👉SmokedSausageHashbrown – Recipes on a Budget

Smoked Sausage and Hashbrown Casserole: Comfort in Every Bite

Description:
This Smoked Sausage and Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining smoky sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that’s hearty, filling, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner, a weekend brunch, or a family gathering. The creamy base made with cream of chicken soup and milk gives the casserole its rich, velvety texture, while the melted cheddar cheese adds a comforting, gooey finish. Add a little heat with bell peppers and onions, and you’ve got a meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

Cooking Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 (30 oz) package frozen hashbrowns
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the smoked sausage, frozen hashbrowns, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, diced onion, diced red bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Cover and bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Uncover and bake: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly on top.
Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, comforting meal!

Variations:

Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and add additional veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian option.
Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You could also swap the smoked sausage for spicy chorizo.
Cheese Variations: Swap the cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavors and textures.
Add Bacon: For an extra savory flavor, crumble some cooked bacon into the casserole before baking.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup for a different creamy base.

Serving Tips:

Pair with a salad: Serve this casserole with a light green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Serve with hot sauce: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or salsa adds a nice zesty touch.
Great for brunch: This casserole makes an excellent addition to brunch, especially when served with fresh fruit or breakfast pastries.
Top with fresh herbs: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked sausage? Yes, you can use fresh sausage. Just cook it through before adding it to the casserole to avoid undercooked meat.
Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen? Yes, fresh hashbrowns will work fine. Just make sure they are evenly spread in the casserole.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Can I use a different kind of cheese? Absolutely! You can swap out the cheddar for any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend.
How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can also check the internal temperature, which should be around 165°F.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole? Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to make it more colorful and nutritious.
What type of sausage is best for this casserole? Smoked sausage is ideal for its flavor, but you could also use kielbasa or any other cooked sausage you prefer.
Can I use non-dairy milk? Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for regular milk.
What can I serve this casserole with? A side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a slice of fresh bread would pair beautifully with this casserole.
How can I make this recipe spicier? Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or use a spicy sausage like chorizo to increase the heat.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup? Yes, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade creamy sauce with sour cream and milk.
Can I make this dish in a smaller baking dish? Yes, you can adjust the recipe for a smaller dish; however, you may need to reduce the baking time slightly.
Can I use diced bell peppers in different colors? Absolutely! Feel free to use yellow, green, or orange bell peppers for a variety of colors and flavors.
Can I skip the aluminum foil during baking? Yes, but covering with foil helps to keep the casserole moist. If you prefer a crispier top, you can bake it uncovered for the entire time.
How do I keep the casserole from getting too dry? To prevent dryness, be sure to use enough cream of chicken soup and milk, and avoid overbaking.
How long does this casserole last in the fridge? This casserole will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.
Can I make this casserole without cheese? Yes, you can skip the cheese if you prefer a lighter version or if you’re avoiding dairy. You could substitute with a non-dairy cheese alternative.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd? Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake it in a larger dish or split it into two 9×13 dishes.
What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish? You can use any similar-sized casserole dish, or even a deep dish pie pan.

20 Best Tips to Make Perfect Smoked Sausage and Hashbrown Casserole:

Use frozen hashbrowns for the best texture and ease—fresh can get too soggy.
Grease the baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Brown the sausage before adding it to the casserole for extra flavor.
Mix the ingredients well so every bite has an even distribution of sausage, hashbrowns, and cheese.
Adjust the seasoning to taste; don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preferences.
Cover with foil while baking to keep the casserole moist during the first 45 minutes.
Bake until golden brown on top for that crispy, cheesy crust.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature if you’re unsure if it’s done (should reach 165°F).
Try adding garlic powder or onion powder for an extra flavor boost.
Consider adding a layer of crispy bacon on top for added crunch and flavor.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors can set.
Top with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Freeze leftovers for an easy meal later in the week—this dish holds up well in the freezer.
Make it extra creamy by adding sour cream to the mixture for a tangy twist.
Serve with a side of hot sauce or salsa for a spicy kick.
Make sure the casserole is spread evenly in the dish so it cooks evenly.
Use a good quality cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Don’t overbake—check the casserole at the 1-hour mark to avoid overcooking.
Add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or kale for added nutrition and flavor.
For a smoky kick, add a few dashes of smoked paprika to the casserole mix.