Cozy Hearty Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe for Families

Comfort food beckons with this mouthwatering sausage and potato casserole that promises warmth in every single bite.

Rich, savory flavors blend seamlessly through layers of tender potatoes and robust sausage.

Crisp edges and golden-brown surfaces hint at the deliciousness waiting inside this classic dish.

Hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal that fills hungry bellies and warms cold evenings.

Families gather around the table, eager to scoop generous portions onto their plates.

The aroma of herbs and sizzling meat promises a memorable dining experience.

Comfort never tasted so good – you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Sausage and Potato Casserole Ingredient Essentials

• Sausage: Delivers robust, savory flavor and protein punch; choose fresh, high-quality pork or chicken sausage for best taste.
• Potatoes: Creates hearty foundation; select firm, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for smooth, creamy texture and even cooking.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base and subtle richness; use extra virgin for deeper flavor profile.

• Onions: Adds sweet, aromatic depth; opt for yellow onions for classic, mellow undertones.
• Garlic: Brings intense, warming notes; fresh cloves deliver more vibrant taste than pre-minced versions.
• Paprika: Introduces warm, slightly smoky essence; Hungarian paprika offers most complex flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasoning that balances and highlights other ingredients; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.

• Sour Cream: Creates luxurious, tangy foundation; full-fat version provides richer mouthfeel.
• Milk: Helps achieve smooth, consistent texture; whole milk recommended for maximum creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding sharp, golden topping; sharp varieties provide more intense flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that introduces bright, fresh finish; chop finely for best presentation.

Tools to Build a Sausage and Potato Casserole

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning sausage and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients and mixing thoroughly.
• 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: Ideal for layering and baking the entire casserole.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing potatoes into thin, even rounds.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for breaking up sausage and mixing ingredients.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.

How to Bake Sausage and Potato Casserole with Comfort in Every Bite

• Brown the Sausage

Sizzle sausage in a hot skillet until golden and crumbly. Break it apart with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking. Transfer the browned meat to a plate.

• Soften Aromatics

In the same skillet, sweat onions and garlic until they turn translucent and release their sweet fragrance. The leftover sausage drippings will add extra flavor.

• Create Creamy Mixture

Combine the sausage, onions, and garlic with thinly sliced potatoes in a large bowl. Pour in sour cream and milk, then season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is generously coated.

• Layer and Top

Transfer the creamy mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese for a golden, melty finish.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and slide into a preheated 375F oven. Bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips That Boost Flavor in Sausage and Potato Casserole

• Pro tips to elevate your casserole game.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready for a stress-free meal.
• Replace traditional pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter, lower-fat version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by adding chopped bell peppers, spinach, or kale to the mixture for added color and nutrients.
• Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified, especially sausage and cheese, to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serve This Casserole for Brunch, Dinner, or Meal Prep

• Hearty Dinner Companion: Pair this sausage and potato casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy dish.
• Rustic Side Partner: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots to add more nutritional depth and color to the meal.
• Fresh Herbal Touch: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives, green onions, or additional parsley on top just before serving to brighten the flavor and add a fresh, zesty element.
• Comfort Bread Combo: Offer warm crusty bread or garlic toast on the side to help soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and complete the comforting dining experience.

Store Leftovers of Sausage Casserole for Later Feasts

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping its delicious flavors intact and texture crisp.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese melts smoothly.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Divide the casserole into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals during busy weekdays, ensuring quick and delicious lunch or dinner options.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can swap the sausage with Italian, chicken, or turkey sausage based on your preference. Each type will add a unique flavor to the casserole.

• How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they’re tender when pierced with a fork and can be easily cut. They should be soft but not mushy.

• Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Sausage and potatoes are typically inexpensive ingredients, making this casserole a cost-effective meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from cold.

Hearty Sausage And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Sausage and Potato Casserole delivers comfort from Polish kitchens with robust flavors. Layered ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that warms souls and connects diners to traditional culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 kg (2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 500 g (1 lb) sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey), casings removed
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps butter
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (500 ml) milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Sausage Browning: In a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cook sausage, breaking it into crumbly pieces until fully done. Transfer to a separate plate while maintaining the skillet’s residual flavors.
3. Aromatics Development: Utilize the same skillet to sauté onions and garlic until they become translucent, releasing their rich, savory essence. Set aside the caramelized mixture.
4. Composition: Blend cooked sausage, caramelized onions, garlic, potato slices, sour cream, milk, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Assembly: Transfer the harmonious mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Crown the casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Initial Baking: Encase the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing potatoes to tenderize and flavors to intermingle.
7. Finishing Touch: Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until potatoes reach fork-tender perfection and cheese transforms into a golden-brown, bubbling crust.
8. Serving: Rest the casserole for 5-7 minutes post-baking. Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant garnish before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

• Slice Potatoes Evenly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato rounds, ensuring consistent cooking and preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Control Sausage Fat: Choose lean sausage varieties to reduce excess grease, or drain extra fat after browning to prevent a greasy casserole texture.
• Enhance Cheese Layer: Mix different cheese types like mozzarella or gruyère with cheddar for a more complex and rich flavor profile that elevates the dish.
• Dietary Modifications: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs, maintaining the casserole’s creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 445
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg