There’s nothing quite like a warm casserole fresh out of the oven, filling your home with comforting aromas and promising a hearty meal. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, the Sausage Potato Casserole is one of those dishes that instantly brings everyone together. It’s packed with flavors—savory Italian sausage, creamy potatoes, fresh vegetables, and gooey mozzarella cheese—making it an easy go-to recipe for any day of the week.
Imagine this: a cold Sunday morning, and you’re gathered around the table with loved ones. The rich, cheesy casserole sits at the center, and each bite feels like a warm hug. This dish isn’t just food; it’s love served on a plate. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, you can easily prepare this flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why Sausage Potato Casserole Is a Must-Try Dish
Sausage Potato Casserole checks all the boxes for the perfect meal. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, budget-friendly, and, most importantly, absolutely delicious. Here’s why you’ll love making it:
- Simple Ingredients: Most items are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a surefire hit for breakfast potlucks, brunch with friends, or cozy family dinners.
- Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time, and just bake when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients for Sausage Potato Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting one-dish meal:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Italian sausage (spicy/mild) | ¾ pound |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| White mushrooms (chopped) | 4 ounces |
| Green bell pepper (chopped) | 1 |
| Red bell pepper (chopped) | 1 |
| Eggs | 6 |
| Milk (2% recommended) | ⅓ cup |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Frozen hash brown potatoes | 20 ounces (1 bag) |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Green onions (chopped) | 6 |
Nutritional Value
Knowing what you’re eating is important. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving (makes 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | ~580mg |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Sausage Potato Casserole
1. Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Before starting, ensure you have all your ingredients ready. Chop the onion, mushrooms, bell peppers, and green onions. Shred the mozzarella cheese if you’re using a block instead of pre-shredded cheese.
2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles with a spoon. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, mushrooms, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This creamy mixture will bind the casserole and give it a soft, fluffy texture.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a light coat of oil.
- Spread the frozen hash brown potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables on top of the potatoes.
- Pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring it seeps into every layer.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped green onions across the top for that cheesy, flavorful finish.
5. Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips to Perfect Your Sausage Potato Casserole
1. Drain the Sausage
To avoid a greasy casserole, make sure you drain the excess grease from the sausage after cooking it.
2. Use Fresh Vegetables
Freshly chopped veggies not only taste better but also add a nice crunch and vibrant flavor to the dish.
3. Customize the Cheese
While mozzarella cheese works great, you can switch it up with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for added kick.
4. Don’t Overcook
Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. Overcooking can make the eggs rubbery, so pull it out as soon as the eggs are set.
5. Make It Ahead
You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, just pop it into the oven for an easy breakfast or brunch.
Variations of Sausage Potato Casserole
1. Vegetarian Option
Swap the sausage for plant-based alternatives or add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or broccoli for a vegetarian twist.
2. Gluten-Free Version
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, double-check your sausage and hash brown potatoes to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.
3. Spicy Edition
Love spice? Use hot Italian sausage, add jalapeños, or drizzle your portion with sriracha for an extra fiery kick.
4. Breakfast-Style Casserole
Incorporate crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even cooked breakfast sausage links to enhance the breakfast vibe.
FAQs About Sausage Potato Casserole
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, fresh potatoes work well. Dice them into small cubes, parboil them for 5–7 minutes, and use them as you would hash browns.
2. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
3. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese.
4. Can I add other meats?
Yes, you can add bacon, ham, or shredded chicken to make the casserole heartier and richer.
5. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Drain any excess grease from the sausage and sautéed vegetables, and pat dry any thawed hash browns before assembling the dish.
6. Can I reheat the casserole in the microwave?
Yes, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. However, reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) ensures the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Sausage Potato Casserole with these sides or beverages to complete your meal:
- A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Fresh fruit salad for sweetness
- Buttered toast or garlic bread
- A hot cup of coffee, tea, or freshly squeezed juice
Make Your Own Sausage Potato Casserole Today
Now that you have the recipe, tips, and tricks to perfect this comforting dish, it’s time to give it a try. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal with your loved ones. Whether it’s for a cozy family breakfast or a potluck with friends, this Sausage Potato Casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Take the first step to creating memories around the table. You won’t regret it!
Sausage Potato Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic
Ingredients
- ¾ pound Italian sausage spicy or mild
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 ounces white mushrooms chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 6 eggs
- ⅓ cup milk 2% recommended
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 20 ounces frozen hash brown potatoes cubed, 1 bag
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 6 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the vegetables and shred the mozzarella if needed.
- Cook Sausage and Veggies: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Remove and drain excess grease. Sauté the onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers in the same skillet until softened.
- Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the hash browns, cooked sausage, and sautéed vegetables. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers. Sprinkle mozzarella and green onions on top.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the eggs are set and the cheese is golden brown. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.