Easy Outback Potato Soup

Easy Outback Potato Soup
Ingredients:
1 30 oz. Bag of Frozen Hashbrowns
5 cups Chicken Broth
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 onion, chopped
1-2 carrots, chopped
1 8oz. Brick of Cream Cheese

Put first 5 ingredients in crock pot and stir.  Cook on low for 5-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.  Add softened cream cheese cut into chunks in the last 30 minutes.

Garnish with grated cheese, bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream.

Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole

CHEESE POTATO AND SMOKED SAUSAGE CASSEROLE
From: http://www.food.com/recipe/joleans-cheese-potato-smoked-sausage-casserole-126623

3 cups idaho potatoes, peeled, boiled and cut into cubes when cool, approx. 1 lb
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, diced
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 lb skinless smoked sausage ( Eckrich is my favorite brand)
1/8 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Cut skinless smoked sausage in half, lengthwise, and then chop into 1/2 inch "half moon" cuts. Cook in a frying pan for about 15 minutes, turning frequently to SLIGHTLY brown.

Meanwhile, put cooked & diced potatoes in 2 quart casserole. Add cooked meat and give it a gentle toss.

Mix all remaining ingredients (except for shredded cheddar cheese & the paprika) in a saucepan over medium heat until warm, melted and smooth. (Use a whisk and stir constantly.).

Pour white/cheese sauce over potatoes and meat. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top, and then sprinkle paprika evenly over the top.

Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes (watch, until golden brown on top).

NOTE: You can substitute: 1/2 lb. hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch slices OR 1/2 lb. ham diced into 1/2-inch dices OR 12 oz. can of Spam diced into 1/2-inch dices, instead of the smoked sausage