Kielbasa and Potato Casserole

Kielbasa and Potato Casserole

Introduction

Kielbasa and Potato Casserole is a warm and filling dish that brings comfort to your table. This recipe is perfect for chilly nights, family gatherings, or just when you need something hearty. With creamy layers and the savory taste of kielbasa, it’s hard to resist!

Why Make This Recipe

This casserole is not just delicious, it’s also easy to make! You can whip it up on a busy weeknight or enjoy it during a lazy weekend. The combination of potatoes and kielbasa is a classic, and everyone in the family will love digging into a bowl of this cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy simple ingredients!

How to Make Kielbasa and Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 3 cups russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound smoked kielbasa sausage
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 can cheddar cheese soup
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add sliced kielbasa, cooking until browned.
3. In a separate pot, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Stir in flour and cook for a minute. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until thickened.
5. Add ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese soup. Mix well.
6. In a greased casserole dish, layer sliced potatoes and cooked kielbasa.
7. Pour the cheese sauce over the layers and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Kielbasa and Potato Casserole

This casserole is best served warm. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a bit of color. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Store Kielbasa and Potato Casserole

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole before baking it. Just cover it well and it can last for a month in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

Tips to Make Kielbasa and Potato Casserole

• Slice the potatoes thinly for quicker cooking.
• Feel free to use any kind of sausage you like for a twist on flavor.
• If you want a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.

Variation

You can turn this casserole into a vegetarian dish by replacing the kielbasa with your favorite meat substitute or by adding in extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals.

3. Can I add other kinds of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun flavor change.