If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, it’s this Cheesy Kielbasa Sausage and Potato Casserole.
The savory aroma of kielbasa sausage sizzling with onions and tender potatoes bubbling in creamy, cheesy goodness takes me right back to family dinners at my grandmother’s house.
She loved simple, hearty meals that brought everyone to the table, and this casserole was always a favorite.
It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or keeping leftovers for those busy weeknights when you need dinner in a flash. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper.
What’s Inside This Recipe?
Ingredients for Cheesy Kielbasa Sausage and Potato Casserole
Let’s get everything ready! You’ll love how simple this ingredient list is most of these are pantry staples or easy to grab at the store.
- 1 pound Beef kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
You’ll also need a 9×13-inch baking dish and some foil. Preheat your oven to 375°F while you gather everything. Ready? Let’s cook!
How to Make Cheesy Kielbasa Sausage and Potato Casserole
This recipe is straightforward, and I’ll walk you through it step by step. You’ll have a delicious, cheesy dinner in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the creamy sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a roux (a thick base for the sauce).
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking to avoid lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the cheese melts into the sauce, remove it from heat.
Step 3: Layer the casserole
Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish, followed by half of the cooked kielbasa.
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, kielbasa, and sauce.
Step 4: Bake to bubbly perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.
The cheese should be golden and bubbly, and the potatoes fork-tender.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’d like a pop of color. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Recipe Variations and Customization Ideas
This recipe is so versatile! Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Homemade Turkey Kielbasa Sausage: You can make smoky homemade turkey kielbasa using ground turkey instead of beef. It has the same smoky, garlicky flavor you love, but with less fat, making it a lighter opion for grilling, stir-fries, soups, or hearty breakfasts.
- Vegetarian version: Swap the kielbasa for plant-based sausage or roasted veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce. It works just as well!
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy kielbasa to give the dish a little heat.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Leftovers reheat beautifully and even taste better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kielbasa Sausage and Potato Casserole
What Is Kielbasa Sausage?
Kielbasa is a traditional Polish sausage known for its hearty texture and garlicky, smoky flavor. The word “kielbasa” simply means “sausage” in Polish, and it comes in many varieties, most commonly made with beef or turkey versions exist too.
It’s often smoked, but can also be fresh, and is typically seasoned with garlic, marjoram, and pepper. Kielbasa is enjoyed grilled, boiled, or sautéed, and is a staple in Polish cuisine.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, absolutely! While kielbasa adds a smoky, savory flavor, you can use any fully cooked sausage like smoked sausage, andouille, or even chicken sausage.
What’s the best way to slice the potatoes?
I recommend using a mandoline slicer if you have one. It ensures the potatoes are evenly thin, so they cook through perfectly. If cutting by hand, aim for slices about ⅛ inch thick.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and let it cool completely before freezing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with a light side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus. The freshness balances the richness of the casserole nicely.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a great substitute! They’ll add a slightly sweeter flavor, which pairs beautifully with the smoky kielbasa and creamy cheese sauce.
Ready to Make It Tonight?
There you have it an irresistible Cheesy Kielbasa Sausage and Potato Casserole that’s hearty, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to make. I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.
The combination of smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and ooey-gooey cheese is truly a winner.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Drop a comment below and let me know if you tried any fun variations or served it for a special occasion. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram or Pinterest so I can see your delicious creations.
Looking for more comforting dinners? Try my Easy Sausage and Veggie Skillet or my Creamy Potato and Ham Casserole. They’re just as simple and satisfying!
Happy cooking!
Wanda
Kielbasa Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Some foil
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the sausage
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and slightly crispy. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the creamy sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a roux (a thick base for the sauce).
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking to avoid lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the cheese melts into the sauce, remove it from heat.
Step 3: Layer the casserole
- Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish, followed by half of the cooked kielbasa.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, kielbasa, and sauce.
Step 4: Bake to bubbly perfection
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.
- The cheese should be golden and bubbly, and the potatoes fork-tender.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’d like a pop of color. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal.
