This hearty sausage and sweet potato casserole is a cozy dish filled with flavor! It combines savory sausage with sweet potatoes and a hint of spices to warm your belly.
I love how it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze! Plus, the mix of tastes and textures makes it a hit at the dinner table—your family will be asking for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: Italian sausage is fantastic for adding flavor, but you can use turkey sausage for a leaner option. Don’t worry; it’ll still taste great!
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this dish! If you’re looking for a different flavor, try it with butternut squash or regular white potatoes instead.
Red Onion: I love red onion for its mild taste. Yellow onion works too, giving a stronger flavor. If you’re aiming for sweetness, try using a shallot.
Cauliflower: Totally optional! If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip it or substitute with broccoli or bell peppers for some crunch.
Walnuts: They add great texture. You can easily swap them for pecans or sunflower seeds if you have a nut allergy.
How Do I Ensure the Veggies Are Perfectly Tender?
To get those sweet potatoes nice and soft while cooking, make sure you cut everything into even-sized chunks. This ensures they cook at the same rate. Toss them well with olive oil and seasonings before baking so every piece gets coated.
- Arrange your veggies in a single layer in the baking dish; this helps them roast nicely.
- Keep an eye on them in the oven. If they look like they’re browning too fast, give them a quick stir halfway through baking.
With these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly tender vegetables every time!
Sausage and Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) sausage links (Italian or breakfast sausage), sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium red onion, peeled and cut into wedges
- 1 cup cauliflower florets (optional)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped or halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme or mixed Italian herbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake, making it a total of around 50 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Veggies:
In a large bowl, add your diced sweet potatoes, onion wedges, and cauliflower florets (if using). Drizzle the olive oil over them, then sprinkle in the dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well-coated and flavorful.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Put the vegetable mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This is where all the yummy flavors will come together!
4. Add the Sausage:
Now, scatter the sliced sausage rounds evenly over the top of the veggies. It’s all about that savory goodness mingling with the sweetness of the potatoes!
5. Top with Walnuts:
Evenly sprinkle the walnuts over the casserole for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
6. Bake Away:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for the sweet potatoes to be fork-tender and the sausage to be nicely browned.
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle. Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme if you like.
Now dig in and enjoy your warm, hearty sausage and sweet potato casserole! Perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings. 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds great flavor, feel free to use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage as a lighter or vegetarian alternative. Just ensure they are fully cooked before serving if using raw sausage.
Can I Make This Casserole Without Walnuts?
Yes, you can omit the walnuts if you have a nut allergy or simply don’t have any on hand. You can also substitute them with sunflower seeds or pecans for a similar crunch!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or the oven. Just add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or even greens like spinach or kale to the mix. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you add more watery vegetables.
