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Introduction:
Hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Sausage Comfort Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings, weekend gatherings, or make-ahead meal prep, this dish combines savory sausage, pasta or veggies, and a rich, gooey cheese sauce into one delicious baked casserole. It’s easy to prepare, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
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Origin:
Casseroles have long been a staple of American comfort cooking, especially in the Midwest and the South. They often combine pantry staples into one-bowl meals baked in the oven. This particular version reflects the influence of classic meat-and-cheese casseroles with a flavorful twist from seasoned sausage, making it a modern take on a nostalgic favorite.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
• 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage or breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if sausage is lean)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne) or cooked cauliflower for a low-carb version
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional Ingredients/Substitutes:
• Use ground beef or turkey instead of sausage for a milder flavor
• Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra vegetables
• Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version
• Try pepper jack or smoked gouda for different cheese flavors
• Make it low-carb by using zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower
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Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. If needed, add olive oil. Drain excess grease.
3. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in cooked pasta, sour cream (or cream cheese), and half of the shredded cheddar.
6. Transfer mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
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Tips for Success:
• Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
• Don’t skip draining the sausage and tomatoes to avoid excess moisture.
• For extra golden cheese, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes.
• Let it sit after baking—this helps it firm up and slice better.
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Recommendations:
• Serve with a side salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
• Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or make-ahead freezer meals.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days—great for meal prep.
• Freeze in portions and reheat for easy lunches.
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Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1/6 of recipe):
• Calories: 480
• Fat: 32g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Net Carbs: 22g
(Values may vary depending on ingredients and substitutions.)
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