Name: Hearty Beef Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground breakfast beef sausage; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled & diced ½-inch; 1 tsp salt (for par-boiling); 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed & halved) OR 16 oz frozen, thawed; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ tsp dried thyme; ¼ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground; Salt to taste; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional); Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a dish, promising to transform an ordinary evening into a cozy culinary experience. I am absolutely delighted to present a recipe that effortlessly blends robust flavors with comforting textures, making it a perennial favorite in countless households. This hearty casserole brings together the savory depth of sausage, the tender goodness of potatoes, and the crisp freshness of green beans, all bathed in a delectable sauce and baked to golden perfection. Prepare to be captivated by its irresistible aroma and satisfied by its wholesome goodness, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Why This Casserole Stands the Test of Time

Originating from the tradition of resourceful home cooking, where wholesome ingredients were combined to feed families efficiently, this type of casserole embodies the spirit of classic American comfort food. It’s a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings, potlucks, and satisfying weeknight dinners. People adore this particular combination not only for its incredible taste – the salty sausage complementing the earthy potatoes and vibrant green beans – but also for its sheer convenience. It’s a true one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor and nutritional value. The blend of creamy potatoes, savory meat, and tender vegetables offers a wonderfully balanced and utterly satisfying meal. Preparing a Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole means you’re creating a dish that caters to almost every palate, offering a complete, nourishing, and incredibly delicious solution for any meal, proving why it remains a cherished staple.

Ingredients:

For the Sausage:
- 1.5 pounds ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed, depending on sausage fat content)
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt (for par-boiling)
For the Green Beans:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved, or 16 ounces frozen cut green beans, thawed
For the Aromatic Base:
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Salt to taste (start with ¼ teaspoon, adjust later)
For the Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Garnish (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Pinch of red pepper flakes

Prepping Our Foundation: Potatoes, Green Beans, and Aromatics

Prepare the Potatoes: First things first, let’s get those potatoes ready. I like to start by peeling my Yukon Gold potatoes. They have such a lovely creamy texture that holds up well in a casserole. Once peeled, dice them into uniform ½-inch cubes. Uniformity is key here for even cooking, ensuring every bite of our Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole has that perfect tender texture. Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water; this seasons the potatoes from the inside out. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or just until the potatoes are slightly tender but still firm enough to hold their shape. We’re aiming for par-cooked, not fully cooked, as they will finish baking in the oven. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander and set them aside. This step is crucial for preventing mushy potatoes in the final dish and significantly cuts down on overall baking time.
Ready the Green Beans: If you’re using fresh green beans, now is the time to give them a good rinse, snap off those tough ends, and then halve them. For frozen green beans, simply thaw them according to package directions and drain any excess water. I find that both work beautifully in this recipe, so use what you have on hand or what’s most convenient. No need to pre-cook the green beans; they’ll get plenty tender in the oven with the other ingredients, absorbing all those wonderful flavors.
Sauté the Aromatics: Grab your largest oven-safe skillet or a Dutch oven – this will be our main cooking vessel for much of the process. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add the diced yellow onion. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has softened and become translucent. This gentle cooking allows the onion’s sweetness to develop, forming a delicious base for our casserole. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the delicate flavor profile we’re building. Remove the onion and garlic from the skillet and set aside with the potatoes. This ensures they don’t overcook while we brown the sausage.

Building Layers of Flavor: Sausage and Creamy Sauce

Brown the Sausage: In the same skillet where you cooked the aromatics (no need to clean it, those browned bits add flavor!), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil if your sausage is particularly lean; otherwise, the sausage fat should be sufficient. Add the 1.5 pounds of ground breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sausage is fully browned and no pink remains, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. As it cooks, continue to break it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Achieving a good sear on the sausage is important for developing deep, savory flavors that will permeate our entire Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. You can use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, or carefully tilt the pan and spoon out the fat. Leave a tablespoon or two of the rendered fat in the skillet, as this will add flavor to our sauce.
Craft the Creamy Sauce: Now, for the heart of our casserole – the rich, creamy sauce. Return the skillet (with the small amount of reserved sausage fat) to medium heat. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the residual fat. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This is our thickening agent and it will form the foundation of a velvety sauce. The roux should be a pale golden color and smell slightly nutty. Gradually pour in 1.5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble gently, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Enrich the Sauce: Once the broth has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in ½ cup of heavy cream. This is where the sauce truly becomes luxurious! Add ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika (for a subtle warmth and color), and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors. Taste the sauce and add salt to your preference, starting with ¼ teaspoon. Remember, the sausage is already seasoned, and we’ll be adding cheese later, so err on the side of caution. This sauce needs to be robustly flavored, as it will coat all the other ingredients in our Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s smooth, creamy, and coats the back of a spoon. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Assembling Our Comforting Casserole

Combine the Main Components: In your large skillet with the creamy sauce, add the browned sausage, the par-cooked potatoes, the green beans, and the sautéed onions and garlic back into the pan. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. I like to use a large rubber spatula or a sturdy spoon for this, making sure not to mash the delicate potatoes. This step ensures every component of our Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is infused with flavor.
Add the Cheese Layer: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the mixture. The cheese will begin to melt slightly from the residual heat, adding another layer of creaminess and flavor throughout the casserole. If you’re using grated Parmesan cheese, you can add about half of it here as well for an extra savory punch.
Prepare for Baking: If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If your skillet is oven-safe (like a cast iron skillet or a Dutch oven), you can simply proceed with that. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, ensuring the surface is relatively flat for even baking and browning.
Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you have any remaining Parmesan, now is the time to sprinkle it over the cheddar. This top layer of cheese will melt into a golden, bubbling crust that is simply irresistible!

