Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole – Easy Bake

There’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, hearty Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole fresh out of the oven. This rich and creamy baked dish combines savory sausage, tender sliced potatoes, and layers of melted cheddar cheese in a comforting, family-friendly meal. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or preparing a crowd-pleasing potluck recipe, this Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole delivers bold flavor, creamy texture, and simple preparation in every bite.

Made with pantry staples like cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and russet potatoes, this potato and sausage casserole is both budget-friendly and incredibly filling. The layers bake together into a cheesy, bubbly masterpiece that tastes even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole

This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole stands out because it combines classic comfort food flavors with minimal prep work. It’s a one-dish meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.

First, the savory ground sausage adds rich, seasoned flavor throughout the casserole. Combined with creamy sauce and tender potatoes, it creates a perfectly balanced bite every time.

Second, the creamy cheese sauce made with sour cream, cream cheese, and cheddar creates a luscious texture that coats every layer. Unlike dry baked potato dishes, this cheesy potato bake stays moist and flavorful.

Finally, this sausage potato casserole is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasonings, swap cheeses, or add vegetables to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole plays an important role in flavor, texture, and richness.

• Ground sausage: Provides savory, seasoned protein and depth of flavor
• Russet potatoes: Create the hearty base and become tender and creamy when baked
• Onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic balance
• Garlic: Enhances the savory profile with bold flavor
• Sour cream: Contributes tanginess and creaminess to the sauce
• Cream cheese: Adds thickness and smooth texture
• Cream of mushroom soup: Brings moisture and a comforting, earthy note
• Milk: Loosens the sauce for even layering and baking
• Garlic powder: Boosts overall savory flavor
• Onion powder: Enhances depth without overpowering
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Creates that signature cheesy, melty topping
• Salt: Balances and enhances all flavors
• Black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the finished casserole with color and freshness

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

If you need flexibility, this Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole adapts easily.

You can swap ground pork sausage with turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option. For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage to turn this into a spicy sausage potato bake.

Instead of cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup works well in this cheesy potato casserole. For extra vegetables, add sliced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms between layers.

If you prefer a different cheese profile, try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a sharp white cheddar for a slightly different flavor in your Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole.

How to Make Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Proper greasing prevents the Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole from sticking and ensures easy serving later.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until fully browned and no longer pink. Break it into crumbles as it cooks for even texture. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. Drain excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.
3. In a large mixing bowl, prepare the creamy sauce. Combine sour cream, softened cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until completely smooth. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture forms the rich base of your Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole.
4. Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Keep the slices uniform in thickness so they cook evenly.
5. Spread half of the cooked sausage mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the sausage layer, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, sausage, and sauce. Press down slightly to compact the layers and ensure even cooking throughout the Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole.
7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. The foil traps steam, helping the potatoes become tender without drying out.
8. After 1 hour, remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
9. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. To check doneness, insert a fork into the center; the potatoes should be soft and easy to pierce.
10. Remove the Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole

Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly. Thick slices may remain firm even after baking, while thin slices cook perfectly tender.

Drain the sausage thoroughly. Excess grease can make your Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole overly oily.

Soften the cream cheese before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.

If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the final baking minutes.

For extra crispy edges, broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Serving Ideas and Flavor Variations

This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides that balance its richness. Serve it with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or garlic butter asparagus.

For brunch, this sausage and potato bake works wonderfully alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit. It also makes a satisfying holiday breakfast casserole.

To add more flavor, mix in red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky touch. You can even add crispy bacon bits between layers for extra indulgence.

For a make-ahead option, assemble the Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.

If you want a freezer-friendly meal, bake the casserole completely, let it cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Overview and Portion Guidance

This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole yields approximately eight hearty servings. Each portion provides a balanced combination of protein from the sausage, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and satisfying fats from the cheese and creamy sauce.

While it is a rich comfort food dish, you can lighten it slightly by using reduced-fat cream cheese, light sour cream, and lean sausage. Adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini can also boost the nutritional value while keeping the classic flavor intact.

Because this casserole is filling, a moderate serving alongside a vegetable side dish makes a well-rounded meal.

Why This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole Is Perfect Year-Round

One of the best things about Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole is its versatility across seasons. In colder months, it serves as a warm, hearty dinner that satisfies cravings for comfort food. During busy summer evenings, it works as a make-ahead baked dish that feeds a crowd without constant kitchen time.

Its classic flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, holiday gatherings, and meal prep plans.

When you need a dependable, flavorful, and easy baked dinner, this Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole checks every box. Creamy, cheesy, savory, and perfectly layered, it’s a timeless comfort dish that belongs in every home cook’s recipe collection.

Conclusion: A Comforting Classic Worth Making Again

If you’re searching for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that never disappoints, this Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole is the answer. With layers of tender potatoes, savory sausage, and rich, creamy cheese sauce, it brings everything you love about classic comfort food into one easy baked dish.

This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole is simple enough for busy weeknights yet satisfying enough for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals. The balance of creamy texture, bold flavor, and golden melted cheddar makes every bite irresistible.

Whether you customize it with different cheeses, lighten it up with lean sausage, or prepare it ahead for meal prep, this baked sausage and potato casserole is a reliable recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Warm, filling, and incredibly flavorful, it truly earns its place as a family favorite comfort food.

FAQs About Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole

More Relevant Recipes

• Walking Taco Casserole – Easy Dinner Recipe: This hearty casserole layers seasoned ground meat, cheese, and comforting ingredients into a baked, family-friendly dish much like Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole. It delivers bold flavors, a satisfying texture, and the same crowd-pleasing appeal perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.
• Shepherd’s Pie – Easy Comfort Food: Featuring savory meat topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden, this classic comfort dish shares the same hearty, layered style as a sausage and potato casserole. It’s warm, filling, and ideal for anyone who loves rich, oven-baked meals with homestyle flavor.
• Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage: Packed with tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and plenty of melted cheese, this recipe closely mirrors the creamy and savory profile of Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole. It’s a satisfying baked dish that combines bold flavor and comforting texture in every bite.

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