Description
This hearty Kielbasa and Potato Casserole combines tender boiled potatoes, smoky browned kielbasa sausage, and a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection and topped with sharp cheddar cheese, this comforting one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Meat
- 3 cups russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 3 medium potatoes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked kielbasa sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups 2% milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (33%)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 can (284 ml) cheddar cheese soup
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in salted water for 10–12 minutes until they are tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
- Brown Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized kielbasa pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, then gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Add the ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and cracked black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
- Prepare Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the boiled potatoes, browned kielbasa, and the cheddar cheese soup. Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the mixture and stir gently to combine. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and evenly sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, you may optionally broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the potatoes when boiling to avoid them becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the salt and pepper.
- For a spicier version, consider adding some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
- Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
