Simple Sausage Casserole: A Delicious & Easy Weeknight Meal
Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy weeknight meal? Look no further than this simple sausage casserole! This recipe is perfect for busy families, anyone who loves a hearty dish, or simply wants to whip up something delicious with minimal effort. Using readily available ingredients, this sausage casserole comes together quickly and bakes into a bubbling, cheesy, and satisfying dinner. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this culinary masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Casserole
This sausage casserole is a winner for several reasons:
* **Easy to make:** The recipe involves minimal prep time and simple steps, making it ideal for weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of sausage, vegetables, and a creamy sauce creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or types of sausage.
* **Budget-friendly:** The ingredients are generally affordable and readily available.
* **Comfort food:** This casserole is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in.
* **Family-friendly:** Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty and delicious meal.
* **Make-ahead potential:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this sausage casserole:
* **Sausage:** 1 pound of your favorite sausage (Italian, breakfast, or even chorizo work well). Removed from casings if applicable and crumbled.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped.
* **Bell pepper:** 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Canned diced tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
* **Canned cream of mushroom soup:** 1 (10.75 ounce) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup.
* **Milk:** 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness).
* **Cheddar cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided.
* **Cooked pasta (optional):** 8 ounces of cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well). This can be omitted for a lower-carb version.
* **Olive oil:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Dried oregano:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Dried basil:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Salt and pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional additions:** Corn, peas, zucchini, mushrooms, hot sauce, red pepper flakes.
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowl
* Cutting board
* Knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfect sausage casserole:
**1. Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the crumbled sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
**2. Make the Sauce:**
* In a mixing bowl, combine the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Stir until well combined.
* Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Adjust seasonings to your liking.
**3. Assemble the Casserole:**
* If using pasta, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Stir to combine.
* Pour the sauce mixture over the sausage, vegetables, and pasta (if using) in the skillet. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
* Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
**4. Bake the Casserole:**
* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
* Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
* Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
**5. Serve and Enjoy!**
* Serve the sausage casserole hot. It’s delicious on its own or with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
Tips for the Best Sausage Casserole
* **Choose your sausage wisely:** The type of sausage you use will greatly impact the flavor of the casserole. Italian sausage adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor, while breakfast sausage provides a sweeter and milder taste. Experiment to find your favorite!
* **Don’t overcook the sausage:** Overcooked sausage can become dry and tough. Cook it until it’s browned but still slightly tender.
* **Sauté the vegetables properly:** Sautéing the onion and bell pepper until softened is important for developing their flavor. Don’t rush this step.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your liking:** Taste the sauce before adding it to the casserole and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, oregano, basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Use good quality cheese:** Good quality cheddar cheese will melt better and have a richer flavor. Sharp cheddar is a great choice for this casserole.
* **Don’t overbake the casserole:** Overbaking the casserole can result in a dry and crusty top. Bake it until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
* **Let the casserole rest before serving:** Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
* **Prevent soggy casserole:** if your casserole gets soggy, you can try using less milk or adding a thickening agent such as a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce before baking. Draining excess liquid from the diced tomatoes can also help.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this sausage casserole is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are some variations to try:
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra vegetables.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick. Use chorizo sausage for a bolder flavor.
* **Cheesy:** Add extra cheese to the casserole, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or provolone.
* **Vegetable-packed:** Add extra vegetables to the casserole, such as corn, peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
* **Different pasta:** Use different types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
* **Creamy:** Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer and creamier sauce. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
* **Italian-inspired:** Add a can of cannellini beans or white kidney beans to the casserole for an Italian-inspired twist. Use Italian sausage and add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
* **Mexican-inspired:** Use chorizo sausage and add a can of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) to the casserole. Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
* **Low-carb:** Omit the pasta and add extra vegetables. You can also use cauliflower rice as a base for the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This sausage casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides:
* **Side salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Garlic bread:** Garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any casserole meal.
* **Steamed vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious sides.
* **Mashed potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that complements the casserole perfectly.
* **Coleslaw:** Coleslaw provides a cool and crunchy contrast to the warm and cheesy casserole.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This sausage casserole is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.
Storage Instructions
Leftover sausage casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
This sausage casserole can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving of sausage casserole (approximately 1/6 of the casserole) contains:
* Calories: 400-500
* Fat: 25-35g
* Protein: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
**Note:** This is just an estimate. For more accurate nutritional information, calculate based on the specific ingredients you use.
Conclusion
This simple sausage casserole is a delicious, easy, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its hearty flavors, customizable ingredients, and make-ahead potential, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a comforting and satisfying sausage casserole tonight! Happy cooking!