Hash Brown Casserole for the Slow Cooker Recipe

Name: Hash Brown Casserole for the Slow Cooker
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 255 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 2 cups sour cream; 2 cups shredded processed cheese; 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted; 0.5 cup chopped onion; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon pepper; 1 (32 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed

Cook Time: 240 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings.

2 cups sour cream
2 cups shredded processed cheese
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
cup chopped onion
teaspoon salt
teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (32 ounce) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed

Directions

Follow these simple steps to make this creamy, savory hash brown casserole:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, processed cheese, cream of mushroom soup, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Gradually add the thawed hash brown potatoes to the mixture, stirring until the potatoes are fully coated with the creamy mixture.
Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Transfer the hash brown mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on High for 1 hours.
After 1 hours, reduce the heat to Low and continue cooking for an additional 2 hours until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 198
Total Fat: 16g (21% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 9g (44% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 30mg (10% Daily Value)
Sodium: 472mg (21% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 15g (5% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 2g
Protein: 7g (13% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 6mg (6% Daily Value)
Calcium: 167mg (13% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (4% Daily Value)
Potassium: 383mg (8% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Hash Brown Casserole is a beloved comfort food in American households, particularly for gatherings and large meals. Known for its creamy texture and savory flavor, this dish is often prepared with hash brown potatoes, sour cream, and cheese, making it a filling and hearty side dish or breakfast option. Traditionally made in the oven, this slow-cooker version offers a simpler method, requiring minimal effort and making it perfect for busy mornings or potlucks.

History and Origins

The hash brown casserole can trace its origins back to the mid-20th century, gaining popularity in the United States as a staple comfort dish. Its base, hash browns, is a type of fried or grated potato, which has been a part of American cuisine for years. The casserole format, a dish baked with a combination of ingredients, became especially popular during the 1950s and 1960s, as families sought convenient ways to prepare large meals. Over time, the hash brown casserole became associated with family reunions, holidays, and church potlucks.

Regional Variations

While the basic recipe remains quite consistent, regional variations do exist. In the southern United States, the casserole may be made with cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom, and some regions prefer adding bacon or sausage to make it a more substantial dish. In parts of the Midwest, it is common to add sour cream and onion soup for extra richness and flavor. The slow-cooker method, introduced in the 1970s with the rise of crockpots, made this dish even easier to prepare and has since become a favorite for busy families.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

At first glance, hash brown casserole may seem similar to other potato-based casseroles, such as scalloped potatoes or potato gratin. However, the key difference lies in the use of hash browns, which gives the dish a more textured, grated potato feel. Unlike scalloped potatoes, which often feature thinly sliced potatoes layered with cheese and sauce, the hash brown casserole is typically mixed and cooked as a uniform dish, resulting in a soft, creamy consistency. The slow cooker version also differentiates it from baked casseroles, allowing for a "set-it-and-forget-it" approach.

Where Its Typically Served

The hash brown casserole is most often served as a side dish at breakfast or dinner, particularly in family settings or at buffets. It's a popular addition to holiday meals, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, and is often paired with ham, turkey, or other hearty mains. This casserole is also a hit at brunches and potluck parties, where its simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature make it an easy go-to dish. Its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into a variety of meal settings, from casual gatherings to more festive occasions.

Interesting Facts

In many parts of the U.S., hash brown casserole is often referred to as "Funeral Potatoes" due to its popularity at post-funeral meals.
While the casserole can be made with many variations of cheese, processed cheese (like Velveeta) is commonly used because it melts smoothly, creating a creamy texture that complements the hash browns.
The slow cooker version of the casserole ensures that the dish remains warm for extended periods, making it ideal for potlucks or large family gatherings.
Some variations of the recipe include adding crunchy toppings like crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs to add texture to the final dish.
The casserole is often made ahead of time, allowing it to be stored in the fridge overnight and cooked the following daymaking it perfect for meal prep.

FAQ about Hash Brown Casserole for the Slow Cooker Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Simply combine all the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. The next day, you can place the mixture into the slow cooker and cook according to the recipe instructions. This makes it a convenient option for busy mornings or for preparing in advance for a party.

Yes, you can use fresh hash browns instead of frozen. However, the texture might differ slightly, as frozen hash browns tend to hold their structure better during the cooking process. Fresh hash browns may become softer, but they will still work well in the casserole.

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

It's not recommended to cook this casserole overnight on low, as the cooking time specified in the recipe is 3 hours. Cooking it for a longer period can lead to overcooking and a mushy texture. If you prefer to cook it overnight, set your slow cooker to warm once it’s done, but make sure not to leave it on low for too long.

Yes, you can customize the casserole by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, sausage, ham, or vegetables. Some people also add grated carrots, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving. Be mindful of cooking times if adding meats to ensure they are fully cooked.

Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or any other creamy soup. The flavor will change slightly depending on the soup you choose, but it will still result in a delicious casserole.

If your casserole becomes too watery, it’s often because of excess moisture from the hash browns or sour cream. You can try cooking it a bit longer on low to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, reduce the amount of sour cream in the recipe or drain any excess liquid from the hash browns before adding them to the mixture.

Yes, you can use different types of cheese based on your preferences. Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses can be great alternatives to processed cheese. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly depending on the cheese used.

To reheat, place the casserole in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Comments

Scott Clark

11/27/2024 08:00:40 AM

This recipe is a timeless favorite that will win over everyone's taste buds. I put my own spin on it by opting for cream of chicken instead of cream of mushroom, and using cheddar cheese instead of processed cheese. It's definitely worth trying and might just become a beloved tradition in your household.

