Sausage Casserole Recipe

Sausages: Choose either pork or beef sausages based on your preference. They add a rich, meaty flavor to the dish.

Onion: A large chopped onion provides a sweet and savory base for the casserole.

Garlic: Minced garlic cloves enhance the overall flavor with a pungent, aromatic touch.

Chopped tomatoes: A can of chopped tomatoes adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the sauce.

Chicken broth: This provides a savory depth to the sauce and helps to cook the vegetables.

Dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Dried oregano: Brings a slightly bitter, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Baby potatoes: Halved baby potatoes become tender and flavorful as they cook in the casserole.

Carrots: Sliced carrots add a sweet and earthy flavor, as well as a bit of color to the dish.

Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

When browning the sausages, make sure to do so over medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and develop a rich, caramelized exterior. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps to render some of the fat, which will add depth to the casserole. Additionally, when sautéing the onion and garlic, be patient and let them cook until they are soft and translucent. This will bring out their natural sweetness and create a more flavorful base for your tomato mixture.

• pork or beef sausages - Substitute with chicken sausages: Lower in fat and calories, providing a leaner protein option.

• pork or beef sausages - Substitute with vegetarian sausages: Suitable for vegetarians and those looking to reduce meat consumption.

• large chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Milder and sweeter flavor, adding a subtle depth to the dish.

• large chopped onion - Substitute with leeks: Offers a milder, slightly sweet flavor and a softer texture.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Convenient and provides a similar flavor profile.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Adds a mild garlic-like flavor with a hint of sweetness.

• chopped tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Provides a smoother texture and a more concentrated tomato flavor.

• chopped tomatoes - Substitute with fresh tomatoes: Offers a fresher taste and texture, though you may need to adjust the liquid content.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Suitable for vegetarians and adds a different depth of flavor.

• chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Adds a richer, more robust flavor to the dish.

• dried thyme - Substitute with fresh thyme: Provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor, though you may need to use more.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Offers a similar earthy and slightly piney flavor.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor, complementing the other ingredients.

• dried oregano - Substitute with Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs including oregano, providing a well-rounded flavor.

• baby potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Adds a sweet flavor and a different texture, along with additional nutrients.

• baby potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Low-carb alternative that provides a different texture and flavor.

• sliced carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Offers a sweeter and slightly nutty flavor, adding a unique twist to the dish.

• sliced carrots - Substitute with butternut squash: Adds a sweet and slightly nutty flavor, along with a different texture.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor along with the saltiness.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy kick along with the peppery flavor.

• Allow the sausage casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the casserole to an airtight container. If the container is too small, you can divide the casserole into multiple containers.
• Label the container with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of how long the casserole has been stored.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the casserole within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer.
• When freezing, ensure the container is freezer-safe to prevent any damage or freezer burn.
• For reheating, if refrigerated, you can use a microwave or oven. If frozen, it's best to thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with aluminum foil, and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, place a portion of the casserole in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Always check the internal temperature of the reheated casserole to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Enjoy your reheated sausage casserole with a fresh side of salad or bread for a complete meal.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the sausage casserole to an oven-safe dish if it's not already in one.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sausages and vegetables are warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to crisp up slightly.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open to vent.
  3. Heat on medium power for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in additional 1-minute increments if necessary.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to a skillet to prevent sticking.
  2. Place the leftover casserole in the skillet over medium heat.
  3. Cover and heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Transfer the leftover casserole to your slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  3. Heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sausages and vegetables are thoroughly warmed.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a portion of the casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in additional 2-minute increments if necessary.

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for baking the casserole.

• Pan: Used to brown the sausages and sauté the onions and garlic.

• Casserole dish: Holds the sausages, vegetables, and tomato mixture for baking.

• Lid or aluminum foil: Covers the casserole dish to retain moisture during baking.

• Knife: Chops the onion and slices the carrots.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.

• Wooden spoon: Stirs the tomato mixture in the pan.

• Measuring cups: Measures the chicken broth and other ingredients.

• Can opener: Opens the can of chopped tomatoes.

• Garlic press: Minces the garlic cloves.

• Tongs: Turns the sausages while browning them in the pan.

Pre-cook sausages: Brown the sausages ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This will save you a step when assembling the casserole.

Chop vegetables in advance: Prepare the onion, garlic, baby potatoes, and carrots the night before and store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing it yourself.

One-pan method: Sauté the onion and garlic in the same pan you used for browning the sausages to reduce cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.