Dump Meal: Cheesy Kielbasa Hash Brown Casserole
History and Overview
This dish is a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget. Dump meals, where ingredients are simply “dumped” into a slow cooker, are known for their simplicity and ease of preparation, making them ideal for busy families or anyone who wants a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. Kielbasa, a type of smoked sausage, adds a savory, smoky flavor to the dish, while the cheesy hash browns provide a creamy and satisfying base. This meal has roots in American comfort food, with influences from Eastern European cuisine, where kielbasa is a staple.
Benefits
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe costs around $12 or less, making it an affordable option for feeding a large group.
- Nutrient-Rich: The meal is rich in protein from the kielbasa and cheese, and provides carbohydrates from the hash browns, making it a balanced and filling dish.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker, this meal is perfect for busy days.
- Customizable: You can easily add more vegetables or swap out the soup for a different flavor to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 package Kielbasa or smoked sausage (about 14 oz, Ekrich brand recommended), cut into chunks
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen hash browns
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 (10 oz) can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- Salt, pepper, minced garlic, and onion powder to taste
- Optional: Additional 1/2 cup cheddar cheese for topping
Method
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Cut the kielbasa or smoked sausage into bite-sized chunks.
- Dice the small onion.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker:
- In a greased slow cooker (use crockpot liners for easy cleanup), add the kielbasa chunks, frozen hash browns, diced onion, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, milk, and sour cream until well combined.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and onion powder to taste.
- Combine and Cook:
- Pour the soup mixture over the sausage and hash brown mixture in the slow cooker.
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top, if desired.
- Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the dish is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Serve the casserole hot, alongside a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or Texas garlic toast for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers to increase the vegetable content.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier version, use spicy sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
- Cheese Variations: Try using a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to make it your own based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.