Hearty Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

This irresistible sausage and potato casserole is a true comfort food masterpiece, brimming with robust, rustic flavors. Tender potatoes, vibrant bell peppers, aromatic garlic, and gooey cheese come together with savory Italian sausage to create a dish that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a chilly evening or a bustling weeknight, this casserole promises to warm you from the inside out and become a cherished family favorite.

Why This Sausage and Potato Casserole Recipe Works So Well

---

This beloved sausage and potato casserole recipe has been a staple in my kitchen since 2012, and it consistently delivers on its promise: a hearty, comforting, and incredibly filling meal that’s simple to prepare. It beautifully combines the rich flavors of savory Italian sausage with earthy leeks and mushrooms, bright tomatoes, aromatic garlic, crisp bell peppers, and tender potatoes. Imagine all the deliciousness of classic sausage and peppers, but elevated into a substantial bake with the added satisfaction of potatoes and a medley of other fantastic ingredients. It’s the kind of family-friendly casserole you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, not just for its incredible taste but also for its remarkable adaptability. You can easily customize it based on what fresh vegetables you have on hand, making it a truly versatile dish for any occasion.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its layered flavors and textures. The sausage provides a rich, savory base, while the peppers and potatoes offer a delightful bite and satisfying heartiness. Leeks and mushrooms add an umami depth that perfectly complements the other ingredients, and the tomatoes bring a touch of acidity to balance the richness. Topped with melted cheese, this dish transforms into a golden-brown wonder that’s appealing to both adults and children. It’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade, wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Your Sausage and Potato Casserole

---

Crafting this delicious sausage and potato casserole requires a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients that come together harmoniously. You’ll find all precise measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the conclusion of this article. Here’s a closer look at the key components:

Ingredient Information and Substitution Suggestions

---

Understanding your ingredients and knowing how to make smart substitutions can greatly enhance your cooking experience and adapt this casserole to your preferences or what you have on hand.

SAUSAGE – For this recipe, we typically use sweet Italian sausage, which offers a wonderfully balanced flavor. However, feel free to experiment with any variety of uncooked Italian sausage that you enjoy. If you like a little heat, spicy Italian sausage will add a fantastic kick, making the dish even more exciting. For a more subtle warmth, consider using a combination of mild and hot Italian sausages. Beyond Italian sausage, you could also substitute with other ground meats like ground beef, ground turkey, or even chicken sausage for a different profile. Just ensure to brown it thoroughly and drain any excess fat before proceeding.

PEPPERS – Bell peppers add beautiful color, sweetness, and a fresh crunch to the casserole. While you can use any color bell pepper you prefer, I often gravitate towards the sweeter varieties such as red, yellow, and orange bell peppers. These not only look vibrant in the dish but also offer a milder, fruitier flavor. Green bell peppers, while less sweet, work equally well and can introduce a slightly more earthy, pungent note if that’s what you’re after. Feel free to mix and match colors for visual appeal and a complex flavor.

POTATOES – Red potatoes are our go-to for this casserole due to their waxy texture, which holds up well during baking and prevents them from becoming mushy. Any other waxy variety, like Yukon Gold or new potatoes, would be excellent alternatives. While Russet potatoes can be used if no other option is available, keep in mind they are starchier and tend to absorb more liquid, potentially resulting in a slightly drier or less cohesive casserole. If using Russets, you might want to slightly adjust the cooking time or add a touch more broth to maintain moisture.

ADDITIONS – Leeks and mushrooms bring an incredible depth of flavor and texture to this casserole. If you’re not a fan of these specific vegetables, or if you simply want to expand the nutritional content, feel free to omit them or swap them out for other vegetables. Carrots, celery, zucchini, or even spinach (added at the end to wilt) would make fantastic additions, contributing their unique flavors and nutrients. This recipe is incredibly forgiving, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or what’s seasonally available.

TOMATOES – Diced fire-roasted tomatoes are a secret weapon in this recipe, imparting a smoky depth and rich tomato flavor that truly elevates the casserole. If fire-roasted tomatoes aren’t available, regular diced tomatoes will work perfectly fine. A crucial tip for avoiding an overly liquidy casserole is to drain your can of tomatoes thoroughly before adding them. This ensures the casserole maintains a comforting, slightly stew-like consistency without becoming watery.

CHEESE – We enjoy the unique flavor that garlic cheese brings to this dish, adding an extra layer of savory goodness. However, if garlic cheese is hard to find, classic mozzarella is an excellent and readily available substitute that melts beautifully and provides that coveted cheesy pull. Other great options include sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses, each offering a slightly different flavor profile to complement the sausage and potatoes.

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Irresistible Sausage and Potato Casserole

---

These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with all measurements and instructions, simply jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the optimal temperature when the casserole is ready to bake, leading to even cooking and a beautifully browned top.
2. Brown the Sausage and Mushrooms: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Italian sausage with the minced mushrooms until they are well integrated. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and mushroom mixture and cook, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until it is nicely browned and cooked through. This browning step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy, and set the mixture aside. Wipe out the skillet, preparing it for the next step.
   
3. Prepare the Broth Mixture: In a separate small bowl, combine the minced fresh Italian parsley with the chicken broth. This simple mixture will add herbaceous notes and moisture to the casserole. Set it aside for later use.
   
4. Sauté Potatoes and Bell Peppers: Return the cleaned skillet to medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the cubed red potatoes and cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a beautiful light brown crust. This initial cooking helps them become tender and adds a wonderful texture to the finished casserole. Next, add the yellow and red bell peppers to the skillet and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, just until the peppers are tender-crisp. You want them to retain a slight bite. Remove the potato and pepper mixture from the skillet and set it aside with the sausage.
   
5. Cook Leeks and Garlic: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced leeks and sauté, stirring often, for about 2-3 minutes, until they are tender and slightly softened. The leeks will add a mild, sweet onion flavor. Then, stir in the smashed and coarsely chopped garlic and sauté for another minute or so until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
   
6. Combine with Tomatoes: Add the drained diced fire-roasted tomatoes to the skillet with the leeks and garlic. Stir everything together gently, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Simmer with Broth: Pour the prepared chicken broth and parsley mixture into the skillet. Bring the contents to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat slightly to maintain a simmer. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper and a couple of pinches of Kosher salt, tasting and adjusting as needed.
8. Assemble and Bake the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned sausage and mushroom mixture, the sautéed potatoes and bell peppers, and the seasoned leek-tomato-broth mixture. Stir everything gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Transfer this combined mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Covering with foil helps the casserole cook through evenly and prevents the top from browning too quickly. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded garlic cheese (or mozzarella) evenly over the top, and return the uncovered casserole to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set.
   
   

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Casserole Success

---

Delightful Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole

---

This hearty sausage and potato casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments to enhance the dining experience. Serve it with warm, crusty rolls, fluffy biscuits, or a slice of garlic bread to soak up all the delicious, savory juices. A crisp, leafy green dinner salad on the side, perhaps with a light vinaigrette dressing, provides a refreshing contrast and balances the richness of the casserole. You could also offer steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a side of corn on the cob for extra vegetable goodness. Enjoy this comforting meal with your family and friends!

More Irresistible Casserole Recipes to Try

---

• Tater Tot Casserole
• Ground Beef Casserole
• Stuffed Pepper Casserole
• Mexican Chicken Casserole

I genuinely love to bake, cook, and share my culinary adventures with all of you! To make sure you never miss a new recipe, I offer a convenient newsletter delivered right to your inbox. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes, tips, and inspiration!