Matthew Carter

02/06/2023 08:27:39 AM

Fantastic recipe! I decided to make a double batch in my 7-quart slow cooker and it turned out wonderfully. Following the recommended cooking times (1.5 hours on high and 2.5 hours on low) worked like a charm. I made sure to give the casserole a good stir when I lowered the temperature, and again right before serving. A quick tip: Thawing the potatoes is key! I made the mistake of using frozen potatoes in a previous attempt, and they were still partially frozen after 3 hours on high. This time, I thawed the potatoes ahead of time (nearly 24 hours in the fridge), and they were piping hot and perfectly cooked right on schedule.

Donna Miller

03/15/2023 07:58:03 PM

I modified the recipe to make it a fulfilling meal by browning a pound of ground beef with Hot Taco seasoning before adding it to the potato mix in the slow cooker. I also included minced garlic for extra flavor. The cooking time remained the same, and the result was absolutely delicious! My son adored it as well, and we didn't stop eating until it was all gone. Thank you for sharing this fantastic recipe!

Rachel Phillips

07/21/2023 12:37:36 AM

I've prepared this dish multiple times for potlucks, and it's always a crowd pleaser. I decided to use Cream of Onion soup because I found it a little bland with just the mushroom soup. To save time, I skip thawing the frozen potatoes and cook it on low for 8 hours without any issues. I personally prefer using Simply Potatoes refrigerated hash browns as they hold their texture better. The final result using frozen hash browns tends to be a bit mushier. I opted for shredded cheddar cheese from a bag, as I was unsure what "processed cheese" meant, and it turned out great.

David Lopez

08/31/2024 04:45:06 AM

Original review: I tried making this recipe without making any adjustments and it turned out bland with too much tang from the sour cream. I couldn't enjoy it. But then I decided to tweak it a bit. I used only one cup of sour cream, two 10 oz cans of cream of chicken soup, 8 oz of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a 30 oz bag of thawed hashbrowns, a whole white onion that I precooked in a pan with a bit of butter, and added salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. The modified version was delicious! Everyone loved it at our morning potluck and it disappeared quickly. I cooked it for an hour and a half on high, then three hours on low, and it had a perfect consistency. Rewritten review: At first, I found the original recipe to be lacking in flavor and too tangy due to the excessive sour cream. I couldn't even finish it. However, after making some adjustments, using only one cup of sour cream and adding cream of chicken soup, sharp cheddar cheese, hashbrowns, sautéed onions, and the right seasoning, the dish turned out to be a crowd-pleaser at our morning potluck. It was devoured in no time and received many compliments. Cooking it for an hour and a half on high, then three hours on low, resulted in a perfect consistency. That's how it should taste!

Edward Clark

10/03/2022 06:45:59 PM

This recipe was fantastic, even though I didn't have mushroom soup on hand. I made a few tweaks by incorporating 1/2 cup of chicken stock, 1/2 cup of grated carrots, freshly grated potatoes, and a sprinkle of parsley. To me, the sour cream really ties it all together. The next day, I was contemplating what to have for breakfast and decided to transform the leftovers into potato pancakes. Simply mix in 1/2 cup of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder for every 2 cups of leftovers to bind the mixture. Heat a frying pan with oil and spoon the mixture in, cooking until golden and crispy. Pat dry with a paper towel, then serve with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce. Absolutely delightful!

Benjamin Miller

03/27/2025 09:22:13 PM

I have prepared this recipe for large gatherings multiple times, and it's always a big hit!! I usually omit the onions to cater to the kids, but it still tastes fantastic! I opt for Velveeta cheese and typically use around 3 cups because we love cheese, and it turns out perfectly. I often double or triple the recipe, then split it into two crockpots. The cooking time is quite accurate, but I've also cooked it longer on low heat without any issues. Just remember to stir it occasionally to prevent burning! I highly recommend using crockpot liners for this dish as cleanup is a breeze. I've attempted it without liners before, and the pots usually require soaking. I've shared the recipe with many people who have enjoyed it as well.

Dennis Moore

08/06/2024 10:17:37 PM

I absolutely loved this dish, it quickly became a family favorite! Instead of cream of mushrooms, I opted for 2 cans of cream of chicken soup. I also added a combination of 1 bag of shredded Colby cheese and 1 small bag of mozzarella, along with some tasty ham chunks. The result was simply delicious!

Angela Anderson

03/20/2024 03:41:21 AM

The taste was fantastic and thanks to the crock pot, it stayed warm. It was incredibly easy to make and Greg loved it.

Scott Martin

06/04/2025 01:36:20 PM

This dish was a hit with everyone! It's simple to prepare and perfect for feeding a large group. I opted for 1 cup of sour cream and 1/4 cup of butter, along with 1 tablespoon of onion flakes instead of chopped onion. I cooked it on low for 5 hours, and it came out fantastic!

Carolyn Hall

06/18/2024 09:00:47 AM

I made this for brunch and it was a big hit! I used sharp cheddar cheese and added 1.5 cups of diced, cooked ham along with an undiluted can of cheese soup.

Jerry Sanchez

03/18/2023 07:56:09 AM

I came across this recipe while searching for a simple breakfast idea with minimal ingredients, and I have to say, it exceeded my expectations. It's incredibly easy to prepare and the end result is just delicious. Today, I decided to make it for the second time, but this time I added some bacon bits for an extra hearty flavor. I followed the recipe instructions, setting the timer for 1.5 hours and giving it a good stir at the one-hour mark. I wouldn't recommend leaving it overnight, even on the low setting, as it's hard to gauge when it's done without relying on the melted cheese. The texture won't be crunchy due to the slow cooker method, but the flavor is fantastic!

Jonathan Thompson

10/04/2022 05:15:45 AM

Huge hit with my family! I substituted cream of chicken and the recipe was super simple to follow. Thank you!

Cook Time: 25 minutes