Easy Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole Recipe
If you are looking for a comforting, hearty dish that combines simple ingredients in a delightfully flavorful way, this Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together tender potatoes, fresh green beans, and savory sausage to create a one-dish meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Easy to prepare and satisfying to eat, this casserole dish captures the essence of home cooking with a fresh twist, making it a reliable go-to for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: This casserole comes together easily with minimal prep, perfect for busy schedules.
- All-in-One Meal: Combines protein, vegetables, and carbs in one delicious dish.
- Comfort Food Classic: Offers that warm, nostalgic feeling of traditional casseroles without complexity.
- Family-Friendly: Pleases both kids and adults, great for gatherings or casual dinners.
- Customizable: Adapt easily with different sausages or vegetables to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole shines because of its straightforward and wholesome ingredients. Each component adds something unique — the potatoes create a tender base, the green beans bring a burst of freshness and good texture, while the sausage adds smoky richness and depth of flavor.
- Potatoes: Choose Yukon Gold or red potatoes for their creamy texture and natural sweetness.
- Green Beans: Fresh or frozen green beans both work well to provide a vibrant crunch and color.
- Sausage: Use Italian or smoked sausage for a flavorful protein boost; turkey sausage is a leaner option.
- Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness that balances the dish.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves enhance the savory notes beautifully.
- Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella adds creaminess and a perfect golden topping.
- Butter and Flour: Essential for creating a creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together.
- Milk or Cream: Enriches the sauce for a silky, comforting texture.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme elevate the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Variations for Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
The beauty of this casserole is how easy it is to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you want to make it vegetarian, spice it up, or add more veggies, these variations make the dish truly your own.
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace sausage with plant-based protein or roasted mushrooms for a meatless option.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno for some heat.
- Different Vegetables: Incorporate carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
- Cheese Options: Use pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce without gluten.
How to Make Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing and chopping the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Trim and cut your green beans into manageable lengths if using fresh. Slice the sausage into rounds or crumble if preferred. Dice the onion and mince the garlic to have everything ready for the cook.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until cooked through and slightly crisp on the edges. Remove the sausage and set aside, then sauté the onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add the green beans and cook for a few minutes to maintain their crunch.
Step 3: Boil the Potatoes
While cooking the sausage and veggies, place the chopped potatoes in boiling salted water and cook until just tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the skillet, melt butter and stir in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk or cream, cooking until thickened into a smooth sauce. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
In a large bowl, gently mix the potatoes, sausage, green beans, and creamy sauce together. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Pro Tips for Making Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps everything cook evenly and blend better.
- Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Keep them slightly firm so they don’t turn mushy after baking.
- Season Generously: Sausage can be salty, so adjust seasoning after mixing all ingredients.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Try breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with cheese for texture contrast.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes helps it hold together when serving.
How to Serve Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top bring a pop of color and fresh, herbal brightness to balance the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a simple green salad or crusty bread to round out the meal without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties or spoon out into vibrant bowls for an inviting family meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if prepared in advance and cooled completely; cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy cheese topping, or microwave for a quicker option, though texture may soften.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
While fresh or frozen green beans are ideal for maintaining texture, canned green beans can be used; just drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute dairy milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage offers bold flavor, but smoked or breakfast sausage varieties also work wonderfully depending on your taste preferences.
Can I double the recipe for larger groups?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish or divide between two dishes, and increase the baking time slightly until heated through and golden.
How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?
Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or another low-carb vegetable to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the dish hearty.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen. With simple ingredients coming together in a creamy, flavorful bake, it’s easy to see why it becomes a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with variations, give this recipe a try and enjoy the cozy satisfaction it brings to the table.
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Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
This Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that blends tender potatoes, fresh green beans, and savory sausage in a creamy sauce topped with melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s an easy-to-make all-in-one meal that captures the essence of home cooking with a fresh twist and offers customizable options for various tastes and dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups Yukon Gold or red potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 12 oz Italian or smoked sausage, sliced or crumbled (turkey sausage for leaner option)
Dairy & Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups milk or cream
- 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Pantry & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch for gluten-free option)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Trim and cut the green beans if using fresh. Slice or crumble the sausage. Dice the onion and mince the garlic to have everything ready.
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked and slightly crisp on the edges. Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. Add the green beans and cook for a few minutes to retain their crunch.
- Boil the Potatoes: While cooking the sausage and vegetables, place the chopped potatoes in boiling salted water and cook until just tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the skillet, melt butter and stir in the flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk or cream, cooking until the sauce thickens smoothly. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme to taste.
- Combine and Bake: Gently mix the cooked potatoes, sausage, green beans, and creamy sauce in a large bowl. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top evenly with shredded cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even cooking and better blending of flavors.
- Do not overcook potatoes during boiling; keep them slightly firm to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Season generously but adjust salt after combining all ingredients, as sausage can be salty.
- For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with cheese on top before baking.
- Allow casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to help it hold together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: sausage casserole, green bean casserole, potato casserole, one-dish meal, comforting food, family dinner, easy recipe, hearty meal, gluten-free casserole option
