Savory Sausage Green Bean Potato Bake

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect comfort food that strikes the balance between simple and sophisticated, look no further than the Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole. This hearty dish has earned its spot as my family’s dinner hero, and I can’t wait to share why. Picture smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and crisp green beans all cocooned in a velvety, cheesy sauce that’s just pure bliss on a plate.

One winter evening, I stumbled upon this gem while rummaging through my fridge, and it has been a staple ever since. The magic happens when you marry the earthy flavors of sausage and veggies with that creamy, dreamy sauce. It’s a dish that’s equally at home on a weeknight dinner table as it is at a special gathering. Trust me; once you try this Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole, you’ll understand why it has become a fast favorite in my household and beyond.

Quick Benefits

• Hearty and comforting dish that combines smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh green beans for a satisfying meal
• Versatile recipe that can be served for a casual weeknight dinner or dressed up for a special occasion, appealing to both picky eaters and food enthusiasts
• Easy one-dish meal that saves time by combining protein, vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce in one casserole
• Make-ahead friendly; flavors improve as they meld together, and leftovers can be enjoyed for up to 4 days

Why You’ll Love This Savory Sausage Green Bean Potato Bake Recipe

• Hearty and Comforting: This casserole combines smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh green beans in a creamy, cheesy sauce that is pure comfort food.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or hosting guests, this dish strikes a balance between being fancy enough for company and easy enough for a weeknight meal.
• Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters enjoy this casserole, as evidenced by the author’s nephew asking for seconds of the “green things” (the beans).
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The blend of seasonings, along with the step of browning the sausage first, enhances the dish’s flavor profile, making it a satisfying meal that even second helpings won over the author’s husband.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable based on personal preferences, such as swapping green beans for Brussels sprouts or broccoli, adding mushrooms for extra depth, or sprinkling bacon for additional richness.
• Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly: The casserole can be prepared in advance and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, with flavors improving as they meld together, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal planning.
• Holiday Favorite: Ideal as a side dish during the holidays, pleasing both meat lovers and vegetable enthusiasts alike. Serve it with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Effortless Yet Impressive: Despite its appearance of a labor-intensive dish, this casserole requires minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Savory Sausage Green Bean Potato Bake

For the Casserole

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

How to Make Savory Sausage Green Bean Potato Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Season the Vegetables

In a large bowl, toss halved baby potatoes and cut green beans with olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook sliced sausage until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

Using the same skillet from cooking the sausage, melt the butter and sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Layer

Combine the browned sausage, seasoned potatoes, green beans, and sautéed onion mixture in a baking dish. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream evenly over the mixture.

Step 6: Bake Initial Stage

Place foil over the baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Uncover the dish, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole, store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor. This casserole can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually enhance as they meld together, making it a great make-ahead dish. To store, place the cooled casserole in an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating.

When ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and easy meal. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole by covering it with foil and warming it in a preheated 325°F oven until heated through. This method helps retain the moisture and prevents the dish from drying out. The casserole’s flavors will be just as delicious as when it was freshly made, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or as a tasty leftover lunch.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you can continue to enjoy the comforting and hearty Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole over the next few days. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner, a potluck contribution, or a quick leftover lunch, this versatile dish is sure to please with its combination of smoky sausage, tender vegetables, and creamy, cheesy sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make this casserole vegetarian, you can swap out the smoked sausage for plant-based sausage or tofu to still achieve a hearty dish. For a lighter version, consider using turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork. If you’re out of green beans, try using asparagus, snap peas, or zucchini as a substitute to add a fresh crunch to the casserole. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of potatoes like sweet potatoes or Yukon gold for a twist on the traditional baby potatoes.

To cater to different dietary preferences, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or oat milk. For a lactose-free version, use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water with a little extra seasoning can still provide the necessary moisture and flavor to the dish. Lastly, for a gluten-free option, ensure your seasonings and broth are gluten-free and consider using a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch if needed. These simple swaps can help you customize the casserole to suit various dietary needs and ingredient availability.

Serving Suggestions

For a cozy family dinner, serve the Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole with a side of warm, crusty bread and a fresh green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. The bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy, cheesy sauce, while the salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. To elevate the dish further, consider adding a sprinkle of cooked and crumbled bacon on top during the final bake for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

For a festive holiday spread, place the hot casserole in the center of the table on a trivet, surrounded by seasonal decorations. Pair it with a fruity red wine or a sparkling cider for a delightful meal that will please both meat lovers and vegetable enthusiasts. To accommodate different tastes, try experimenting with alternative vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli, or add mushrooms to the onion sauté for a savory twist. The versatility of this casserole makes it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.

FAQs for Savory Sausage Green Bean Potato Bake

Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite type of sausage in this casserole. Whether it’s spicy Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage, the recipe is versatile and can accommodate different flavor profiles.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and bake according to the recipe instructions.

Can I freeze the leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Once it has cooled completely, portion out any leftovers into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Make sure to label and date them before placing in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

What can I serve with this casserole to make a complete meal?

This casserole is already a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad dressed with vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast to the dish. Crusty bread or dinner rolls are also great for soaking up the delicious sauce. For dessert, consider a fruit salad or a simple berry crisp to round out the meal.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal for your family or a show-stopping side dish for a gathering, this Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is sure to impress. The hearty combination of ingredients creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious, with flavors that blend together beautifully. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table and leaves everyone asking for more.

Don’t hesitate to make this casserole your own by experimenting with different vegetables or adding extra ingredients like mushrooms or bacon. It’s a versatile dish that can easily adapt to suit your preferences and whatever you have on hand. Plus, with its make-ahead potential and excellent leftovers, it’s a practical choice for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep. Embrace the joy of cooking and sharing good food with your loved ones through this delightful Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole.

Savory Sausage Green Bean Potato Bake

“Indulge in the savory comfort of Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole, a creamy, cheesy dish that strikes the perfect balance between simple weeknight dinner and crowd-pleasing feast.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time45 Minutes

Total Time65 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Season the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss halved baby potatoes and cut green beans with olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Brown the Sausage: 1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook sliced sausage until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet from cooking the sausage, melt the butter and sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine and Layer: Combine the browned sausage, seasoned potatoes, green beans, and sautéed onion mixture in a baking dish. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream evenly over the mixture.
6. Bake Initial Stage: Place foil over the baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Uncover the dish, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
8. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.