Easy Cheesy Kielbasa Casserole
Okay, here we go! This Easy Cheesy Kielbasa Casserole is about to become your new best friend. Think cozy, comforting, and totally customizable. It’s basically a hug in a dish, and who doesn’t need more of those? Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up whatever veggies are hanging out in the fridge, looking sad. Trust me on this one – your taste buds will thank you.
So, picture this: It’s a Tuesday night, I’m staring into the fridge, and the kids are chanting “Dinner! Dinner!” like a hungry little tribe. My husband, bless his heart, is “working late” (aka scrolling through TikTok in the garage). I needed something quick, easy, and that everyone would actually *eat* without complaint. Enter this Cheesy Kielbasa Casserole. Seriously, it’s become our go-to “I-can’t-even” meal. One time, I accidentally used cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. Guess what? Still devoured. Now, it’s a regular request! That’s how you know it’s a winner.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesy Kielbasa Casserole
– It’s faster than ordering takeout. Seriously, from fridge to table in like, 30 minutes.
– Cheesy! Need I say more? Melty, gooey goodness.
– You can throw in pretty much any veggie you have lurking in the crisper drawer. Broccoli? Peppers? Onions? All fair game!
– Leftovers (if there ARE any leftovers) are amazing cold. Don’t judge me, I’ve eaten it straight from the fridge for breakfast.
– It’s a crowd-pleaser. Even my picky eater inhales it!
How to Make It
Alright, so first things first, crank up that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, let’s wrangle that kielbasa. Slice it up – I like thick-ish coins, but you do you. Next, grab a big ol’ skillet and brown those kielbasa slices. You don’t have to cook them all the way through, just get some nice color on them.
Now, if you’re using fresh veggies (and good for you if you are!), sauté them in the skillet until they’re tender-ish. I usually throw in some onions and peppers ’cause that’s what the kids will actually eat. If you’re using frozen veggies, just toss them in, no need to pre-cook.
In a big bowl – and I mean BIG, because we’re about to get cheesy – mix together your cooked kielbasa, veggies, cream of whatever soup (cream of chicken is classic, but cream of mushroom is my sneaky secret weapon), and a whole lotta cheese. I’m talking, like, a mountain of cheese. Okay, maybe not a mountain, but you get the idea.
Pour that cheesy-kielbasa-veggie mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with even MORE cheese (because why not?) and bake until bubbly and golden brown. Usually, it takes about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and starting to get those little browned spots that everyone fights over. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, unless you’re into burning the roof of your mouth. Not that I’ve ever done that… more than once.
Ingredient Notes
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– Kielbasa Sausage: This is the star! I usually go for the smoked kind, but honestly, whatever you find on sale is fine. Just slice it up nice and thick-ish.
– Cream of Chicken Soup: The glue that holds it all together. Don’t judge, it works! If you’re feeling fancy, you could make your own cream sauce, but ain’t nobody got time for that on a Tuesday night.
– Cheddar Cheese: Because cheese makes everything better. Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but Monterey Jack or even a little pepper jack would be delicious too. Don’t skimp on the cheese, people!
– Frozen Mixed Vegetables: The lazy person’s way to get some veggies in. I always have a bag in the freezer for emergencies. Fresh veggies work too, of course, but ain’t nobody got time to chop all that.
– Onion: Adds a little flavor depth. I usually just chop up half an onion, but if you’re an onion lover, go wild.
– Garlic Powder: Because everything needs a little garlic. I’m pretty generous with this stuff.
– Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, obvs. Don’t be afraid to get a little heavy-handed with the pepper!
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Recipe Steps:
1. Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice: Slice the kielbasa sausage into thick coins.
3. Brown: Brown the kielbasa slices in a large skillet.
4. Sauté: If using fresh vegetables, sauté them in the skillet until tender.
5. Mix: In a large bowl, combine the cooked kielbasa, vegetables, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese.
6. Pour: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
7. Top: Top with additional cheese.
8. Bake: Bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
9. Cool: Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
What to Serve It With
Honestly? This casserole is pretty much a meal in itself. But if you’re feeling fancy, you could serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all that cheesy goodness. I’ve also been known to serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of hot sauce for a little extra kick.
Tips & Mistakes
Don’t overcook the veggies! Nobody likes mushy vegetables. If you’re using frozen veggies, add them towards the end of the cooking time.
If your casserole starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil. Nobody wants burnt cheese.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and veggies. This recipe is super forgiving.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? If you have any, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for a few days. And like I said, cold is delicious. Seriously. I won’t judge if you sneak a bite straight from the fridge at midnight. Or for breakfast. It’s *that* good.
Variations and Substitutions
Okay, so, the possibilities are endless here. No kielbasa? Use smoked sausage, ground beef, even leftover chicken! Don’t have cream of chicken soup? Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, even a can of cheddar cheese soup will work in a pinch. Veggies? Whatever you’ve got! I’ve thrown in everything from broccoli to spinach to zucchini. No cheddar cheese? Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack… go wild! I once accidentally used feta cheese (don’t ask), and it was… interesting. Not terrible, just… different. The only thing I wouldn’t skip is the cheese. Because, well, cheese.
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Easy Cheesy Kielbasa Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Kielbasa sausage
- 3 cups Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Sour cream
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook kielbasa according to package directions. Slice into 1/2-inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine potatoes, kielbasa, cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
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