This hearty sausage and sweet potato casserole is warm and filling! Juicy sausage pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes for a tasty and cozy dish your family will love.
It’s so easy to make—just layer everything in a dish, bake, and enjoy! I can’t resist sneaking bites while it cooks. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sausage: Italian or breakfast sausage works well for this dish. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage are great substitutes. Veggie crumbles can also be used for a meat-free version.
Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes is perfect in this casserole. If you can’t find them, butternut squash or regular potatoes are good alternatives, although they have different textures and flavors.
Kale or Spinach: Fresh kale adds a nice texture and flavor, but if you want something milder, spinach works beautifully too. You can also use frozen spinach—just ensure you drain it well before adding.
Cheese: I like using cheddar for its sharpness, but mozzarella adds a nice stretch! Depending on your taste, feel free to mix different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for an extra kick.
Heavy Cream or Milk: For a lighter option, use whole milk or almond milk. Greek yogurt can be subbed for a creamy texture if you’d like a twist and a protein boost.
How Do I Get the Sweet Potatoes to Cook Just Right?
Cooking sweet potatoes perfectly can be a bit tricky. Prepping them in uniform, 1-inch cubes helps them cook evenly. Here’s how to ensure they’re tender:
- Boil them for about 5 minutes before adding to the casserole if you want a bit of a head start.
- Keep an eye on them in the oven; they should be fork-tender. You can check them by piercing with a fork after the first 30 minutes.
- Don’t rush the baking time—patience is key to letting the flavors meld and ensuring everything cooks through.
How to Make Sausage And Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450 g) sausage links (Italian or breakfast sausage), casings removed and sliced or crumbled
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups fresh kale or spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 50 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of about 1 hour and 5 minutes. It’s a perfect dish for any weeknight dinner as it’s both filling and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, grab a 9×9 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This will help prevent sticking.
2. Cooking the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, throw in the sliced or crumbled sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through. After that, remove it from the heat and set it aside for now.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. Next, toss in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until it’s wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Mixing the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and dried thyme. Give it a good toss to ensure all the sweet potatoes are well coated.
5. Combining Ingredients:
Now, add the cooked sausage and the sautéed onion-kale mixture to the bowl with sweet potatoes. Gently stir everything together until well combined.
6. Transferring to the Baking Dish:
Pour the combined mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks well.
7. Making the Egg Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream (or milk) until smooth. This will add creaminess to your casserole.
8. Pouring Over the Casserole:
Pour this egg mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Press down slightly to ensure the liquid seeps through the veggies.
9. Adding the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the top of the casserole, making it nice and cheesy!
10. Baking the Casserole:
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You’ll want the casserole to be set, the cheese melted and golden, and the sweet potatoes tender when you poke them with a fork.
11. Serving Time:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will help it firm up a bit before you serve. Enjoy your warm casserole!
This dish combines savory sausage with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and the creaminess of eggs and cheese, resulting in a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use Italian, breakfast sausage, or even turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just make sure whichever sausage you choose is cooked through and well-seasoned.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
Can I Customize the Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms! Just make sure to adjust cooking times if using veggies that may take longer to cook, and keep the total volume similar so the casserole sets well.
Is There a Dairy-Free Option?
Definitely! You can use dairy-free cheese and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or any non-dairy milk. Just make sure the cheese melts well for the best texture.