Potato Sausage Casserole
Potato Sausage Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the savory flavors of ground pork sausage with the creamy texture of sliced potatoes, all smothered in a velvety white sauce and topped with melted cheese. This classic casserole is a beloved family favorite, often served at gatherings and potlucks, as it's easy to prepare and always satisfies a crowd.
Ingredients
- 4 cups potatoes cleaned and sliced thin
- 1 cup reserved potato water
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 cup thinly sliced onions optional
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 3 tbsp margarine or butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 13x9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Clean and slice the potatoes, then boil them in salted water for 5 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water before draining the potatoes.
- In a skillet, brown the ground pork sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease.
White Sauce
- Melt margarine in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually pour in the reserved potato water and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
Assembling the Casserole
- Arrange the cooked and drained potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the sliced onions evenly over the potato layer.
- Top the onions with the cooked and drained sausage, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheese.
- Pour the prepared white sauce evenly over the entire casserole. If desired, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Baking and Serving
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. For a crusty cheese topping, you can remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Notes
- When using unseasoned pork sausage, it's important to add salt to the cream sauce to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Onions are a flexible ingredient in this recipe. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences. They contribute a delightful flavor to this traditional casserole without relying on the cream of mushroom soup.
- For those who enjoy a golden brown, crusty cheese topping, remove the foil covering the casserole during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking time. This will allow the cheese to develop a beautiful, crispy texture.
- After removing the Potato Sausage Casserole from the oven, let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set and hold together better when portioned out.
Nutrition
Calories: 389kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 16gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 666mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 421IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 160mgIron: 2mg
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