Cheesy Sausage and Potatoes Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite
Looking for a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner? Look no further than this Cheesy Sausage and Potatoes Casserole! Packed with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, including variations for keto and low-carb diets, and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb bulk mild breakfast sausage
- 16 oz shredded frozen hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup chicken stock/broth
- 2 cups milk
- 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp Panko bread crumbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place the thawed shredded hash brown potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped onion and cooked sausage to the bowl and mix until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the sausage, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture becomes golden brown and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Gradually whisk in the chicken stock/broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour Sauce Over Potatoes: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potato and sausage mixture in the baking dish, ensuring that everything is well coated.
- Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle Panko bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole for added crunch.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the foil and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in this casserole. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese would all work well.
- Vegetable Additions: Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutritional content of the casserole.
- Spice It Up: For a little extra kick, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
To make a keto or low-carb version of this dish, simply make the following substitutions:
- Potato Replacement: Use cauliflower rice or shredded turnips instead of hash browns to reduce the carb content.
- Thicken with Xanthan Gum: Instead of using flour to thicken the sauce, use a small amount of xanthan gum.
- Cheese Options: Opt for full-fat cheese varieties and adjust the quantity according to your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use pre-cooked sausage in this recipe? Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage in this recipe. Simply dice or slice the sausage and add it to the casserole as directed.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow for slightly longer baking time if cooking from chilled.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Portion it into individual servings, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
With its creamy cheese sauce, flavorful sausage, and comforting potatoes, this Cheesy Sausage and Potatoes Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this easy-to-make dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
