If you're searching for a comforting and hearty meal that's perfect for family dinners, look no further than this Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole. This savory dish brings together tender potatoes, fresh green beans, and flavorful sausage in a delicious casserole that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The rich, robust flavors make it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family. So, let’s dive into this flavorful dish and discover how you can make it right in your kitchen. Read on for a detailed guide, and don’t forget to check out the tips and FAQs to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly!

What Is a Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole?
The Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is a rustic, one-pan meal that balances protein, vegetables, and carbs. With smoked or Italian sausage for flavor, green beans for freshness, and hearty potatoes, this dish covers all the bases. This casserole can be made in advance and is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced home chef, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients List for Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Before starting, gather all the ingredients for the casserole to make the process smoother and quicker. Here's everything you'll need:
- 1 lb (450g) of smoked sausage (or Italian sausage)
- 1 lb (450g) of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes (or Russet potatoes), peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth (optional for extra moisture)
- Shredded cheese (optional topping – cheddar or mozzarella)
Substitutions and Variations
This casserole recipe is incredibly flexible, and there are several substitutions you can make depending on your dietary preferences or available ingredients:
- Sausage Substitutions: If you prefer a different type of protein, you can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage option.
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans provide the best texture, but you can use frozen green beans if you're short on time. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the casserole.
- Potato Variations: Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes work best due to their starchy nature, but you could also try sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Add Veggies: For added nutrition, include vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These can be roasted with the other ingredients or sautéed before adding them to the casserole.
- Spices and Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with the spices. Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or chili powder can add a little kick if you like it spicy.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make your Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole? Follow these simple steps for a dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking dish or casserole dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sausage: Slice your sausage into ½-inch thick rounds. If you’re using Italian sausage, you may want to remove the casing beforehand for a crumblier texture. Set the sausage aside.
- Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the cubed potatoes and cook them for about 10 minutes, or until they are just slightly tender. You don’t want them to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Blanch the Green Beans: In a separate pot of boiling water, blanch the green beans for about 3 minutes. This ensures they retain their vibrant color and a bit of texture after baking. After blanching, drain and set the beans aside.
- Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage rounds and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, the chopped onion, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Assemble the Casserole: In your greased casserole dish, add the cooked potatoes, blanched green beans, browned sausage, and sautéed onions and garlic. Toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Season: Sprinkle the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture. For added moisture and flavor, pour the chicken broth over the entire casserole.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the top with shredded cheese if desired. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to Cook Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this casserole is all about layering the flavors and ensuring that each ingredient complements the other. Here’s a quick recap of the cooking steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the sausage by slicing it and browning it in a pan.
- Partially cook the potatoes and blanch the green beans.
- Sauté your onions and garlic until soft and aromatic.
- Combine all the ingredients in a casserole dish.
- Season and add chicken broth for moisture.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Let rest and serve hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Potatoes: If you cook the potatoes fully before adding them to the casserole, they might turn mushy. Make sure to only parboil them.
- Using Frozen Vegetables Without Thawing: If you’re using frozen green beans or other vegetables, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess water in the casserole.
- Skipping Seasoning: Don’t forget to season every layer of the dish to build depth of flavor. Salt, pepper, and herbs are key to bringing the casserole to life.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A casserole might be a rustic dish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t present it beautifully. Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving:
- Serve in Individual Portions: For a more elegant touch, you can scoop the casserole into individual ramekins or bowls and garnish each with a sprig of fresh parsley or thyme.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or even basil can brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
- Pair with a Light Salad: Serve the casserole with a side of fresh salad or coleslaw to lighten up the meal.
How to Serve Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
You can serve this casserole as a complete meal on its own, but if you’re hosting guests or looking for a bit more variety, here are a few serving suggestions:
- With Bread: A warm crusty baguette or garlic bread pairs perfectly with the casserole to soak up all the delicious juices.
- Side Dishes: Roasted vegetables, a light salad, or even a simple rice pilaf are great sides that complement the casserole’s flavors without overpowering it.
Presentation Ideas for Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Presentation is key to making even the simplest dishes look appetizing. Consider these ideas when serving your casserole:
- Family Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish, and let everyone help themselves. Use a colorful casserole dish for a homier feel.
- Layered in Clear Dishes: Use a clear casserole dish so your guests can see the delicious layers of sausage, potatoes, and green beans.
Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole Recipe Tips
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: If you have a cast-iron skillet, consider making this casserole directly in it. This gives the dish an extra-crispy base and retains heat well for serving.
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it fresh before serving.
- Double the Recipe: If you're feeding a larger crowd, this recipe can easily be doubled. Simply use a larger casserole dish and adjust the cooking time slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze the Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole? Yes, you can freeze the casserole after baking. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker? Absolutely! To make it in a slow cooker, brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
What type of sausage works best? Smoked sausage and Italian sausage are the most popular choices, but feel free to experiment with chorizo or kielbasa for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
The Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is a wholesome, easy-to-make dish that combines flavors and textures into a satisfying meal. With its versatility, you can customize it to suit your preferences, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Now that you have all the steps, substitutions, and tips, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy!
PrintSausage Green Bean Potato Casserole Recipe
This Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish combining sausage, green beans, and potatoes in a savory bake. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole provides a hearty, wholesome meal in one dish. The recipe highlights simple ingredients, baked to perfection for a family-friendly dinner. Keywords: Sausage, Green Bean, Potato Casserole, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Comfort Food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 3-4 large potatoes, cubed
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine sliced sausage, cubed potatoes, green beans, and chopped onion.
- Drizzle olive oil over the mixture, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss everything together to ensure even coating.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil, stir, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and browned.
Notes
- Use smoked or spicy sausage for extra flavor.
- Feel free to substitute frozen green beans if fresh are not available.
- Add shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes for a cheesy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
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