- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- In a large skillet, cook sliced sausage over medium heat until browned (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until soft (about 2 minutes).
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer half of the diced potatoes in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and half of the cheese over the potatoes.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sausage, and cheese.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together milk, cream of mushroom soup, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme until smooth.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Drizzle with melted butter for extra flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 15–20 more minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: Enjoy warm with a side of salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Assemble ahead and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Variations & Customizations
- Spicy Version: Use spicy Italian sausage or chorizo and add red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Loaded Casserole: Mix in Parmesan, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese for extra cheesiness.
- Vegetable Add-In: Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips.
- Breakfast Style: Crack 4–6 eggs on top before the last 15 minutes of baking for a breakfast casserole.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes! Use frozen diced hash browns for convenience—no need to thaw.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh the next day.
3. What’s the best sausage for this recipe?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or spicy Italian sausage all work great.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.
5. How do I prevent the potatoes from being undercooked?
Ensure they’re thinly sliced or diced small and bake covered for the first part of cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage and Potato Casserole is the perfect one-pan comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Whether for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this easy, hearty dish will be a family favorite!
Try it today and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite! Would you like a healthier or gluten-free version? Let me know! 😊🍽️
