
Related Recipes to Try
- cozy Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Meal
- hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole
- easy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- family-favorite Easy Tater Tot Casserole
- creamy Crock Pot Potatoes and Onions
- Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Pot Roast
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s needed for sausage casserole?
You’ll need potatoes, sausage, cheese, milk, butter, flour, and basic seasonings.
What to serve with sausage casserole, and potatoes?
Try a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies.
How long will potato casserole last in the fridge?
It keeps well for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
How long can I leave sausage casserole in the slow cooker?
No more than 4 hours on warm to avoid overcooking and drying out.
Conclusion
Cheese, Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole is pure comfort food that’s both hearty and easy to make. With its creamy sauce, smoky sausage, and tender potatoes, it delivers cozy flavor in every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving a cheesy, satisfying dinner, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. For more inspiration, check out my Pinterest collection of cozy recipes.
PrintCheese, Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy casserole with tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and a velvety sauce. Easy, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
3 cups potatoes, cut into chunks and boiled
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 pound Velveeta cheese, cut into pieces
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 pound smoked sausage, halved lengthwise then sliced
1/8 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Add boiled potato chunks and sliced smoked sausage; spread evenly.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
4. Slowly pour in milk, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Add salt, pepper, and Velveeta; stir until fully melted and blended.
6. Pour cheese sauce over potatoes and sausage; stir to coat evenly.
7. Top with shredded cheddar and a light sprinkle of paprika.
8. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
9. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Let casserole cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze, cool completely and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil; store up to 3 months.
Reheats well and is suitable for next-day meals.
Prep time is minimal if potatoes are parboiled in advance.
Use Russet potatoes for best texture.
You can substitute smoked sausage with ground sausage, Italian sausage, Polish sausage, or kielbasa.
Makes a hearty main dish; pairs well with a green salad or roasted vegetables.
Cheesy and savory with a smoky flavor.
Ideal for meal prep or potluck gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner Recipes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 1/8 of pan)
- Calories: 592
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 1559
- Fat: 42
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 23
- Cholesterol: 113