This Sausage and Potato Casserole is a mouthwatering, one-pan wonder that combines savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a melty cheese topping, making it the perfect comfort food for any meal. The dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a filling, delicious meal. With layers of seasoned sausage, creamy potatoes, and a rich cheese crust, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) of sausage (Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or your favorite variety)
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a little butter or non-stick spray.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
- Add the sliced potatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow the potatoes to start softening. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Stir well to ensure the potatoes are evenly seasoned.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and milk. Pour this mixture over the potatoes in the skillet and stir to combine. Allow the cream mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Layer the cooked sausage evenly at the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Top with the sautéed potato mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Dot the casserole with small pieces of butter for extra richness.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and bubble up, creating a golden, crispy top.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve the Sausage and Potato Casserole hot as a hearty main dish, accompanied by a green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
This Sausage and Potato Casserole is a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you use spicy sausage or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, the flavor combination is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy texture, savory sausage, and crispy golden cheese topping, this casserole is a go-to recipe for comforting, satisfying meals. Enjoy it as a perfect addition to any dinner table!