Are you craving a hearty, delicious, and surprisingly easy dinner? Look no further! This sausage green bean potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It’s a delightful blend of savory sausage, tender green beans, creamy potatoes, and a crispy topping – everything you want in a satisfying and healthy meal. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best, and it's surprisingly quick to make! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
- 1 pound small red potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can of green beans, drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Sausage and Onions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Preparing the Potato and Green Bean Mixture
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, drained green beans, cooked sausage, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, chicken broth, milk, Parmesan cheese, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently to combine.
Step 3: Creating the Casserole
Pour the potato and green bean mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 4: Baking the Casserole
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole:
- Potato Prep: For even cooking, try to slice the potatoes as uniformly as possible.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a blend would all be delicious.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when ready. Just keep it refrigerated until baking.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Consider adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Different Sausage: Use chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Creamy Sauce: For an even creamier casserole, stir in a tablespoon or two of sour cream or cream cheese along with the milk.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 15-20g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This delicious and easy sausage green bean potato casserole is a perfect example of a healthy meal that doesn't compromise on flavor. It’s a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy!