If you’re searching for a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish, look no further than this fantastic Sausage and Potatoes Casserole Recipe. This recipe perfectly blends tender, buttery Yukon Gold potatoes with flavorful, savory sausage and melty cheese, creating layers of texture and taste that satisfy every craving. It’s a simple yet hearty casserole that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, making it a beloved favorite for family dinners and casual get-togethers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage and Potatoes Casserole Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering incredible flavor and satisfying texture. Every item is chosen to enhance the dish’s heartiness and ensure every bite is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness.
- Yukon Gold potatoes (3 pounds, peeled and sliced): These potatoes hold their shape well and have a naturally buttery flavor that complements the casserole beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Adds richness and helps the potatoes develop a luscious, golden finish.
- Bulk hot pork sausage (1 pound): Brings a punch of savory heat and depth to the dish with its well-seasoned profile.
- Yellow onion (1, chopped): Adds sweetness and aromatic complexity when sautéed with the sausage.
- Shredded cheese (2 cups): Whether cheddar, Gruyere, Swiss, or a mix, cheese provides gooey, melty goodness that ties the casserole together.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A sprinkle of parsley brightens up the finished dish with a fresh herbal note and a pop of color.
How to Make Sausage and Potatoes Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously spraying a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick and helps achieve an even bake.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes to Perfection
Place the peeled and sliced Yukon Gold potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes until they are just fork-tender. This precise cooking preserves their texture, preventing mushiness while allowing them to meld beautifully in the casserole.
Step 3: Add Butter for Richness
Once drained, arrange the potatoes in your prepared baking dish and pour the melted butter evenly over the top. This step introduces a silky, buttery layer that permeates every slice, elevating the dish’s richness.
Step 4: Cook the Sausage and Onion Mixture
While the potatoes are cooking, crumble the hot pork sausage into a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook together until the onions turn translucent and the sausage is cooked through. Drain any excess grease by transferring the mixture onto paper towels, giving you a well-balanced, flavorful filling without excess oiliness.
Step 5: Combine Potatoes and Sausage Mixture
Spread the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the potatoes in the baking dish. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the meat and potatoes are evenly distributed so every forkful contains a harmonious blend of each component.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture, then place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 7 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbling, creating that irresistible, golden cheesy crust that everyone loves.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Sausage and Potatoes Casserole Recipe with a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley. Not only does it add a lovely touch of color, but the herbaceous brightness also cuts through the richness and makes each bite feel fresh and satisfying.
How to Serve Sausage and Potatoes Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet beautiful presentation, fresh parsley is your best friend. You can also try topping with a little cracked black pepper or a few thinly sliced green onions for added crunch and color contrast. These touches elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise without overpowering the casserole’s comforting essence.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a hearty main, but pairing it with crisp, fresh sides balances the meal. Consider a bright green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or steamed green beans lightly drizzled with lemon juice. These sides cut through the richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or spice up weeknight dinners, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets, allowing everyone to have their own cheesy, sausage-filled delight. You can also transform leftovers into savory breakfast hash by frying them up with an egg on top for a delicious morning twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Sausage and Potatoes Casserole Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting, making the next-day meal just as satisfying as the freshly baked one.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor results.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for approximately 20 minutes or until warmed through. If reheating individual servings, a microwave works well—just cover to retain moisture and avoid overcooking the sausage.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this casserole?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses hot pork sausage for a bit of a spicy kick, you can swap in mild sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! This Sausage and Potatoes Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausage is gluten-free. Always check the sausage label to be sure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
You can assemble the casserole the day before and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it fresh when ready. This makes it super convenient for busy weeknights or hosting guests.
What cheese combinations work best?
A mixture of sharp cheddar with Gruyere or Swiss creates a lovely balance of melty richness and a slightly nutty flavor. Feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand or your family’s favorite cheeses.
How can I make this recipe less spicy?
If you prefer a milder dish, choose mild sausage instead of hot, or use less spicy sausage and add extra herbs or a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor without heat.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Potatoes Casserole Recipe is truly one of those soul-satisfying meals that warms you from the inside out. Its layers of tender potatoes, savory sausage, and gooey cheese come together in the coziest way possible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving an easy yet impressive comfort food, this casserole will not disappoint. Give it a try—you might just find your next favorite go-to dish!
Print
Sausage and Potatoes Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sausage and Potatoes Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes layered with savory hot pork sausage, caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a hint of fresh parsley, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch slices
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted, ½ stick)
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound bulk hot pork sausage
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
Toppings
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, Swiss, or a mixture)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Potatoes: Place the sliced potatoes into a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 8-10 minutes or until potatoes are just fork tender. Drain and transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking dish.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cooked potatoes to add richness and flavor.
- Prepare Sausage and Onion: While the potatoes cook, crumble the bulk hot pork sausage into a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onions are translucent and the sausage is fully cooked through. Drain excess grease by transferring the sausage and onion mixture to a paper towel-lined plate, dabbing the mixture gently with another paper towel.
- Combine Sausage with Potatoes: Spread the sausage and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish and gently toss everything together to combine flavors.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top in an even layer. Bake the casserole uncovered at 350°F for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for a cozy, hearty meal.
Notes
- Using Yukon Gold potatoes provides a creamy texture that holds up well in casseroles.
- Adjust the type of cheese based on your preference; a sharper cheddar will add more tang.
- For less heat, replace hot pork sausage with mild sausage.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the sausage to prevent a greasy casserole.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking cold.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
