Print

Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Casserole – Easy Comfort Dinner

cheesy kielbasa potato casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting, cheesy casserole with crispy potatoes, smoky kielbasa, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 lb smoked kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warm
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until just fork-tender. Drain well and set aside.
  3. While the potatoes are boiling, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and diced onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kielbasa is browned and the onion is softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking often, until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained parboiled potatoes and the kielbasa-onion mixture. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Parboiling the potatoes is crucial for a tender interior and crispy exterior. Shred your own cheese for a smooth, creamy sauce. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy kielbasa potato casserole, easy comfort dinner, kielbasa casserole, potato casserole, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://larameals.com/cheesy-kielbasa-potato-casserole-easy-comfort-dinner/