Baking to Golden Perfection and Serving

Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for ensuring the casserole bakes through evenly and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
The Initial Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the potatoes and green beans, ensuring they become perfectly tender without drying out. Bake for 20 minutes with the foil on. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely heavenly, a promise of the deliciousness to come from our Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole!
The Final Browning: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Be cautious of the hot steam escaping. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and continue to bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly, golden brown, and the casserole is heated through. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted into the potatoes meets no resistance, and the green beans are tender-crisp. If you like a darker, crispier cheese topping, you can even switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it very, very closely to prevent burning!
Resting for Perfection: Once out of the oven, it’s crucial to let the Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set and prevents the casserole from being too runny when you cut into it. It also ensures all those incredible flavors have a chance to meld together even further.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick, if that’s something you enjoy. Serve this hearty, comforting Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole warm, and prepare for rave reviews! It’s a complete meal in one dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner or feeding a crowd. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

<h2>Conclusion:</h2>

<p>So there you have it, my dear fellow food enthusiasts – the full journey through crafting what I truly believe will become a staple in your culinary repertoire. This isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s an experience waiting to unfold in your kitchen, promising warmth, flavor, and an undeniable sense of home. I’ve poured my heart into sharing this recipe, not just because it’s incredibly delicious, but because it embodies everything I love about comforting, straightforward cooking. It’s the kind of dish that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum satisfaction, a true testament to the magic that happens when simple, quality ingredients come together to create something truly memorable.</p>

<h4>Why This Recipe is an Absolute Must-Try</h4>
<p>Let’s recap why this particular casserole stands head and shoulders above the rest. First and foremost, its <strong>unbeatable flavor profile</strong>. The savory richness of the sausage, combined with the tender earthiness of the potatoes and the vibrant snap of the green beans, all generously bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, creates a symphony on your palate. It’s a complete meal in one dish, eliminating the need for multiple side dishes and simplifying your dinner prep significantly. <strong>The convenience factor is immense</strong> – ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and homemade but are short on time. It’s also incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to what you have on hand or what your family prefers, making it a reliable choice for any occasion. Beyond the practicalities, there’s a deep emotional connection to this type of food; it’s soul-nourishing, evoking cherished memories of family meals and creating new ones with every bite. This <strong>Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole</strong> is more than just ingredients; it’s a hug in a baking dish, a culinary embrace that brings people together around the table with smiles and satisfied sighs.</p>

<h4>Elevate Your Experience with These Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations</h4>
<p>While this casserole is absolutely magnificent on its own, I love exploring ways to enhance the dining experience or put a fresh twist on a classic. For serving, consider pairing it with a <strong>crisp, fresh garden salad</strong> tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast. A side of <strong>crusty bread or warm dinner rolls</strong> is also wonderful for soaking up every last bit of that delectable sauce, ensuring no drop of flavor goes to waste. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives right before serving can add an extra layer of flavor and a touch of elegance, elevating a simple meal into something truly special.</p>

<p>Now, for the fun part: variations! Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own; it’s designed to be flexible. If you’re not a fan of traditional pork sausage, feel free to <strong>swap it out for Italian sausage</strong> (mild or hot for a delightful kick!), ground turkey, or even cooked shredded chicken for a leaner option. For my vegetarian friends, a robust plant-based sausage alternative or a mix of hearty mushrooms and lentils would work beautifully, providing similar texture and savory depth. <strong>Experiment with different vegetables</strong> too: diced carrots, corn, bell peppers, or even sliced mushrooms can be excellent additions, boosting both flavor and nutritional value. Want to switch up the cheese? Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or a smoky provolone would all be fantastic choices, each imparting a unique character to the casserole. For those who like a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce or a dash of hot sauce over the top can really liven things up. You could also <strong>play with different herbs</strong> – a sprinkle of dried thyme, rosemary, or a vibrant mix of Italian herbs could subtly alter the profile. For an extra layer of texture, consider adding a <strong>crunchy topping</strong> like crushed crackers, toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, or even some crispy fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking. The beauty of a casserole like this is its forgiving nature; it invites customization and creative flair, ensuring it never gets boring and always feels fresh.</p>

<h4>Your Turn: Embrace the Comfort and Share Your Story!</h4>
<p>My biggest hope after you’ve read through this is that you feel inspired and confident enough to give this recipe a whirl. <strong>I genuinely encourage you to carve out some time</strong>, gather your ingredients, and immerse yourself in the joyful process of making this comforting dish. There’s something truly therapeutic about cooking, especially when the end result is as rewarding as this casserole. Imagine the incredible aroma filling your kitchen, the warmth spreading through your home, and the contented smiles around your dinner table. This recipe isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about creating moments, building traditions, and sharing love through the universal language of delicious food. It’s a dish that genuinely satisfies on every level, from the first enticing smell to the last delicious bite.</p>

<p>Once you’ve experienced the sheer delight and easy satisfaction of this <strong>Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole</strong>, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please don’t keep your culinary triumphs to yourself. <strong>Share your experiences</strong> in the comments below, tell me about any creative twists you added, or even better, share a photo of your masterpiece. Your feedback not only brightens my day but also helps other home cooks discover new ideas and gain confidence in their own kitchens. Let’s build a vibrant community around delicious, achievable recipes, inspiring each other one casserole at a time. Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you!</p>