Smoked Sausage and Potato Casserole with Broccoli and Cheese
You can put any kind of meat or vegetable in this casserole. I had smoked sausage on hand, some leftover baked potatoes, and some broccoli I needed to use. This makes a lot and it's very filling.
You can put any kind of meat or vegetable in this casserole. I had smoked sausage on hand, some leftover baked potatoes, and some broccoli I needed to use. This makes a lot and it's very filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 pound skinless smoked sausage sliced
- 1 meduim onion roughly diced
- 2 medium potatoes peeled, cubed and boiled until almost done and drained or use baked potato
- 1/2 pound broccoli florets steamed until crispy tender and drained or any vegetable you like
- 4 tablespoons butter melted in medium saucepan
- 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 dashes dry mustard optional
- 2 cups milk 1% is fine
- 1/2 pound mild mexican velveeta cheese cubed
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika optional
- Carbohydrate 20.5501285621845 g
- Cholesterol 102.563362478249 mg
- Fat 37.3239541613595 g
- Fiber 1.9235046742279 g
- Protein 17.7850976135282 g
- Saturated Fat 18.9028476475937 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (254g)
- Sodium 1165.2173645794 mg
- Sugar 18.6266238879566 g
- Trans Fat 5.42209252796085 g
- Calories 481 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook the sausage and onion over medium heat in a large non-stick skillet until the sausage begins to brown and onions are translucent.
- Drain on a paper towel lined plate to absorb the excess grease.
- Place the sausage, onion, steamed broccoli and potatoes in a two quart casserole dish and toss gently to mix.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan and add the flour stirring to mix well.
- Heat on medium-low heat, stirring until the butter mixture begins to bubble.
- Add the pepper and dry mustard and give it a good stir.
- Add the milk and Velveeta cheese and keep stirring (or you may want to use a whisk at this point) until cheese is melted and the mixture is warm and creamy.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the ingredients in the casserole dish, top with grated cheese and sprinkle with Paprika.
- Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for about 30 minutes until the cheese on top begins to brown.
- Enjoy!
A Simple Comfort Food Recipe
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and endless deadlines, finding time for a home-cooked meal that's both satisfying and delicious can feel impossible. But this smoked sausage and potato casserole is my secret weapon. It's a versatile, make-ahead dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Honestly, it's one of those recipes I can throw together even when I'm completely exhausted. And the best part? It's a huge hit with my family, even my picky eater. The creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked potatoes, and savory smoked sausage come together beautifully, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
The beauty of this casserole is its adaptability. Don't have smoked sausage? Use leftover chicken, ground beef, or even chickpeas! Feel like adding some extra veggies? Go for it! I've experimented with everything from bell peppers and zucchini to mushrooms and spinach, and they all work wonderfully. I often use leftover roasted vegetables to add a depth of flavor. The basic concept remains the same: hearty potatoes, flavorful protein, some greens for balance, all bathed in a luscious cheese sauce. This time I used broccoli which was perfectly crisped-tender. It's the ultimate blank canvas, allowing you to express your culinary creativity and use up whatever ingredients you have on hand. It is a great recipe for cleaning up the refrigerator!
Beyond the Recipe: This recipe isn’t just about the food; it’s about the memories made around the table. My kids love helping me prep the ingredients, and the aroma wafting from the oven always gets them excited for dinner. It's a simple act of love, a small way to bring a sense of normalcy and comfort to our busy lives. It’s a perfect dish to share with loved ones, a delicious representation of togetherness and ease. When the day feels overwhelming and my to-do list seems endless, I find solace in the kitchen. This casserole isn't just a meal; it's a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the simple pleasures in life.
This recipe is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. The combination of smoky sausage, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes is heavenly. The addition of broccoli adds a much-needed health kick without sacrificing flavor. The process is straightforward, making it ideal for beginner cooks or those short on time. And the cleanup is a breeze; one pan wonders are my absolute favorite. It’s the kind of recipe you'll find yourself making again and again, a comforting staple for your family. In the midst of busy schedules and demanding lives, simple moments of comfort can make all the difference in the world. For me, it is a culinary hug from my own kitchen.
Variations and Tips:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
- Add some crunch: Top with crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for extra texture.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the sausage with firm tofu or lentils.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses.
- Prep ahead: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the casserole the night before. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
This recipe is more than just a dish; it's a reminder to nourish ourselves and our loved ones with wholesome, delicious food. So go ahead, give it a try. You won't be disappointed!
