Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a warm plate of sausage green bean potato casserole on a chilly evening. This dish is like a cozy hug in a baking dish! It combines the savory goodness of sausage with the crunch of green beans and the comforting heartiness of potatoes, making it a go-to favorite for my family. Every bite brings a symphony of flavors that just feels like home. Seriously, it’s one of those meals that everyone gathers around, and before you know it, the whole thing is gone!
What I adore most about this casserole is how simple it is to whip up, yet it feels so indulgent. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a laid-back Sunday dinner. Plus, you can easily customize it based on what you have on hand—how cool is that? Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound sausage (I usually go for a nice, flavorful pork sausage, but turkey works great too!)
- 2 cups green beans (fresh or frozen, whatever you have—just trim the ends!)
- 4 cups potatoes, diced (I love using russets for their fluffiness, but any good potato will do!)
- 1 onion, chopped (don’t skip this, it adds such a lovely depth of flavor!)
- 2 cups cheese, shredded (cheddar is my favorite, but feel free to mix it up!)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (the secret creamy goodness—trust me on this one!)
- 1 cup milk (makes everything nice and creamy; you can use whole or any milk you prefer)
How to Prepare the Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the casserole cook evenly and ensures that everything gets that lovely golden-brown finish. Plus, there’s nothing like the smell of a warm oven to get you in the mood for some delicious comfort food!
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Next, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Toss in the sausage and cook it until it’s nicely browned and crumbly, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to develop that rich flavor, so don’t rush this step! And make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks—this way, you’ll have perfectly seasoned bits throughout your casserole!
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
Once the sausage is looking good, add in your chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3 to 5 minutes until it’s translucent and fragrant. You’re looking for that soft, slightly sweet look—trust me, this step adds a depth of flavor that makes your casserole sing!
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the browned sausage, sautéed onion, green beans, diced potatoes, shredded cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir it all together until everything is well mixed and coated. This is where the magic happens, folks! Make sure you get every ingredient nice and combined—every bite should have a little bit of everything!
Step 5: Transfer to Casserole Dish
Next, grease a casserole dish with a little cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Then, pour your delicious mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. This helps ensure that it cooks uniformly and that every bite is just as tasty as the last!
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Finally, pop your casserole in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and everything is bubbly and golden. If you want to be extra sure, you can poke a fork into the potatoes to check for tenderness. Once it’s done, let it cool slightly before serving—this will help everything set up a bit and make serving easier!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready to bake in just 15 minutes!
- A hearty meal that’s filling and satisfying for the whole family.
- Perfect for using up leftover veggies or whatever you have in the fridge.
- One-dish wonder—minimal cleanup makes it a weeknight favorite!
- Kid-friendly flavors that even the pickiest eaters will love.
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead and reheat for easy lunches or dinners.
- Comfort food at its best—warm, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious!
Tips for Success
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about some pro tips to take your sausage green bean potato casserole to the next level! Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference.
- Experiment with Sausage: Feel free to mix it up! I love using a spicy Italian sausage for a kick, but smoked sausage or chicken sausage can also work wonders. Just choose what suits your taste!
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar is my go-to, don’t be shy about trying other cheeses. Monterey Jack adds a nice creaminess, or you could even go for a sharp gouda for extra flavor. You can even mix different cheeses for a fun twist!
- Add Fresh Herbs: Tossing in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavors beautifully. Just sprinkle them in when mixing your ingredients for a fresh burst!
- Make It Lighter: If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap the sausage for turkey sausage and use reduced-fat cheese. You’ll still get that hearty feel without all the heaviness!
- Try Different Veggies: Don’t hesitate to add other veggies! Carrots, bell peppers, or even corn can be great additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time a bit if you add anything that might take longer to cook.
- Leftovers Galore: This casserole reheats beautifully! So, make a double batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch during the week. Just pop it in the microwave, and you’re good to go!
With these tips, you’re well on your way to becoming a casserole master! Enjoy the process and don’t forget to make it your own. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of things for this scrumptious sausage green bean potato casserole! Each serving is packed with goodness, making it a hearty choice for your family meals. Here’s the estimated breakdown:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. For instance, using turkey sausage or lower-fat cheese can reduce the calorie and fat content. So, feel free to mix and match according to your dietary needs, and enjoy this comforting dish with peace of mind!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While I love a good pork sausage, you can totally swap in turkey sausage or even chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter option. Just make sure it’s something that you enjoy, as it’ll really influence the flavor of the whole casserole!
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If cream of mushroom isn’t your thing or you need a substitute, you can use cream of chicken soup or even make a homemade white sauce with some mushrooms for a fresher taste. It’s all about what you have on hand!
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up! You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You bet! This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Just prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, but be aware it might need an extra few minutes to cook through.
What sides go well with this casserole?
This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out the dinner, a simple side salad or some crusty bread can be a great addition. You could also serve it with some roasted veggies for a pop of color and nutrition!
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! This sausage green bean potato casserole is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sausage and ensure your cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free. Always double-check the labels of your ingredients just to be safe!
Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole: 5 Comforting Steps
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty casserole with sausage, green beans, and potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage
- 2 cups green beans
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the sausage in a skillet.
- Add onion and cook until translucent.
- In a large bowl, mix sausage, green beans, potatoes, cheese, soup, and milk.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen green beans.
- Substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: sausage green bean potato casserole