Nothing says cozy quite like a warm, hearty casserole straight from the oven. This Cheesy Sausage Comfort Casserole combines savory sausage with tender pasta or potatoes, all wrapped in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect dish to gather around on chilly evenings or to bring to potlucks where comfort food reigns supreme.
Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping make-ahead meals, this casserole delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures harmoniously blended into one dish. The balance of smoky sausage, aromatic onion and garlic, plus gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheese, makes every bite irresistibly comforting and flavorful.
- Versatile base allowing choice between pasta or potatoes for convenience and texture variety.
- Creamy homemade cheese sauce with a perfect balance of sharp cheddar and stretchy mozzarella.
- Simple ingredients combined for a quick, satisfying meal that reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
- Smoked or beef sausage (450–500 g / 1 lb): Sliced rounds that infuse the dish with smoky, hearty, and savory flavor.
- Cooked pasta (3 cups): Use penne, rotini, or shells to hold the creamy sauce well, or substitute with cooked diced potatoes for a comfort twist.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides a flavorful base for sautéing the sausage and aromatics.
- Small onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth when softened alongside the sausage.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Imparts a fragrant, savory warmth that complements the richness of the sausage.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Key to creating a smooth, velvety roux for the cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Coats the butter to thicken the cheese sauce into a creamy consistency.
- Milk (2 cups): Slowly whisked in to form the base of the cheese sauce; can be swapped partially with cream for extra richness.
- Cheddar cheese (1½–2 cups, shredded): Sharp and tangy, it provides the main cheesy flavor for the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded): Adds gooey texture and mild creaminess to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste, enhancing the overall flavors.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle smoky warmth and depth to the cheese sauce.
- Frozen peas, corn, or broccoli (1 cup, optional): Incorporates a fresh pop of color and nutrition.
- Chopped parsley or green onions: Fresh garnish that brightens and balances the dish before serving.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
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Set your oven to 190 °C (approximately 375 °F) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures easy removal of the casserole after baking and helps avoid sticking.
- Cook the Sausage and Aromatics
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages and cook until they begin to brown, releasing delicious juices and deepening their flavor. Then stir in diced onion, cooking until it softens and turns translucent, which builds layered savory notes. Add minced garlic last and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant — this prevents burning while maximizing aroma.
- Make the Cheese Sauce
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In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat to create the base of your sauce. Whisk in all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly so the sauce thickens smoothly without lumps. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, paprika, salt, and pepper until the sauce is silky, creamy, and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients and Assemble Casserole
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In a large bowl, gently mix cooked pasta (or diced potatoes), the sausage and onion mixture, any optional vegetables like peas or broccoli, and the prepared cheese sauce. This evenly distributes all flavors and textures. Transfer everything to the greased baking dish, spreading it out to create a uniform layer for baking.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
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Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. The top should become bubbly and develop a light golden crust, signaling that the cheese sauce is perfectly set and flavors melded. This baking step finishes the dish with a pleasant texture contrast.
- Rest and Garnish Before Serving
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Allow the casserole to rest for five minutes after baking to thicken further and cool slightly for easier serving. Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top to add freshness and vibrant color, making the dish even more inviting.
- You can easily swap pasta for diced potatoes depending on preference or what you have on hand; both absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Using part cream instead of milk will create a richer, velvety cheese sauce that elevates the dish.
- To introduce a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or additional shredded cheese over the casserole before baking for added texture and flavor complexity.
- This casserole is excellent for leftovers and reheats well in the oven or microwave without losing its creamy appeal.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or oven to maintain the creamy texture and prevent drying out. You can also freeze portions for up to one month, thawing thoroughly before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced, satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the creamy cheese sauce, completing the comforting dining experience.
- For an extra depth of flavor, brown the sausage until slightly caramelized before combining with other ingredients.
- Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers to customize this casserole with more savory complexity.
- Use sharp sharp aged cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy bite, or experiment with blends like Gruyere for a gourmet twist.
FAQs
- Can I use other sausages besides smoked or beef?
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Yes, feel free to try chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Adjust cooking times as needed.
- What type of pasta works best?
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Short pasta shapes with ridges like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal as they hold sauce well, but any cooked pasta will work.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
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Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the casserole, then cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to cook through.
- Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
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To make vegetarian, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth if enhancing the sauce.
- How do I get a crispier topping?
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Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter or extra shredded cheese over the top before baking for a golden, crunchy crust.
- Can I adjust the cheese types?
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Yes, mixing different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Fontina, or even a bit of Parmesan can enrich the flavor profile.
