Introduction
Sausage green bean potato casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant green beans in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This all-in-one casserole is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, offering both convenience and deliciousness in every bite.
The History of Casseroles
Casseroles have a long history in American cuisine, evolving from early European baking dishes. They became popular in the 1950s and 1960s when convenience foods, like canned soups, were embraced. This dish reflects the essence of comfort food—simple, satisfying, and made with accessible ingredients.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Sausage: Your choice of pork, turkey, or chicken sausage for flavor and protein.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture.
- Green beans: Fresh or frozen for vibrant color and crunch.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Onion: For added sweetness and savory notes.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall taste.
- Cheese: Optional, for a cheesy topping or mixing in.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 cups green beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove and drain excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, diced potatoes, green beans, and cream of mushroom soup. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Cut Potatoes Evenly: Ensure the potatoes are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Pre-cook Potatoes: For a quicker bake, you can parboil the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before combining them with other ingredients.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking to adjust seasoning to your preference.
Variations and Customizations
- Different Vegetables: Add bell peppers, corn, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or hot sausage for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in different cheeses, like cheddar or mozzarella, for a richer flavor.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
This casserole is a balanced meal featuring protein from the sausage, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and vitamins from the green beans. However, it can be high in sodium and calories, especially if using processed ingredients. Consider using low-sodium soup and lean sausage to make it healthier.
FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh green beans?
A: Yes, fresh green beans work beautifully and add great texture.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: A simple green salad or crusty bread complements the dish nicely.
Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs sausage kielbasa or smoke sausage sliced ¼” thick
- 2 lbs baby creamer potatoes washed, sliced in half
- 2 15 oz cans green beans drained
- ⅛ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup onions chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° and spray a 9×13 baking dish with a non stick spray.
- Wash creamer potatoes, cut in half and add to a sealable gallon size baggie.
- Add oil, seasonings, pepper and red pepper flakes to baggie. Shake to coat.
- In a large frying pan, add sausage and water and cook over medium high heat until sausages have browned and most of water has evaporated.
- Remove sausage from pan and when cool enough add to baggie.
- Melt butter in frying pan and add onions and garlic, cook until onions are translucent.
- Let cool for a few minutes and then when cool enough, add to baggie and shake to mix.
- Lastly, add green beans to baggie, shake to mix and then empty contents into prepared baking dish.
- Cover with foil and place in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Carefully remove from oven and enjoy!
