Sizzling Cheesy Ranch Hash Brown Casserole with Sausage Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy ranch hash brown casserole that blends savory sausage into every delightful bite.

Layers of crispy potatoes mingle with melted cheese and zesty ranch seasoning for a mouthwatering experience.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these hearty breakfast bakes that warm both stomach and soul.

Crisp sausage crumbles add a robust meaty dimension to the classic potato casserole.

Bold flavors dance across your palate with each forkful of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Weekend brunches and lazy mornings deserve something special that brings everyone to the table.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch faces light up with pure culinary delight.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Hash Brown Casserole

• Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: Crispy potato base that creates hearty texture and fills the casserole with comfort.
• Smoked Sausage: Adds rich, smoky protein and elevates the overall flavor profile with its savory notes.
• Bell Peppers: Provides vibrant color, subtle sweetness, and nutritional boost to the dish.
• Onion: Delivers deep, aromatic foundation and classic savory undertones.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates luxurious, silky consistency that helps blend all ingredients smoothly.
• Sour Cream: Introduces tangy richness and helps maintain moisture in the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese Soup: Ensures extra cheesy flavor and helps bind ingredients together.

• Ranch Seasoning: Infuses zesty, herbaceous flavor that complements the hearty ingredients.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating golden, crispy top layer with irresistible cheesy pull.

What You’ll Need for This Hearty Casserole

• Large Skillet: Essential for perfectly sautéing sausage, bell peppers, and onions until golden brown.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Needed to stir and mix ingredients smoothly during sautéing and in the crockpot.
• Crockpot/Slow Cooker: Key tool for cooking the entire casserole and blending all those delicious flavors together.
• Measuring Cups: Important for accurately portioning out ingredients like cream and cheese soup.
• Cutting Board: Used for slicing sausage, bell peppers, and dicing onions before cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Helps with precise chopping of ingredients for the casserole.

Directions for Building a Flavor-Packed Sausage Bake

• Flavor Foundations

Warm up a skillet and transform smoked sausage, bell peppers, and onions into a golden, fragrant medley. The sizzling sounds and rich aromas will set the stage for an incredible comfort dish.

• Creamy Crockpot Magic

Slide the sautéed goodness into your crockpot. Pour in frozen hash browns, create a luxurious sauce with cream, cheese soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Sprinkle generous handfuls of shredded cheese throughout, ensuring every bite promises deliciousness.

• Low and Slow Perfection

Secure the crockpot lid and let culinary alchemy happen. On high heat, this casserole transforms in about 2 hours; on low, it develops deep, rich flavors over 4 hours. Watch for tender potatoes and a bubbling, inviting surface that signals your meal is ready to devour.

Tips for Crisp Edges and Center

• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. Experiment with different heat levels to suit your taste buds and make the dish more exciting.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Swap out cheddar cheese soup for different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Swiss. Mix multiple cheese types to create a unique, rich flavor profile that'll surprise your dinner guests.
• Veggie Swap: Replace bell peppers with zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a different nutritional boost. Each vegetable brings its own texture and flavor to transform the classic recipe.
• Protein Power: Substitute smoked sausage with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or crumbled bacon. This versatile dish welcomes various protein options to keep things interesting and cater to different dietary preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire mixture the night before and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the crockpot when ready to cook, making meal prep a breeze for busy families or weekend gatherings.

Best Times to Serve This Comfort Casserole

• Breakfast Champion Plate: Pair this hearty casserole with a fresh side of scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a complete morning feast that'll energize your entire day.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad and fresh fruit to balance the rich, creamy texture of the casserole, creating a perfectly rounded meal.
• Potluck Party Showstopper: Scoop this delicious dish into a decorative serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions or chives to add a pop of color and fresh flavor that'll wow your friends and family.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Cut into smaller portions and serve as a delightful appetizer during sports gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness in bite-sized portions.

Keep and Reheat the Casserole Without Drying It Out

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare this casserole in large quantities during weekend meal prep. Divide into individual portions for quick grab-and-go breakfasts or hearty lunch options throughout the busy work week.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap tightly sealed portions in aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers. These meals stay delicious up to 3 months when frozen, offering convenient reheating options for hectic days.
• Refrigeration Tips: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Consume refrigerated portions within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety. Gently reheat in microwave or oven, adding a splash of cream to maintain moisture.
• Serving Temperature Hack: Best enjoyed warm, directly from the crockpot. If serving later, keep on low setting or transfer to warm oven at 200°F to maintain consistent temperature and prevent ingredient separation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 9

Hearty Ranch Hash Brown Casserole with Sausage

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Cheesy ranch hash brown casserole with sausage brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and creamy ranch blend perfectly for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bag frozen shredded hash browns
• ¾ cup (177 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1 can cheddar cheese soup
• ½ cup (118 ml) sour cream
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 cup (226 g) shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Brown smoked sausage with bell peppers and onions in a skillet over medium-high heat until vegetables soften and meat caramelizes, releasing robust flavors.
2. Layer Foundation: Transfer sautéed mixture into slow cooker, creating a savory base layer for the casserole.
3. Incorporate Potatoes: Distribute frozen hash browns evenly across the sausage and vegetable mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Create Creamy Mixture: Blend heavy whipping cream, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning, whisking thoroughly to develop a rich, tangy sauce that coats all ingredients.
5. Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, creating a decadent golden layer that will melt and bind the casserole.
6. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on high for two hours or low for four hours, allowing ingredients to meld and potatoes to become tender while developing deep, complementary flavors.
7. Final Preparation: Once potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is completely melted, remove lid and let casserole rest for 10 minutes to stabilize and enhance flavor integration before serving.

Notes

• Sausage Searing Technique: Brown sausage on medium-high heat to develop deep caramelized flavors and enhance overall dish complexity.
• Cheese Distribution Strategy: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly to guarantee uniform melting and maximum flavor coverage across the entire casserole.
• Slow Cooker Timing Flexibility: Adjust cooking time between high (2 hours) and low (4 hours) settings based on your schedule and desired texture intensity.
• Resting Period Importance: Allow 10-minute cooling period after cooking to stabilize ingredients, making serving easier and allowing flavors to fully integrate.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg