This Sausage and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food – hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce combine to create a dish that the whole family will love. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.
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
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and is easy to serve.
Step 2: 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. Be sure to drain any excess grease after cooking the sausage. This prevents the casserole from becoming too oily.
Step 3: 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, until fragrant. If using frozen peas, stir them in at the end. Set aside with the sausage. Sautéing the onions and garlic first mellows their flavor and adds depth to the casserole.
Step 4: 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. This creates a roux, which is the base for the cheese sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in the Flavorings:
Stir in the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
Step 6: 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.
Step 7: Repeat Layers:
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, sausage, and cheese sauce. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for a golden crust.
Step 8: 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. Covering the dish with foil initially prevents the top from burning while ensuring the potatoes cook through.
Step 9: Serve:
Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Allowing it to cool slightly helps it set up and makes it easier to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting: It’s the epitome of comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to use your favorite cheese or add other vegetables to the casserole.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pairs well with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious cheese sauce.
- Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner.
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy touch.
Tips:
- Potato Prep: Ensure the potatoes are sliced evenly for even cooking. A mandoline can be helpful for this.
- Cheese Choice: Experiment with different cheeses for the sauce. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a sharp cheddar would all be delicious.
- Sausage Variety: Use your favorite type of sausage. Italian sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage alternative will work well.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the potatoes are thinly sliced and layered so they cook evenly.
- Test for Doneness: Pierce the potatoes with a fork to ensure they are tender before removing the foil.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 60-65 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 25-30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimate): (Note: This is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 25-35g
- Saturated Fat: 15-25g (dependent on sausage and cheese)
- Sodium: 600-800mg
Conclusion
This Sausage and Potato Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its comforting flavors and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that will warm you from the inside out! It’s sure to become a family favorite.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Q: Can I use different vegetables in this casserole? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you enjoy. Add them when you sauté the onions and garlic.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly. If you do freeze it, cool the casserole completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: Can I make this casserole without the cheese sauce? A: Yes, but it won’t be quite the same! You could try a lighter cream sauce or even just use a layer of shredded cheese between the layers. It would still be delicious, but the cheese sauce really brings it all together.
Q: What can I do if the top is getting too brown before the potatoes are cooked through? A: If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover the casserole with foil for a longer period of time during baking. This will help the potatoes cook through without the top burning.
