Sausage Casserole Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
This sausage casserole recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy night in. It's easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe focuses on simple ingredients and clear instructions, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced cooks. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb sausage meat (pork, beef, or a blend – your choice!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms (optional, but recommended!)
- 4 cups cubed potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet work well)
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh, if available)
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesy goodness)
Instructions:
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Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. If using mushrooms, add them now and cook until softened.
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Combine ingredients: Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth.
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Add potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the broth. Bring to a simmer.
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Bake to perfection: Cover the skillet and transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the liquid has reduced slightly.
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Finishing touch: Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of baking. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top during the last few minutes to allow it to melt.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve your delicious sausage casserole hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.
- Use different sausage: Experiment with different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or chorizo.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or milk during the last few minutes of baking for a richer casserole.
- Slow cooker adaptation: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
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This sausage casserole recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Try it today and let us know what you think!
