How To Make Sausage Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe For A Cozy Night In

Sausage casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm you up on a cold day. It’s also a great way to use up leftover sausage. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the olive oil, onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
6. Combine the sausage mixture, macaroni, and mozzarella cheese in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
9. Serve hot.

Tips for Making Sausage Casserole

• For a spicier casserole, use spicy Italian sausage.
• Add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the casserole for extra flavor.
• If you don’t have any elbow macaroni, you can use any other type of pasta.
• You can also use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone.
• Serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread or salad.

Variations on Sausage Casserole

There are many different ways to make sausage casserole. Here are a few ideas:

• Add some cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots, to the casserole.
• Top the casserole with a layer of mashed potatoes or stuffing.
• Use a different type of sausage, such as breakfast sausage or chorizo.
• Make a vegetarian version of the casserole by using tofu or tempeh instead of sausage.

How to Serve Sausage Casserole

Sausage casserole is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s also a great dish to take to potlucks or picnics.

How to Store Sausage Casserole

Sausage casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Sausage Casserole

To reheat sausage casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven until heated through.

The Secret to a Perfect Sausage Casserole

The secret to a perfect sausage casserole is to use high-quality ingredients. Use fresh sausage, vegetables, and cheese. You’ll also want to make sure that you cook the casserole until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted.

In a nutshell: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish

Sausage casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold day. It’s also a great way to use up leftover sausage. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Can I make sausage casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make sausage casserole ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole according to the directions and then refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, bake the casserole in a preheated oven until heated through.

Q: How can I make sausage casserole healthier?

A: There are a few ways to make sausage casserole healthier. You can use lean sausage, add more vegetables, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with sausage casserole?

A: There are many good side dishes that you can serve with sausage casserole. Some popular options include garlic bread, salad, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables.