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Ingredients You’ll Need:
To make this hearty casserole, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450g) sausage (either pork sausage, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage works well)
- 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or russet potatoes are great options)
- 1 cup carrots, sliced into rounds or half-moons
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend; optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives for garnish)
How to Make Sausage and Potato Casserole with Spring Veggies
This casserole comes together in just a few simple steps, and the result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by preparing your vegetables. Peel and dice the potatoes, and slice the carrots and asparagus. If you’re using frozen peas, you can skip any prep for them, but if they’re fresh, just give them a quick rinse. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sausage (if using links, remove the casing and crumble the sausage into the pan). Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet (to keep all those delicious flavors from the sausage), add the onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened. Add the diced potatoes and carrots, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The potatoes should start to soften, but they don’t need to be fully cooked at this point since they will continue to cook in the oven.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and asparagus and peas. Stir everything together until well-mixed. Add the chicken broth, and season with salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). If you want a cheesy, indulgent casserole, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. The cheese will melt into the dish and create a deliciously crispy, golden top.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. You want the cheese to melt and bubble, and for the edges of the potatoes to turn golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- Packed with Flavor: The savory sausage blends beautifully with the sweetness of the spring vegetables and the hearty potatoes. Each bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Comforting Yet Light: While this casserole is filling and hearty, the spring veggies—especially the asparagus and peas—bring a lightness that makes this dish perfect for a spring meal. It’s the kind of comfort food that doesn’t feel too heavy.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the vegetables depending on what you have on hand. Feel free to swap the carrots for parsnips, the asparagus for green beans, or the peas for broccoli or spinach. The casserole is versatile and forgiving.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This casserole is great for meal prepping. You can assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook. It’s also perfect for leftovers the next day.
Tips for the Best Sausage and Potato Casserole
- Par-Cook the Potatoes: If you want to ensure that your potatoes cook through evenly and quickly, consider par-cooking them for a few minutes in the microwave or boiling them for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This will cut down on the baking time.
- Add Extra Flavor: If you want to elevate the flavor even more, add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to the vegetables before baking. It will brighten the flavors and add depth.
- Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and it reheats beautifully. Just be sure to cover it with foil when reheating to keep it moist.
Serving Suggestions
This Sausage and Potato Casserole with Spring Veggies is a complete meal on its own, but if you’d like to add a little something extra, here are some great options:
- A side salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic bread or a slice of crusty bread for sopping up any flavorful sauce.
- A simple fruit salad for a refreshing and light side to balance the savory dish.
Conclusion
This Sausage and Potato Casserole with Spring Veggies is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: hearty, comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. The combination of savory sausage, crispy potatoes, and fresh spring vegetables makes this casserole a must-try recipe for the season. It’s the perfect way to bring the flavors of spring to your dinner table while enjoying the comforting heartiness of a casserole. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a new favorite!
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