When you’re craving a meal that’s truly comforting, deeply flavorful, and requires minimal fuss, this Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s a hearty, savory dish packed with smoky sausage, tender baby potatoes, and vibrant green beans, all seasoned to perfection and baked together until golden and delicious. This casserole is a full meal in one dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a satisfying meal that practically cooks itself.
Why I Love This Recipe
This casserole has become a go-to in my kitchen because it hits all the marks for ultimate comfort food. What I love most about it is how incredibly easy it is to prepare, thanks to the “shake in a bag” method that ensures all the ingredients are perfectly coated in seasoning. The combination of smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and crisp-tender green beans is classic and always satisfying.
The use of Slap Ya Mama seasoning, along with garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes, gives it a wonderful depth of flavor with a touch of Southern warmth. It’s a fantastic one-dish meal that minimizes cleanup, and the result is a wholesome, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something incredibly delicious and deeply comforting.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting sausage, green bean, and potato casserole:
- 1 1/2 lbs sausage (kielbasa or smoked sausage), sliced 1/4″ thick
- 2 lbs baby creamer potatoes, washed, sliced in half
- 2 15 oz cans green beans, drained
- 1/8 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama® seasoning (or other Cajun/Creole seasoning blend)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup water
Swaps and Notes
- Sausage: Kielbasa or any smoked sausage (like an Andouille for a spicy kick) works perfectly here. Make sure it’s fully cooked sausage.
- Potatoes: Baby creamer potatoes are ideal as they cook quickly and hold their shape well. You can also use small Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Green Beans: Canned green beans are convenient, but fresh or frozen green beans (blanched or thawed) can also be used. Adjust cooking time slightly if using fresh.
- Seasoning: Slap Ya Mama seasoning is a fantastic all-purpose blend. If you don’t have it, a mix of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne would be a good substitute.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust to your preferred level of spice. Omit if you prefer no heat.
- Onions/Garlic: Freshly chopped onions and minced garlic provide the best flavor, but pre-minced can be used in a pinch.
- Oil: Vegetable oil is neutral, but olive oil or even a bit of bacon fat could add more flavor.
Instructions
This casserole uses a clever “baggie” method for easy seasoning and mixing, leading to minimal cleanup!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray.
- Prep Potatoes & Season: Wash the baby creamer potatoes thoroughly and slice each in half. Add the halved potatoes to a large, sealable gallon-size baggie. Add the 1/8 cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) to the baggie with the potatoes. Seal the bag and shake vigorously to ensure all the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Brown Sausage: In a large frying pan or skillet, add the sliced sausage and 1/4 cup water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausages have browned nicely and most of the water has evaporated. The water helps to prevent scorching and allows the sausage to brown evenly.
- Combine Sausage with Potatoes: Remove the sausage from the frying pan. Allow it to cool for a few minutes until it’s cool enough to handle, then add it to the baggie with the seasoned potatoes. Seal the bag again and shake to mix the sausage evenly with the potatoes.
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: Melt the 1/4 cup butter in the same frying pan (the one you used for sausage). Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Onions/Garlic & Green Beans: Remove the sautéed onions and garlic from the pan and let them cool for a few minutes. Once cool enough, add them to the baggie with the potatoes and sausage. Finally, add the 2 15oz cans of drained green beans to the baggie. Seal the bag once more and shake gently to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer & Bake: Empty the entire contents of the baggie into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading the mixture evenly. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. You can stir it gently before serving. Serve this delicious Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole hot and enjoy!
Pro Tip:
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider finishing the casserole uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow some of the sausage and potatoes to crisp up. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the top during these last 10 minutes for a cheesy crust!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is a complete meal on its own, offering protein, vegetables, and starch.
- Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread would be a classic Southern complement, perfect for soaking up any savory juices.
- Hot Sauce: For those who love extra heat, a bottle of hot sauce on the side is a great addition.
- Other Southern Comfort Foods: If you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful dishes, consider this alongside my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor for a different take on a Southern classic. You might also enjoy my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This casserole makes for fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day!
- Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Individual portions can be easily reheated in the microwave. For larger portions or to regain some crispness, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can cover it with foil to prevent drying out, removing it for the last few minutes if you want more browning.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Once completely cooled, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole (if using a freezer-safe dish) tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the comforting and easy nature of this sausage and potato casserole, you’ll definitely want to explore some of these other fantastic recipes:
- For another incredibly satisfying and easy one-pan meal, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you’re a fan of easy and hearty meals that are great for feeding a crowd, don’t miss These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
- And for a fun, customizable meal that’s perfect for casual gatherings, This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd is always a hit.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is a shining example of how simple ingredients and minimal effort can result in a truly delicious and comforting meal. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect addition to your recipe rotation for busy weeknights or a welcoming potluck dish. Dive in and savor every wholesome bite!
What are your favorite one-pan comfort meals? Share your go-to easy casseroles in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen.
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