The Best Cheesy Ranch Hash Brown Casserole with Sausage Recipe

Cheesy ranch hash brown casserole combines comforting breakfast flavors that instantly spark hunger and excitement.

Imagine a creamy, golden dish packed with savory goodness and irresistible textures.

Crispy potato edges mingle with melted cheese and zesty ranch seasoning for a mouthwatering experience.

Hearty sausage adds robust protein and depth to this crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Weekend brunch champions will adore this simple yet spectacular recipe that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.

Rich layers of flavor promise a delightful dish you can’t wait to devour.

Grab your skillet and get ready to impress everyone at the table with this ultimate breakfast sensation.

Cheesy Ranch Hash Brown Casserole with Hearty Sausage

• This casserole delivers a satisfying one-pot dish packed with rich flavors, combining smoky sausage, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Minimal preparation and hands-off cooking make this recipe perfect for busy families, allowing you to toss ingredients together and let the crockpot work its delicious transformation while you tackle other tasks.
• The combination of ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and smoked sausage creates a mouthwatering blend that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal potluck or family dinner option that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles.
• This flexible recipe adapts easily to different preferences, can be prepared ahead of time, and offers a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and comforting potatoes in a single, convenient dish.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Hash Brown Casserole

• Smoked Sausage: Hearty meat that adds smoky flavor and protein to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that creates a rich and creamy texture.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful and sweet vegetable that provides crunch and flavor.
• Onion: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and sweetness to the dish.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Luxurious ingredient that makes the casserole extra creamy.
• Sour Cream: Tangy element that adds richness and slight tang.
• Cheddar Cheese Soup: Convenient base that enhances cheesy flavor and helps bind ingredients.

• Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: Convenient potato base that creates the casserole's foundation.
• Ranch Seasoning: Zesty mix that provides a signature tangy and herbal flavor profile.

How to Assemble the Best Hash Brown Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Base

• Smoked sausage (sliced)
• Bell peppers (sliced)
• Sweet onions (diced)

Sizzle and cook until vegetables become soft and sausage edges turn golden brown, releasing mouthwatering aromas throughout your kitchen.

Step 2: Create Creamy Potato Mixture

• Frozen hash brown potatoes
• Heavy cream
• Cheddar cheese soup
• Tangy sour cream
• Zesty ranch seasoning packet
• Shredded cheese blend

Stir everything together until each ingredient is beautifully incorporated and coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

• High setting: 2 hours
• Low setting: 4 hours

Wait patiently as the casserole transforms, potatoes becoming tender and flavors dancing together into a comforting masterpiece.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the steaming hot casserole onto plates. Watch as cheese stretches and sausage peeks through the creamy potato landscape. Gather your loved ones and savor every delicious bite of this hearty, crowd-pleasing dish.

Tips for Even Cooking and Golden Topping

• Sear Sausage Perfectly: Brown the sausage on high heat to develop rich, caramelized flavors that elevate the entire casserole's taste profile.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure every bite has a balanced combination of sausage, cheese, and seasonings.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Avoid over-stirring to prevent hash browns from becoming mushy, maintaining their crispy potato texture.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or gruyère to create unique flavor variations of the classic recipe.
• Boost Ranch Flavor: For an extra punch, sprinkle additional ranch seasoning just before serving to intensify the tangy, herbal notes.

Storing and Reheating Casserole to Keep It Crisp

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of cream to maintain moisture.
• Microwave Option: Spoon individual portions into a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the casserole is steaming hot and reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Dishes That Pair with Cheesy Casseroles

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Cut through the richness of the cheesy casserole with a light, tangy salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the creamy, hearty dish.
• Complement with Cold Beer: Choose a light lager or amber ale that will refresh your palate and match the bold, savory flavors of the sausage and cheese.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetable Medley: Add a colorful side of roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to bring a fresh, slightly charred contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Finish with Chilled Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a cool, crunchy cucumber slaw with a hint of dill to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, cheesy hash brown dish.

Variations for Morning or Dinner Versions

• Spicy Southwest Sausage Skillet: Replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
• Bacon and Cheddar Potato Bake: Swap smoked sausage with crispy bacon pieces, use sharp cheddar cheese, and sprinkle green onions on top for extra flavor.
• Vegetarian Veggie Hash Brown Casserole: Substitute sausage with plant-based protein crumbles, add mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable cream soup for a meatless version.
• Mediterranean Herb Potato Medley: Incorporate herbs like rosemary and thyme, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

FAQs on Cheesy Sausage Casseroles

• Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen ones?

While frozen hash browns work best for this recipe, you can use fresh shredded potatoes. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

• Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and store them in the crockpot insert in the refrigerator overnight. Just pop it in the crockpot and cook when you’re ready to serve.

• Can I substitute the sausage with another meat?

Yes! Cooked ground beef, bacon, or diced ham work great as alternatives to smoked sausage. Just ensure the meat is pre-cooked before adding to the crockpot.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and a lighter cream soup to cut down on calories. You can also use turkey sausage for a leaner protein option.

Cheesy Ranch Hash Brown Casserole With Sausage Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cheesy ranch hash brown casserole with sausage brings comfort and zest to your breakfast table. Crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and creamy ranch blend into a hearty morning meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) smoked sausage, sliced

Vegetables:

• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, diced

Base Ingredients:

• 1 regular size bag frozen shredded hash browns
• ¾ cup (177 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 1 can cheddar cheese soup
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 cup (226 grams) shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature and carefully brown the smoked sausage with bell peppers and onions until vegetables soften and meat develops a rich golden exterior, releasing aromatic flavors.
2. Transfer the sautéed mixture into a slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the casserole.
3. Add frozen hash browns directly into the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution among the sausage and vegetable mixture.
4. Pour heavy whipping cream and cheddar cheese soup into the slow cooker, creating a creamy foundation for the dish.
5. Incorporate sour cream and ranch seasoning, whisking gently to integrate the tangy and herbaceous elements throughout the mixture.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious, golden blanket across the casserole.
7. Cover the slow cooker and set to high heat, allowing the ingredients to meld and marry for approximately two hours. Alternatively, cook on low setting for four hours if a slower, more gradual preparation is preferred.
8. Verify doneness by checking that potatoes are tender and the cheese has melted completely, creating a bubbling, appetizing surface.
9. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle and ensure easier serving.

Notes

• Meal Prep Magic: Brown the sausage and veggies beforehand to intensify flavors and save precious cooking time on busy days.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for a more luxurious, melty texture that elevates the entire dish.
• Crockpot Convenience: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, comforting meal with minimal hands-on effort.
• Seasoning Secret: Ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herbal kick that transforms ordinary hash brown casserole into an extraordinary crowd-pleaser.
• Flexibility Factor: Swap smoked sausage with breakfast sausage or bacon for a personalized twist that suits your taste preferences.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with a crisp green salad or fresh fruit to balance the rich, creamy casserole and create a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 173
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg