This hearty Sausage and Sweet Potato Casserole brings together juicy sausage and sweet, tender potatoes. It’s a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners!
I love how this casserole is easy to make—all it takes is a little chopping and mixing. Plus, the flavors blend together so nicely that even leftovers taste amazing! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Their natural sweetness and creamy texture make them perfect for casseroles. If you want a change, you can use butternut squash or pumpkin as a substitute.
Ground Sausage: I love using pork sausage for its rich flavor. You can swap it for turkey or chicken sausage if you’re looking for a lighter option, or even a meat alternative if you’re vegetarian.
Red Onion: This adds a nice sweetness and color to the dish. You can use yellow or white onions if you prefer, or even shallots for a milder flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: I sometimes skip the cheese or use a sharp cheddar for extra flavor. If dairy-free, try vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Heavy Cream or Milk: This adds creaminess to the casserole. If you want a healthier alternative, coconut milk or almond milk can work well too!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Sweet Potatoes?
Cooking sweet potatoes correctly ensures they are tender but not mushy. Start by cutting them into even-sized cubes for consistent cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven properly to 400°F (200°C) before placing the dish inside for even baking.
- Toss the sweet potatoes with oil and seasonings before adding them to help enhance their flavor.
- Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking keeps moisture in, allowing them to cook through.
- After removing the foil, stir gently to combine with the sausage, ensuring they cook evenly and get that nice, crisp top.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly tender, flavorful sweet potatoes in your casserole every time!
How to Make Sausage And Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into large cubes
- 1 pound ground sausage (pork or your choice)
- 1 medium red onion, peeled and cut into wedges
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chopped herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and 45 minutes for cooking, totaling around 1 hour. In less than an hour, you’ll have a warm and delicious casserole ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important to get everything cooked evenly. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish or baking pan so nothing sticks.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the ground sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, remove it from heat and set it aside.
3. Toss the Sweet Potatoes and Onions:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes and onion wedges. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, thyme (if you’re using it), and salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes and onions are well coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the sweet potato and onion mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Next, scatter the cooked sausage pieces evenly on top of the vegetables.
5. Add Cream and Bake:
Pour the cream over the entire mixture to keep it moist while baking. Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes.
6. Add Cheese and Final Bake:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Stir gently to combine the sausage and vegetables slightly. If you’re using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the top now. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle a bit. If you’d like, garnish it with fresh parsley or herbs for a pop of color and flavor, then it’s ready to enjoy!
Dig into your warm, savory Sausage and Sweet Potato Casserole—a perfect dish for cozy gatherings or family dinners!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While pork sausage is traditional, you can use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make the casserole dairy-free, simply swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute. For the cheese, you can try a dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely; the casserole will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, but it’s best to stop before the final bake. Assemble everything in the dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from a colder temperature.
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through, adding a splash of cream if it seems a bit dry.
