Smoked Sausage and Hashbrown Casserole

Looking for a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights? Try out this Smoked Sausage and Hashbrown Casserole recipe! Packed with savory smoked sausage, crispy hashbrowns, and gooey cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s super easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hashbrowns
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced smoked sausage, frozen hashbrowns, diced onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the soup mixture over the sausage and hashbrown mixture and stir until well combined.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
• Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Helpful Tips:

• If you like a little bit of heat, try adding some diced jalapenos to the casserole mixture for a spicy kick.
• You can also add in some cooked and crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, swap out the smoked sausage for vegetarian sausage or tofu crumbles.
• Top the casserole with some chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving for a pop of color.
• You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it when you’re ready to eat.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Gouda, for a unique flavor profile.
• For a crispy top, broil the casserole for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve the casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Expert Secrets:

• To ensure the hashbrowns cook evenly, make sure they are thawed before mixing them with the other ingredients.
• For a creamier texture, you can add an extra 1/2 cup of milk to the soup mixture.
• If you prefer a crusty top, sprinkle the casserole with some breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips before baking.
• For a smoky flavor, you can use smoked cheddar cheese or add a splash of liquid smoke to the soup mixture.
• To make the casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own cream sauce from scratch.
• For a change of pace, try using different types of sausages like spicy Andouille or sweet Italian sausage.
• Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• If you want to reduce the sodium content, opt for low-sodium cream of chicken soup and smoked sausage.
• To add a tangy twist, mix in some sour cream or Greek yogurt to the soup mixture before baking.
• For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle some brown sugar over the top of the casserole before baking.