Sausage Potato Green Bean Casserole
A cozy family favorite featuring hearty sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant green beans, perfect for any gathering or busy weeknight.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild) Feel free to swap with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- 4 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold) These varieties give the best texture. For a healthier option, you can try sweet potatoes.
- 2 cups fresh green beans Trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces. Frozen green beans can work too; just thaw them beforehand.
- 1 small onion Diced. It’s a building block for flavor, but shallots or leeks can be delightful substitutes.
- 2 cloves garlic Minced for a depth of flavor; use fresh whenever possible.
- 1 cup sour cream For creamy richness; Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a healthier swap.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Use sharp cheddar for more flavor, or try Swiss for an alternative taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Fresh thyme would add brightness; feel free to use oregano in its place.
- Salt and pepper To taste; essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, around 5-7 minutes.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the sausage in the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
- Chop the potatoes into small cubes (about ½ inch) and add them to the skillet.
- Pour in enough water to cover potatoes, bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender.
- Add green beans to the skillet during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking time.
Assembly and Baking
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Drain any excess water from the skillet and bring all the ingredients into the bowl with the creamy mixture. Stir gently until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
For healthier options, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or use cauliflower instead of potatoes. You can also add seasonal vegetables like butternut squash in the fall or asparagus in the spring.