Name: Sweet Potato & Sausage Casserole: Easy Fall Meal Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) sausage (Italian or your choice, casings removed); 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper (any color), diced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference); Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Introduction

This Sweet Potato & Sausage Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for an easy fall meal. It combines hearty sausage, tender sweet potatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices, all topped with melted cheese. Ready to bake in under an hour, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

A clear glass round casserole dish shows a baked meal with three visible layers: the bottom layer contains cooked green peas and diced red and green bell peppers, the middle layer has bright orange chunks of roasted sweet potatoes, and the top layer is covered in browned ground meat pieces mixed with melted white cheese and small green herb sprinkles. The dish is placed on a blue cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) sausage (Italian or your choice, casings removed)

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your preference)

Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Continue cooking until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, and diced sweet potatoes. Pour in the broth and mix well to combine.

Step 5: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.

Step 6: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version without sacrificing flavor.

Swap out sweet potatoes for butternut squash or regular potatoes for a different texture.

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Mix in some chopped spinach or kale with the vegetables for extra greens.

For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

What other types of cheese work well in this recipe?

Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a sharp white cheddar to suit your taste.