Sausage Green Bean Casserole is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. As I prepare this recipe, I cant help but reminisce about family gatherings where this casserole was the star of the show. Originating from the classic green bean casserole, this version adds a savory twist with the inclusion of hearty sausage, making it a beloved favorite among friends and family alike.
What I adore about Sausage Green Bean Casserole is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender green beans meld beautifully with the rich, savory sausage, while the creamy sauce ties everything together. Not only is it delicious, but its also incredibly convenient to make, allowing me to whip it up quickly for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion. Its no wonder that this dish has earned a special place in our hearts and on our plates!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on your preference)
- 1 can (15 oz) of green beans, drained (or 2 cups of fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup of crispy fried onions (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if using fresh green beans)
Preparing the Sausage
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly. 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. If youre using mild sausage, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. 3. Cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until its browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there are no pink bits left. 4. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. I usually tilt the skillet and use a spoon to help remove the grease, but be careful not to lose any sausage!Preparing the Green Beans
5. If youre using fresh green beans, rinse them under cold water and trim the ends. Cut them into 1-inch pieces. 6. In the same skillet (after removing the sausage), add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. 7. Add the fresh green beans and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. If youre using canned green beans, you can skip this step and add them directly to the casserole.Mixing the Casserole Ingredients
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, green beans (whether fresh or canned), cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. 9. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and evenly distributed. 10. Now, fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture. This will add a delicious cheesy flavor throughout the casserole.Assembling the Casserole
11. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. 12. Pour the sausage and green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. 13. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. This will create a lovely cheesy crust as it bakes. 14. Finally, top the casserole with the crispy fried onions. This adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast to the creamy filling.Baking the Casserole
15. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. 16. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to ensure the onions dont burn. If they start to darken too much, you can cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil.Serving the Casserole
17. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve. 18. Use a spatula to scoop out portions and serve warm. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread. 19. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this Sausage Green Bean Casserole with family and friends. Its perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks!Storage and Reheating
20. If you have leftovers (which is rare because its so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 21. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal. 22. Feel free to customize this casserole by adding other vegetables like corn or bell peppers, or even swapping out the sausage for chicken or turkey for a lighter option. This
Conclusion:
In wrapping up this delightful journey through the Sausage Green Bean Casserole recipe, I can confidently say that this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of savory sausage, tender green beans, and creamy sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, its incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. For serving suggestions, I love pairing this casserole with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. If youre feeling adventurous, consider adding some crispy fried onions on top for an extra crunch or swapping out the green beans for your favorite seasonal vegetables. You could even experiment with different types of sausage, like spicy Italian or chicken sausage, to give the dish a unique twist. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Sausage Green Bean Casserole for yourself. I promise it will become a staple in your recipe rotation! Once youve made it, Id love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own special touch? How did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below. Happy cooking! Print
Sausage Green Bean Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Sausage Green Bean Casserole features savory Italian sausage, fresh green beans, and creamy mushroom soup, all topped with crispy fried onions. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish that works well as a main course or a side, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of Italian sausage
- 1 pound of fresh green beans
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of crispy fried onions
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook the sausage until it is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Now, add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Stir them in with the sausage mixture and cook for another 5 minutes, just until the beans start to soften. Avoid overcooking to retain some crunch.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir until well blended.
- Add the cooked sausage and green bean mixture to the bowl. Mix everything together until the sausage and beans are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Next, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the casserole.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour the sausage and green bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top the casserole with the crispy fried onions for added crunch and flavor.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- After 30 minutes, check the casserole. If the top isnt as golden as youd like, broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set.
Notes
- Serve the casserole warm, either as a main dish or as a side. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a simple salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
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