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! The meat 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! The meat 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 a 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 a preheated 350-degree F oven for 35-45 minutes (watch, until golden brown on top).
Jolean's Comfort Food Classic: A Taste of the 70s
The aroma of warm potatoes, savory sausage, and melted cheese – it's a scent that instantly transports me back to my childhood kitchen. This isn't just a casserole; it's a time machine, a nostalgic trip to simpler times filled with the comforting embrace of family meals. My mom, a master of making the most of limited resources, created this dish countless times, and it always felt like a special treat, a testament to her resourcefulness and love.
Growing up in the 1970s, our family meals were often defined by practicality and resourcefulness. Money was tight, but my mom always managed to conjure up incredible meals from whatever ingredients we had on hand. This cheese potato and smoked sausage casserole was a staple, a versatile dish that could be adapted to whatever protein was available – whether it was smoked sausage, hot dogs, ham, or even Spam. The adaptability made it a perfect example of how to stretch a budget without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It's a dish that's easy to make, even for a beginner cook. There’s a joy in seeing the ingredients come together, the humble potatoes transformed into a hearty and satisfying casserole. The slightly browned sausage adds a savory depth, while the creamy cheese sauce provides a rich and indulgent counterpoint. The sprinkle of paprika on top not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also lends a subtle smoky sweetness. The recipe reminds me how delicious simple food can be.
The warm memories associated with this casserole are as comforting as the food itself. It represents a time when family meals were more than just nourishment; they were the heart of our home, the stage for laughter, conversation, and the unbreakable bonds of family. This dish wasn’t just food; it was a symbol of love, resilience, and the magic that can be created in a kitchen with limited means but boundless creativity.
This casserole is more than just a meal; it's a journey back in time, a taste of the past, a testament to resourceful cooking, and a heartwarming connection to family and simpler times. It's a dish that I cherish, not just for its deliciousness, but for the profound memories and emotions it evokes.
Over the years, I've made countless variations of this dish, adapting it to my own preferences and dietary needs. Sometimes I use different types of sausage or cheese, and occasionally I add other vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. But no matter how I modify the recipe, it always remains true to the heart of my mom's original creation: a comforting, hearty, and unbelievably flavorful meal made with love and ingenuity.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be transported back in time with each delicious bite. This isn't just a casserole; it’s a slice of history, a story told in every creamy, cheesy, and savory morsel. It's a recipe for happiness, one that reminds us that the most cherished meals are often the simplest ones, imbued with love and shared memories.
More than just a dish, this casserole is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with heartfelt effort, a reminder that even the most basic meal can hold immense meaning. It's a recipe passed down, a tradition carried on, and a connection to a simpler time, where the love in the kitchen was the most important ingredient of all.
