This Sausage and Potato Bake sounds like a super affordable, easy, and hearty meal! With just a few simple ingredients, it’s a great option when you’re on a budget but still want something filling and delicious. I love how you made it work by using what you had, and the addition of green bean water is a clever trick to keep the potatoes from burning. Let’s break down the recipe with some more details and tips, as well as some benefits!
Sausage and Potato Bake
A simple, budget-friendly casserole made with sausage, potatoes, and green beans. Perfect for a busy night or meal prepping for several days. Plus, it’s customizable, making it an easy go-to recipe for all kinds of eaters.
Ingredients:
- ½ pack of Eckrich sausage (or any sausage of your choice, cut into small pieces)
- ½ bag of russet potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes, diced)
- 1 can of green beans (or any vegetable you prefer)
- Green bean water (used to help cook the potatoes)
- Salt, pepper, and seasoning (garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or anything you like)
- Butter (optional, for greasing the pan)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (or 425-450°F for a faster cook next time).
- Slice your sausage into small pieces (about ½-inch) and set aside.
- Wash and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. You can peel them or leave the skin on—your choice!
- Open the can of green beans and set aside the green bean water (you’ll use this to prevent the potatoes from burning).
2. Assemble the Bake:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the diced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Add the sausage pieces on top of the potatoes.
- Pour the green beans (and their water) over the potatoes and sausage. This will add some moisture, ensuring everything cooks evenly and the potatoes don’t burn. If you prefer, you can drain the green beans and use fresh or frozen veggies instead.
3. Season and Bake:
- Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning would work well here. You can also toss in some cheese if you’re feeling extra cheesy!
- Cover the dish with foil to help everything cook evenly, especially the potatoes.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the sausage is cooked through. If you want a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 15 minutes and broil it for a few minutes.
4. Serve:
- Let it cool slightly before serving. This dish is perfect for a family dinner and even better as leftovers!
- Serve with a side salad or bread if you like!
Q&A:
Q: Can I use other types of sausage?
A: Absolutely! You can use any sausage you like—breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage for a leaner option. Just adjust the seasoning if your sausage is already flavored!
Q: What if I don’t have green beans?
A: No problem! You can use any vegetable you prefer. Carrots, corn, broccoli, or mixed veggies would all be great alternatives. Just make sure to add a little water or broth to keep the potatoes from drying out.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake when needed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I add cheese to this?
A: Absolutely! Adding cheese is always a great idea. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan on top before baking for a cheesy, golden finish. Or, you could mix it into the casserole before baking for extra creaminess.
Benefits of This Recipe:
- Budget-Friendly:
This whole meal comes in under $10, which is amazing for a dish that feeds multiple people. It’s a great choice for those looking to eat well without breaking the bank. - One-Pan Meal:
Everything cooks together in one pan, which means fewer dishes to clean afterward! The sausage and potatoes cook in the same dish, absorbing all the flavors from each other. - Versatile:
This dish is super customizable. You can swap the sausage for ground beef, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. - Comforting and Filling:
The combination of potatoes, sausage, and vegetables is hearty and filling, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner. Plus, it makes plenty of leftovers for the next day! - Kid-Friendly:
With simple ingredients like sausage and potatoes, this dish is usually a hit with kids. You can also mix in their favorite veggies or adjust the seasoning to make it more appealing to their taste buds.
Pro Tips:
- Add Some Crunch: If you like a crispy texture on top, you can add bread crumbs or crushed crackers as a topping before baking. Broil for a few minutes to get that golden crunch.
- Layering Tip: To get the potatoes extra crispy, you can layer them in a single layer rather than piling them up too high in the dish.
- Use Stock for Extra Flavor: If you want to add more flavor to the dish, swap the green bean water with chicken broth or vegetable broth for extra richness.
Conclusion:
This Sausage and Potato Bake is a perfect budget-friendly dinner that’s easy to make, comforting, and satisfying. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a filling meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to stretch your ingredients over several meals.
What do you think? Will you be making this again with any tweaks or additions? Let me know how it turns out! 😊🍽️