This delicious Winter Casserole is the perfect comfort meal for colder days. Quick, simple, and loaded with creamy mashed potatoes, savory sausage, and a crispy onion topping, it’s both satisfying and flavorful. With common ingredients you likely have in your pantry, this casserole is easy to customize and a family favorite!
Ingredients Needed:
- 8 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 pound Jimmy Dean uncooked ground sausage
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheddar blend
- 1/2 cup french fried onions
How To Make Winter Casserole Recipe?
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Boil for about 10-12 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the water and set the potatoes aside.
- Cook the Sausage: While the potatoes are boiling, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and break it up as it cooks. Add the diced shallot and cook until the sausage is fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer on low for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Mash until smooth, then stir in the butter until it melts. Add the salt, pepper, milk, and shredded cheese, mixing until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the sausage mixture in the skillet, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the French-fried onions over the top.
- Broil the Casserole: Place the skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the onions turn golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once broiled to your liking, remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy your winter casserole!
Recipe Tips:
- Use Fresh Sausage: Choose fresh sausage for the best flavor. Pre-cooked sausage won’t have the same rich taste in the casserole.
- Mash Potatoes Well: Make sure to mash the potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy, so they spread easily over the sausage mixture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sausage mixture before adding the mashed potatoes, and adjust salt and pepper if needed for a balanced flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the sausage and tomato mixture is evenly spread in the pan for the best cooking result and flavor absorption.
- Watch the Broiling Time: Keep an eye on the casserole while broiling to ensure the onions get crispy but don’t burn.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Let the leftover casserole cool down, then put it in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: After cooling, wrap the casserole well in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Heat the casserole in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally, adding a little milk if needed to loosen it up.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Total Fat: 21.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.0 g
- Cholesterol: 39.4 mg
- Sodium: 1068.2 mg
- Potassium: 1573.7 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 47.8 g
- Dietary Fiber: 6.6 g
- Sugars: 7.9 g
- Protein: 22.1 g
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