Description
Sausage and Potato Casserole with Spring Veggies
There’s something truly comforting about a casserole fresh from the oven. Inspired by the Midwest’s love for hearty, home-cooked meals, this Sausage and Potato Casserole with Spring Veggies is perfect for cozy family gatherings. It’s easy to make and packed with delicious flavors – perfect for nights when you want something both satisfying and simple. The combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh spring veggies makes this dish a comforting classic that everyone will love. Serve with a light green salad or a side of applesauce for added brightness.
1 lb sausage, sliced
4 medium potatoes, chopped
1 cup asparagus, cut
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup chicken/vegetable broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt & pepper
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Brown sausage in skillet. Set aside.
3. Cook potatoes until soft. Add onion, garlic.
4. Combine in baking dish, add broth, bake 20 mins.
5. Add cheese, bake 15 mins. Garnish.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Kcal: 350 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil or non-stick spray. Chop potatoes into 1-inch cubes, slice sausage, dice the onion, mince garlic, and cut asparagus into 1-inch pieces.
2. Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Cook Potatoes & Veggies: In the same skillet, add remaining oil. Add potatoes, season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3 more minutes until fragrant.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the cooked potatoes, onions, and the browned sausage into the greased baking dish. Add the raw asparagus pieces and gently toss to combine. Pour the broth evenly over the mixture.
5. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own. For a lighter touch, pair it with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Classic sides like warm applesauce, crusty bread for soaking up juices, or steamed green beans also complement it beautifully. For a brunch twist, top servings with a fried or poached egg.
How-to Summary
Brown sausage slices in a skillet. In the same pan, sauté potato cubes with onions, garlic, and thyme. Combine everything with raw asparagus in a baking dish, pour over broth, and bake covered for 20 minutes at 375°F. Uncover, top with cheese, and bake for 15 more minutes until golden. Let rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely (through step 4) up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the initial baking time when cooking from cold.
What type of sausage works best? Smoked sausage like Kielbasa or Andouille adds great flavor, but mild Italian sausage or chicken sausage are excellent alternatives. Ensure pre-cooked sausage is used if following the recipe as written.
Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, sliced carrots, or peas make great additions or substitutes for asparagus. Adjust pre-cooking time for harder veggies.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly? It freezes well after baking and cooling. Freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven, covered, at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid cutting the potatoes too large, as they won’t cook through. Do not skip browning the sausage and potatoes; this step builds foundational flavor. Ensure the dish is covered for the first bake to steam the potatoes properly. Finally, let the casserole rest after baking so it sets and isn’t too runny when served.
Conclusion
This Sausage and Potato Casserole is the epitome of easy, comforting cooking. With its flexible ingredients, straightforward steps, and crowd-pleasing results, it’s a reliable recipe that turns simple components into a deeply satisfying meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, it’s sure to become a cherished staple in your home cooking repertoire.