This Simple Sausage Casserole is a warm and hearty meal that combines juicy sausages, colorful veggies, and rich tomatoes. Perfect for chilly nights!
Cooking this dish feels like a cozy hug! I love dumping everything in one pot and letting it bubble away while I kick back. Who doesn’t love easy cleanup?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausages: Use your favorite sausage—pork, chicken, or even plant-based. I often go for Italian sausage for a little spice! If you’re keeping it light, turkey sausage works nicely too.
Onion and Garlic: These add essential flavor. If you’re sensitive to onion, try shallots or leeks. Garlic powder can substitute fresh garlic in a pinch.
Vegetables: Feel free to include zucchini, carrots, or spinach based on what you have. Frozen veggies can also work well!
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are a staple. If you prefer fresh, use about 2 cups chopped tomatoes. For a little twist, try adding fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth enhances the taste, but water in a pinch can suffice. Just add a bit more seasoning!
Biscuit Topping: If you’re looking for a shortcut, store-bought biscuit mix works great. For a healthier option, you could use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
How Do I Get the Biscuit Topping Just Right?
The biscuit topping is what makes this casserole so comforting! Here’s how to ensure it turns out perfectly fluffy:
- Mix the dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can make biscuits tough.
- Add the wet ingredients and stir until it’s just combined. It’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy; that’s what keeps it light.
- Drop the dough in spoonfuls on top of the sausage mixture. Don’t worry about covering it completely; the biscuits will expand as they bake!
- Check them near the end of baking; a golden color means they are done. A toothpick test can confirm they’re solid inside!
With these tips, you’ll have a cozy and delicious casserole perfect for any weeknight!
Simple Sausage Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) sausage links, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- For the Biscuit Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or thyme (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Simple Sausage Casserole takes approximately 15 minutes for preparation and about 30 minutes of baking time, making it a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be ready when you need it later!
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages to the dish. Cook them until they are nicely browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove the sausages from the dish and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same dish where you cooked the sausages, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped bell pepper (if using), cooking until they are tender.
4. Combine Everything:
Next, stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme or mixed herbs. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes. Return the browned sausages to the casserole and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Prepare the Biscuit Topping:
While the sausage mixture simmers, it’s time to make the biscuit topping. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk and melted butter until you have a soft dough that is just mixed together.
6. Add Biscuit Dough:
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the sausage mixture. It’s okay if it doesn’t cover everything, as the biscuits will spread while baking!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the biscuit topping is golden brown and fluffy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes. This helps it set a little. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if you like.
Enjoy your comforting Simple Sausage Casserole! It’s sure to become a family favorite!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausages?
Absolutely! You can swap in your favorite type of sausage, such as Italian, chicken, or even vegan options. The flavor will vary slightly depending on your choice, but they’ll all work well!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the veggies. You can also choose spicy sausage for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled from the fridge.
Is Leftover Casserole Good for Meal Prep?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist if needed.