Dinner

Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole

This Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with smoked kielbasa sausage, baby creamer potatoes, and green beans, this hearty dish is baked to perfection with a blend of savory seasonings. Easy to prepare and full of rich flavors, it’s the perfect family dinner, meal prep dish, or potluck favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced into ¼-inch pieces
  • 2 pounds baby creamer potatoes, washed and halved
  • Two 15-ounce cans green beans, drained
  • ⅛ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 cup onions, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup water

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Season the Potatoes: Place halved potatoes in a large sealable bag. Add vegetable oil, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Seal and shake well to coat evenly.
  3. Cook the Sausage: In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, cook the sliced sausage with ¼ cup water until browned and most of the water evaporates. Let it cool, then add to the bag with potatoes.
  4. Sauté Onions & Garlic: In the same pan, melt butter. Add onions and garlic and sauté until onions are translucent. Let cool, then add to the bag.
  5. Add Green Beans: Add the drained green beans to the bag. Seal and shake to mix all ingredients well.
  6. Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 40 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
  7. Serve & Enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs perfectly with fresh bread or a side salad!

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole

This casserole is the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and comforting flavors, making it a dish that everyone will love. Here’s why you should try it:

  • One-Pan Convenience: Everything bakes together in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Smoked sausage, tender potatoes, and crisp green beans are seasoned to perfection, creating a deeply flavorful dish with minimal effort.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add extra veggies to suit your taste.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores and reheats well, making it a fantastic option for make-ahead meals.
  • Great for Gatherings: Whether you’re serving a cozy family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

The Key Ingredients That Make This Dish So Delicious

1. Smoked Kielbasa Sausage: A Savory and Smoky Star

Kielbasa is a flavor-packed smoked sausage that adds depth and richness to this casserole. Its natural smokiness pairs beautifully with potatoes and green beans, giving the dish a hearty, satisfying taste.

If you’d like to change things up, you can substitute kielbasa with:

  • Andouille sausage for a spicy Cajun twist.
  • Chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
  • Chorizo for a bolder, smoky flavor with a bit of heat.

2. Baby Creamer Potatoes: Tender and Creamy

Baby creamer potatoes are perfect for this casserole because they are naturally buttery, soft, and full of flavor. Since they hold their shape well while baking, they create a satisfying texture without becoming mushy.

If you don’t have baby creamer potatoes, you can use:

  • Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Red potatoes, which have a similar creamy texture.
  • Russet potatoes, though they may break down more during baking.

3. Green Beans: A Fresh and Crunchy Addition

Green beans add a pop of freshness and color, balancing out the richness of the sausage and potatoes.

If you prefer fresh green beans over canned, simply:

  • Trim and blanch fresh green beans before adding them to the casserole.
  • Use frozen green beans (thawed) for a fresher taste than canned.

4. Seasonings That Elevate the Dish

This dish gets its bold, slightly spicy, and savory flavors from a perfect blend of seasonings:

  • Slap Ya Mama® seasoning: A Cajun-inspired spice blend that adds heat and depth.
  • Garlic powder and minced garlic: For an extra punch of garlicky goodness.
  • Black pepper and red pepper flakes: Adding just the right amount of warmth and spice.

If you don’t have Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, you can substitute it with:

  • A mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt for a similar flavor profile.
  • Italian seasoning for a milder, herbaceous taste.

Tips for Making the Perfect Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole

1. Brown the Sausage for Extra Flavor

Instead of adding the sausage directly to the casserole, searing it first in a hot pan enhances its flavor. Browning caramelizes the sausage, creating a richer and more complex taste.

2. Coat the Potatoes Evenly with Seasonings

Tossing the potatoes in a sealed bag or mixing bowl ensures they are evenly coated with seasoning and oil, allowing them to roast beautifully without any bland bites.

3. Cover While Baking to Lock in Moisture

Covering the casserole dish with foil while baking helps:

  • Steam the potatoes and green beans, making them tender.
  • Prevent the sausage from drying out, keeping everything juicy and flavorful.

4. Add Cheese for a Creamy Twist

If you love a cheesy casserole, try sprinkling shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. Good options include:

  • Sharp cheddar for a bold, tangy flavor.
  • Parmesan for a nutty, salty bite.
  • Mozzarella for a gooey, creamy texture.

Variations and Customizations to Try

1. Make It a Spicier Cajun Casserole

  • Swap the kielbasa for spicy andouille sausage.
  • Add extra cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning for heat.
  • Toss in diced bell peppers and onions for more Southern flavor.

2. Add More Vegetables for Extra Nutrition

For a healthier, veggie-packed version, try adding:

  • Sliced bell peppers for sweetness and color.
  • Zucchini or squash for a fresh, light texture.
  • Mushrooms for a hearty, umami-rich addition.

3. Turn It Into a Creamy Casserole

For a creamy, comforting version, stir in:

  • A can of cream of mushroom soup or heavy cream before baking.
  • Shredded cheese for a gooey, cheesy texture.
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness.

What to Serve with Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole

While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with a few simple sides to round out the dish:

  • Warm crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
  • A fresh side salad with vinaigrette for a light contrast.
  • Steamed rice or quinoa for an extra serving of grains.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

1. Refrigerating Leftovers

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

2. Freezing for Later

  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

3. Reheating Instructions

  • Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
  • Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Casserole for Any Occasion

This Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is the perfect blend of simplicity, heartiness, and bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a meal prep option, or a potluck dish, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

 

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