Looking for a cozy, filling dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Sausage and Potato Casserole! This recipe combines hearty sausages with tender potatoes, savory seasonings, and melted cheese for a dish that is sure to satisfy. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole brings warmth and flavor to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Potato Casserole
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this casserole is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of juicy sausage, creamy potatoes, and gooey cheese makes this casserole an irresistible comfort food that everyone will enjoy.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or swap out the type of sausage to make this dish your own! Whether you like it spicy with chorizo or mild with pork sausage, this casserole can be tailored to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it a great choice for meal prepping or leftovers. Reheat and enjoy it throughout the week!
Ingredients for Sausage and Potato Casserole
To make this hearty casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb sausage (your choice of mild or spicy, such as pork, chicken, or turkey)
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or cream for a richer flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage and Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Set them aside as well.
- Slice the potatoes into thin rounds for even cooking.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, sliced potatoes, sour cream, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, covering the casserole in an even layer.
- Bake and Serve:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Sausage and Potato Casserole
- Make It Spicy or Mild: Adjust the heat level of the sausage to suit your taste. Spicy sausage adds a kick, while mild sausage keeps it family-friendly.
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the casserole. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding them to the casserole.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives to make this casserole suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Why This Casserole is Perfect for Any Occasion
This Sausage and Potato Casserole is perfect for a variety of occasions. It’s a great weeknight meal that’s both filling and comforting, but it also works well for more formal gatherings. It’s easy to make in advance and is a hit at potlucks or family gatherings.
Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Simply pop it in the oven the next day for a quick, hassle-free meal.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, this Sausage and Potato Casserole is the answer. With its creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry group or enjoying a cozy dinner for one, this casserole is sure to hit the spot!
Serving and Storage Tips for Sausage and Potato Casserole
Serving Tips:
- Pair It with a Side: While this casserole is a meal on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to balance out the richness. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works particularly well to cut through the creamy dish.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary, right before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation. A dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can also add an interesting kick.
- Serve Family-Style: This casserole is perfect for serving family-style. Simply bring the dish straight to the table and let everyone scoop out their portions. It’s a great option for casual dinners or larger gatherings where guests can serve themselves.
- Top It Off: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of ranch dressing on the side. A few slices of pickled jalapeños or relish can add a nice tangy contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating: Leftover Sausage and Potato Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing to avoid moisture buildup, which could affect the texture.
- Freezing: This casserole also freezes well. To freeze, first allow it to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- In the Oven: To reheat the casserole from the fridge, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- In the Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions of the casserole. Place the portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Avoid Over-Storing: For the best taste and texture, try to consume your leftovers within a few days. While the casserole can last up to 4 days in the fridge, the potatoes might lose some of their firmness if stored too long.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Sausage and Potato Casserole throughout the week or even prepare it ahead of time for a stress-free meal!
1. Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe? Yes, absolutely! You can swap the sausage for any type you prefer. Pork, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausage work great. For a spicier kick, try using chorizo or a hot Italian sausage. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to match the flavor of the sausage you choose.
2. Can I make Sausage and Potato Casserole ahead of time? Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven as directed, and it will be ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy nights!
3. How do I make this casserole healthier? To make a lighter version of the casserole, you can use leaner sausage options, such as turkey or chicken sausage. You can also substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a creamy, lower-fat alternative. For added nutrition, consider adding in some vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
4. Can I freeze Sausage and Potato Casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven for the best texture.
Print
Sausage and Potato Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
This sausage and potato casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. With layers of tender potatoes, savory sausage, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 1 kg (2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 500 g (1 lb) sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
For the cheese sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (500 ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. If using frozen peas, stir them in at the end. Set aside with the sausage.
- Make the cheese sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the cooked sausage mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the cheese sauce on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, sausage, and cheese sauce. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage or kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.