This hearty Sausage and Sweet Potato Casserole is a warm hug in a dish! It’s packed with juicy sausage, tender sweet potatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese that everyone will love.
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of this casserole baking in the oven! I often make it for gatherings, and it always disappears fast. Who knew comfort food could be so simple?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for its bold flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try turkey or chicken sausage. For a meatless option, seasoned veggie sausage works well too!
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this dish! If you can’t find sweet potatoes, butternut squash or regular potatoes can be good substitutes. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
Onions: Pearl onions are fun and sweet, but if you don’t have them, small yellow onions or even chopped green onions can work. Red onions add a color pop and some sharpness, which I really enjoy!
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but if you prefer something stronger, go for cheddar or gouda. You can also leave it out for a dairy-free version—just add some extra herbs for flavor!
How Do I Ensure My Sweet Potatoes Cook Perfectly?
Cooking sweet potatoes just right is key for a great casserole! To make sure they’re tender, cut them into evenly sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook uniformly.
- Start by coating them well in olive oil and seasonings; this helps with flavor and moisture.
- Bake covered first to steam them, then uncover to brown nicely.
- Check for tenderness with a fork after 30 minutes. If it easily pierces the sweet potato, it’s ready for the cheese.
Sausage And Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) sausage links (Italian sausage or your favorite kind), sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup pearl onions or small yellow onions, peeled
- 1 medium red onion, sliced (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mild melting cheese of your choice)
- Fresh sage or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 50 minutes to bake. You’ll spend some time chopping and mixing, but the oven does most of the work for you, giving you a warm, hearty meal to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you put in your casserole, helping to cook everything evenly.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes and pearl onions. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme. Toss everything well until the sweet potatoes and onions are thoroughly coated.
3. Add the Sausage:
Now, add the sliced sausage pieces to your bowl and gently mix everything together. You want the sausage to be distributed well among the sweet potatoes and onions for maximum flavor.
4. Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so everything cooks well. If you’re using red onion slices, place them on top for an extra pop of flavor.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help steam the sweet potatoes. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is beautifully melted and slightly golden.
7. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors settle nicely.
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, garnish your casserole with fresh sage or rosemary sprigs for a lovely touch. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting meal!
This casserole is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect family meal any night of the week!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds great flavor, you can use turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just ensure they are fully cooked before mixing them into the casserole.
Can I Prep This Casserole in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. Just chop them into similar sizes, and add them at the same time as the sweet potatoes for even cooking.
