Sausage Hashbrown Casserole: A Savory, Hearty Dish for Any Occasion

Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings together the comforting flavors of breakfast sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. This savory casserole is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and crispy top, it’s a surefire way to please the whole family, whether for a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight meal.

Why This Casserole Stands Out

The combination of ingredients makes this casserole incredibly hearty and satisfying. The sausage provides a savory richness, the hashbrowns add a crispy texture, and the melted cheddar cheese creates a warm, gooey layer on top. Plus, the inclusion of sour cream and cream of chicken soup ensures a creamy, decadent interior that keeps every bite flavorful.

Whether you’re serving this casserole for a holiday breakfast or a comforting dinner, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. You can also easily make this ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready.

Ingredients:

Sausage: 1 pound of your favorite breakfast sausage, mild or spicy
Hashbrowns: 1 package of frozen shredded hashbrowns (30 oz), thawed before use
Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) for the creamy base; you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup if you prefer
Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, or try a blend like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variation
Sour Cream: 1 cup, adding tanginess and creaminess
Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped for extra flavor
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for seasoning
Salt & Pepper: Adjust to taste
Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chives, or even crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.

2. Brown the Sausage:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it browns. Cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and drain any excess fat on paper towels.

3. Prepare the Base:

In a large bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, cooked sausage, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and finely chopped onion. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so that the hashbrowns and sausage are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

Transfer the sausage and hashbrown mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly across the dish, ensuring the sausage and hashbrowns are distributed uniformly.

5. Add Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, covering it entirely for that rich, cheesy finish.

6. Bake:

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The casserole is done when it’s hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Variations and Add-Ins:

Add Vegetables: You can incorporate diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even broccoli to add more nutrients and texture.
Make It Spicy: Opt for spicy breakfast sausage or add diced jalapeños for a little kick.
Change the Cheese: Swap out cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese for different flavor profiles.
Use Different Meats: If sausage isn’t your favorite, you can use cooked bacon, ham, or even ground turkey in place of the sausage.

Tips for Success:

Thaw the Hashbrowns: Make sure your hashbrowns are thawed before mixing them with the other ingredients. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture in the casserole.
Drain Excess Fat: After cooking the sausage, drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for holiday mornings or busy weekdays.

Storage and Reheating:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Perfect for Meal Prep:

This casserole also makes a great meal-prep option. You can portion it out into individual servings and store them in the fridge or freezer for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. If freezing, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g

Conclusion:

Sausage Hashbrown Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. The combination of sausage, creamy hashbrowns, and gooey cheese creates a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday brunch, a casual weekend meal, or as a make-ahead dinner, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy.