Delight in the comforting flavors of our potato sausage casserole—a dish that effortlessly blends homey tastes with simple preparation. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe promises to satisfy with its hearty flavor.
In just over an hour, you’ll be savoring the harmonious layers of tender potatoes, savory sausage and melty cheese. This brunch-friendly dish delivers a taste of home-cooked goodness with every bite.
Ingredients for Potato Sausage Casserole
- Pork sausage: Pork sausage provides savory flavors for the casserole, complementing the creamy sauce and hearty potatoes.Â
- Cream of mushroom soup: Undiluted, condensed soup adds creaminess, binding the ingredients together while enhancing the overall richness. If you want to avoid dairy, use a canned creamy mushroom soup made with non-dairy milk, or a homemade mushroom gravy for a fresher alternative.
- Milk: Milk adds richness to the sauce mixture, ensuring a creamy consistency. This recipe calls for 2% milk, but you can substitute almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Chopped onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and texture to the layers of the casserole. Shallots or leeks can be used as alternatives for a milder onion flavor.
- Potatoes: Peeled and sliced potatoes serve as the hearty base of the casserole, cooking to tender during baking. Substitute with sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic dish, adding a hint of sweetness.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar melts into a golden, gooey topping for the casserole. For a milder flavor, use Monterey Jack cheese, or vegan cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
- Parsley (optional): Minced parsley offers a fresh garnish with visual appeal. Â
Directions  Â
Step 1: Cook the sausage
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, cook the pork sausage over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain the meat and set it aside.Â
Step 2: Prepare the sauce
In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, chopped onion, salt and pepper.Â
Step 3: Layer the casserole
In a greased a 2-quart baking dish, layer half the sliced potatoes, half the soup mixture and half the sausage. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 60 to 65 minutes, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Â
Step 4: Add the cheese
Uncover and sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar. Return it to the oven and bake, uncovered, for two to three more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Before serving, garnish with parsley, if desired.
Potato Sausage Casserole VariationsÂ
- Add a cheesy bacon twist: Swap the pork sausage for crispy cooked bacon and layer chopped bacon between the potatoes and sauce mixture for a smoky twist.
- Make it vegetarian: For a vegetarian-friendly version, replace the pork sausage with meatless crumbles or diced tofu. For a lighter, plant-based twist, use vegetable broth instead of milk.
- Infuse it with Tex-Mex flavors: Incorporate diced green chilies, cumin and chili powder into the sauce mixture. Top with a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses for some Tex-Mex flair.
How to Store Potato Sausage Casserole
Once it’s cooled, tightly cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate it for three to four days. Â
How do you reheat this sausage and potato casserole?
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, then bake it at 350° for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it’s heated through.
Potato Sausage Casserole Tips
How do I know when the potatoes are cooked through?
Check the potatoes by inserting a fork or knife into the layers during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking. The potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced without resistance. If they still feel firm, continue baking the covered casserole until the potatoes reach the desired tenderness.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
To lighten up this potato sausage casserole, consider turkey or chicken sausage. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used, or choose a lighter cheese option like reduced-fat cheddar.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
If you prefer a pork-free version, you can easily substitute the pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage. Adjust the seasonings to maintain a balanced flavor profile.Â