Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake

When you’re in need of a warm, hearty, and family-friendly meal that checks every box, Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole is the answer. This comforting casserole combines savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a rich cheese sauce for the kind of crowd-pleasing dish that makes everyone go back for seconds.

It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile — perfect as a main dish for dinner or as a breakfast/brunch casserole that feeds a crowd. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting guests, or just looking for a simple weeknight dinner, this one-pan wonder is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole

🧀 Loaded with melted cheese in every bite
🥔 Tender potatoes that soak up the savory flavor
🌭 Hearty, smoky sausage adds protein and spice
🍳 Works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner
🥘 One-pan meal that’s freezer- and meal-prep-friendly
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-approved and kid-friendly

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have. You can use pre-cooked sausage for quick prep or raw sausage if you have extra time.

🔸 Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground sausage (mild, spicy, or smoked sausage links, sliced)
• 3 cups diced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet, peeled or unpeeled)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup
• ¾ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

🔹 Optional Add-ins:

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for spice)
• ½ cup frozen corn or peas
• Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
• Crumbled bacon on top for extra richness

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How to Make Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
• Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking pan

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Step 2: Cook the Sausage

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground sausage until browned and crumbled.
• Add chopped onions and cook until softened (about 3–5 minutes).
• Optional: Add diced bell peppers and cook until slightly tender.
• Drain excess grease and set aside.

🧑‍🍳 Using smoked sausage? Just slice and sauté until golden.

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Step 3: Parboil or Microwave Potatoes

• For faster baking, parboil diced potatoes for 5–6 minutes or microwave them for 4–5 minutes until just starting to soften. Drain well.

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Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce

In a large bowl, combine:

• Cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper

Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.

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Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In your prepared baking dish:

1. Layer parboiled potatoes on the bottom.
2. Add cooked sausage mixture over the potatoes.
3. Pour the cheesy sauce on top and stir gently to combine.
4. Sprinkle with additional cheese on top if desired.

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Step 6: Bake

• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes
• Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and top is golden
• Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set

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What to Serve With Sausage and Potato Casserole

🥗 A light green salad with vinaigrette
🥦 Steamed broccoli or green beans
🍞 Biscuits or crusty bread to mop up the cheesy goodness
🍳 Scrambled eggs or fried eggs for a hearty brunch combo
🍓 Fresh fruit salad for balance

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Tips for the Best Casserole

🔪 Dice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking
🧀 Use sharp cheddar for more bold, cheesy flavor
🌭 Try different sausage varieties (Italian, chicken apple, chorizo)
🍲 Mix in veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini
🥶 Parboil or microwave potatoes to ensure they bake fully

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Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

🧊 Make Ahead:

• Assemble the casserole (uncooked) and refrigerate up to 24 hours
• Add 10 minutes to baking time if coming straight from fridge

🧊 Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through

❄️ Freezing:

• Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven

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Healthier Swaps

🥔 Use sweet potatoes or cauliflower florets
🧀 Use reduced-fat cheese or less cheese overall
🌿 Swap sour cream with plain Greek yogurt
🌭 Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage
🍲 Make it gluten-free by using GF cream soup or homemade sauce

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Variations and Add-Ins

🌽 Add a layer of corn or green beans
🧄 Use roasted garlic for deeper flavor
🍳 Crack eggs over the top and bake for a breakfast skillet vibe
🌶️ Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy version
🧅 Top with French fried onions for a crunchier casserole

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – serves 6–8)

• Calories: 380–450
• Protein: 18–24g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 20–28g
• Fiber: 2–4g
• Sodium: ~850mg (varies with sausage and cheese used)

🧮 Nutritional values may vary by ingredients and portion size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?

Yes! Use about 3–4 cups thawed shredded hash browns or diced frozen potatoes. No need to pre-cook—just mix directly into the casserole.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Sure! Use plant-based sausage and a veggie-forward cream soup alternative, or skip sausage and load up on mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Cook sausage and potatoes first, then layer in a greased slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours, until hot and bubbly.

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Why This Casserole Works

✅ Simple pantry ingredients
✅ Flexible recipe – easy to customize
✅ Kid-approved and hearty enough for adults
✅ Perfect for meal prep, freezer meals, or potlucks
✅ Comforting and cheesy in all the best ways

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Final Thoughts: A Cheesy Classic That Never Fails

Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole is the kind of comfort food that makes you feel instantly at home. Whether you’re whipping up breakfast for a group, preparing an easy weeknight dinner, or looking for something cozy to warm up a chilly day, this dish delivers.

With its irresistible combination of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and melty cheese, don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe — and seconds.

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