Jolean's Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole
This was another one of our favorites in the 70s. Very inexpensive and very easy to make. Just recently found this recipe handwritten by my Mom, and the warm feelings flood back to me because this was a true favorite in our house. Little did I know that she was on such a tight budget, yet made things like this that we all loved!! NOTE: The meat that was used in this recipe always varied, according to whatever we had available at the time.
This was another one of our favorites in the 70s. Very inexpensive and very easy to make. Just recently found this recipe handwritten by my Mom, and the warm feelings flood back to me because this was a true favorite in our house. Little did I know that she was on such a tight budget, yet made things like this that we all loved!! NOTE: The meat that was used in this recipe always varied, according to whatever we had available at the time.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups idaho potatoes peeled, boiled and cut into cubes when cool, approx. 1 lb
- 1/2 lb velveeta cheese diced
- 1 lb skinless smoked sausage (eckrich is my favorite b
- Carbohydrate 35.4792112301717 g
- Cholesterol 119.362123585725 mg
- Fat 39.7777223809946 g
- Fiber 2.51847389278656 g
- Protein 24.5011645748566 g
- Saturated Fat 24.996306021157 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving(s) (443g)
- Sodium 591.089820877865 mg
- Sugar 32.9607373373851 g
- Trans Fat 2.53685802692924 g
- Calories 592 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut skinless smoked sausage in half lengthwise and then chop into 1/2 inch half moon cuts. Cook in a frying pan for about 15 minutes turning frequently to SLIGHTLY brown.
- Meanwhile put cooked & diced potatoes in 2 quart casserole. Add cooked meat and give it a gentle toss.
- Mix all remaining ingredients (except for shredded cheddar cheese & the paprika) in a saucepan over medium heat until warm melted and smooth. (Use a whisk and stir constantly.)
- Pour white/cheese sauce over potatoes and meat. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top and then sprinkle paprika evenly over the top.
- Bake in preheated 350 degrees F oven for 35-45 minutes (watch until golden brown on top).
- NOTE You can substitute 1/2 lb. hot dogs sliced into 1/2-inch slices OR 1/2 lb. ham diced into 1/2-inch dices OR 12 oz. can of Spam diced into 1/2-inch dices instead of the smoked sausage.
Jolean's Classic Comfort Food: A Taste of the 70s
The aroma of this casserole instantly transports me back to my childhood. It's more than just a recipe; it's a memory, a warm hug from my mom, and a testament to her resourcefulness. Growing up in the 70s, our family, like many others, lived on a tight budget. Yet, somehow, my mother always managed to create hearty, delicious meals that brought us all together. This Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole was a staple, a true family favorite that appeared on our table time and again.
What made this recipe so special wasn't just its affordability; it was the adaptability. The meat, she'd always tell us, could be anything – smoked sausage, hot dogs, ham, even Spam! Whatever we had on hand, she'd make it work. It was a testament to her culinary creativity, her ability to stretch a budget, and to always make us feel loved and fed, even when times were tough. That's the power of this dish: it’s not just about the ingredients, but about the love and resourcefulness poured into every serving.
This casserole wasn't just about filling our stomachs; it was a centerpiece of our family dinners. It was the smell that would greet us after school, the comforting warmth on a chilly evening. The creamy cheese sauce, the perfectly cooked potatoes, the savory sausage – each bite was a small slice of heaven, a simple pleasure that meant the world to us. It is a reminder of a time when meals were about family, community and sharing, not about extravagant ingredients or elaborate cooking techniques. This recipe isn't just about food; it’s about a simple life, a warm home, and the unconditional love of a mother.
As I grew older, I realized just how remarkable my mother's skills were, her ability to create something so delicious and satisfying from such humble ingredients. This casserole embodies her spirit – resourceful, generous, and deeply loving. Every time I make it, I feel a connection to her, a feeling of comfort and nostalgia. It’s a link to simpler times, a reminder of the importance of family and the magic that can be found in the simplest of meals.
The recipe itself is incredibly straightforward, almost deceptively simple. But that's precisely what makes it so wonderful. There's no need for exotic ingredients or complicated techniques. It's a dish anyone can master, a comforting classic that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. The creamy cheese sauce blends seamlessly with the perfectly cooked potatoes and savory sausage, creating a flavor combination that is both rich and comforting. The paprika adds a touch of warmth and spice, further enhancing the overall taste experience.
More than a recipe, Jolean’s Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole is a time capsule, a culinary memoir passed down through generations. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients, resourcefulness, and the unwavering love of a mother who taught me the true meaning of comfort food. It's a recipe that I’ll continue to make for years to come, not just for the delicious taste, but for the memories it evokes, and the love it represents.
