There’s just something about a hearty casserole that wraps you in a warm hug, don’t you think? The sausage green bean potato casserole is one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with a smile. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you feel at home, whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or celebrating a family gathering. I remember my grandmother making this for us when we’d come home from school, the savory aroma filling the house like an invitation to sit down and savor every bite. The combination of juicy sausage, crisp green beans, and tender potatoes creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Trust me, this dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a delightful experience you’ll want to share with your loved ones, too!
Ingredients for Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this comforting casserole shine. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of sausage (I love using mild Italian sausage for that perfect blend of flavor and spice)
- 4 cups of fresh green beans, trimmed (feel free to use frozen if that’s what you have on hand)
- 4 cups of potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces (I usually go for Yukon Gold, but any variety works)
- 1 onion, chopped (this adds a lovely sweetness that balances everything out)
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar is a classic choice, but mix it up if you like)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (this is the magic that ties it all together)
- 1 cup of milk (any kind will do, but whole milk gives it a creamier texture)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip these! They really enhance the flavors)
Once you’ve got these ingredients ready, you’ll be all set to create a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
How to Prepare Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious casserole! It’s really straightforward, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting dish that everyone will love.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because starting with a hot oven helps the casserole cook evenly and just right. So, go ahead and set that heat while you prepare the rest!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Next, take your skillet and add the sausage over medium heat. Let it cook for about 7-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. You want that savory goodness to infuse the entire dish, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
Once the sausage is browned, toss in the chopped onion and sauté it together for another 3-5 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent. This adds such a wonderful flavor base to your casserole—trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the trimmed green beans, diced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Give it a good stir until everything is evenly mixed. This is where the magic starts to happen, so don’t be shy with that mixing!
Step 5: Mix in Sausage and Onion
Now, it’s time to add your sausage and onion mixture to the bowl. Gently fold it in so that all those delicious flavors meld together. You want every bite to be packed with that hearty goodness!
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Next, grease a baking dish with a bit of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Pour the combined mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. It’s like creating a cozy little home for your casserole!
Step 7: Add Cheese and Bake
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top. This is the best part! Now, pop the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sausage green bean potato casserole is not just a dish; it’s a wonderful solution for busy nights and a flavorful way to get everyone to eat their veggies! Here’s why I think you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this casserole up in no time—even on a hectic day!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of savory sausage, fresh green beans, and creamy potatoes creates a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor.
- Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or even potlucks. It fills you up and warms you from the inside out.
- Healthy Option: Loaded with veggies and protein, this dish offers a balanced meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!
- Leftover Delight: It’s just as good the next day! You can enjoy the flavors even more as they meld together overnight.
Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation!
Tips for Success
To ensure your sausage green bean potato casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, these will elevate your dish and help you avoid common pitfalls!
- Don’t Overcook the Sausage: Make sure to brown the sausage just until it’s cooked through. Overcooking can make it dry, and we want that juicy, flavorful goodness!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans and potatoes add a wonderful texture and taste. If you use frozen, just be mindful they might release extra moisture, so adjust your baking time accordingly.
- Season Well: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Seasoning each layer, especially the sausage and onions, enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, mixing in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack can add a delightful twist. Try a blend for extra creaminess!
- Check Potato Tenderness: Before taking it out of the oven, poke a potato with a fork to ensure it’s tender. If it’s still firm, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier!
- Make It Ahead: If you’re short on time, feel free to prep the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. You might need to adjust the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Following these tips will help you create a delicious casserole that’s sure to impress. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, it’s nice to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful sausage green bean potato casserole. Keep in mind these values are based on typical ingredients used, so they may vary slightly depending on your specific choices.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
This casserole packs a filling punch with a good balance of protein and veggies, making it a hearty meal option. Enjoy every comforting bite without any guilt!
FAQ about Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this sausage green bean potato casserole is its versatility. You can easily swap out the green beans for other veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or even corn. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may have varying cook times, so adjust accordingly. For example, if you’re using quicker-cooking veggies like spinach, you might want to add them in the last few minutes of baking to keep them from getting too mushy. Get creative and use whatever you have on hand!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers are one of the perks of this casserole! To store your sausage green bean potato casserole, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop it back into the oven until warmed through. You’ll find the flavors only get better as they meld together overnight!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make this casserole ahead of time! Just prepare the dish up until the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake it, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge. This makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you have guests over. Just pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal complete, consider serving the sausage green bean potato casserole with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the deliciousness. A simple mixed greens salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully to balance the richness of the casserole. You could also add some roasted or steamed vegetables for an extra boost of color and nutrition. If you’re feeling indulgent, a side of garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls would be a perfect match, too. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with these comforting sides to complement your hearty casserole!
Print
Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting casserole made with sausage, green beans, and potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage
- 4 cups green beans, trimmed
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until softened.
- In a large bowl, mix the green beans, potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and onion.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: sausage green bean potato casserole
