Creamy, hearty, and ridiculously comforting, this Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole hits all the cozy-dinner sweet spots. Imagine tender halved creamer potatoes, snappy green beans, and juicy browned sausage all baked together in a simple savory broth until the top gets slightly caramelized — perfect for weeknights or potlucks when you want big flavor with minimal fuss. Fun fact: one-pot-style casseroles like this were originally invented to stretch ingredients and feed families with little time — the ultimate comfort-and-convenience combo.
This recipe is special because it’s simple to prep, quick to assemble, and loved by kids and grown-ups alike. If you like hearty one-dish meals, you’ll find it as satisfying as a classic shepherd’s pie but much quicker to make. For a variation and extra inspiration, check out this flavorful version of the recipe on our other Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole page. Now grab a skillet and let’s make something everyone will ask for seconds of.
What is Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole?
What’s in a name? Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is exactly what it sounds like — a happy marriage of savory sausage, fresh green beans, and cozy potatoes all baked together until tender and flavorful. Who named it? Maybe someone who loved to keep things honest and appetizing. Isn’t it delightful when a dish tells you exactly what it is before you even take a bite?
A light-hearted theory: perhaps it earned its name at a family dinner when someone asked, “What’s for supper?” and the cook answered, “Sausage, green beans, and potatoes!” and the name stuck. After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” so why not make it obvious? Give this dish a try and see how quickly it becomes a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This
- Big, satisfying flavor: Browned sausage adds a rich, savory base while the chicken broth bath infuses the potatoes and green beans, creating juicy, layered flavors in every forkful.
- Cost-effective and hearty: This is a budget-friendly meal that stretches ingredients into a filling casserole perfect for family dinners or meal-prep leftovers.
- Textural contrast and bright toppings: Tender potatoes and green beans hold up well in the oven, while a drizzle of olive oil and a little crust where the top caramelizes brings a lovely finish.
If you enjoy comforting casseroles like a classic green bean casserole but want a heartier, meat-forward twist, this dish delivers. For another green-bean-centered favorite, you might enjoy this take on green bean casserole with crispy toppings on our Best Green Bean Casserole roundup. Ready to make it? Let’s dig into the how-to.
How to Make: Quick Overview
This casserole is easy, tasty, and unbelievably comforting. Prep is mostly chopping; the oven does the rest. Expect a creamy-like interior from the chicken broth soaking into the potatoes, rich sausage flavor, and a slightly crispy finish after baking uncovered.
- Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this beginner-friendly.
- Taste and texture: Juicy sausage, tender potatoes, and crisp-tender green beans combine for a balanced bite.
- Standout element: The gentle braise in chicken broth creates an almost stew-like creaminess without heavy cream.
Approximate time: 10–15 minutes active prep, 45–50 minutes total cook time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage, casing removed if using links, crumbled or sliced as preferred
- 1 pound baby creamer potatoes, halved
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling (about 1–2 tablespoons)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or casserole pan.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until well browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Push the sausage to the side and add the diced onion to the skillet (add a splash of olive oil if the pan is dry). Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the halved creamer potatoes and trimmed green beans in an even layer.
- Add the cooked sausage, onion, and garlic mixture on top of the vegetables and toss gently to distribute.
- Pour the chicken broth evenly over the mixture, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the top lightly with olive oil to help with browning and moisture.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to start softening.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top has a little color.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.
What to Serve With
- A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to mop up any savory juices.
- Roasted carrots or a simple coleslaw for extra veggies and crunch.
- For drinks, a light-bodied red wine or an iced tea pairs nicely with the sausage flavors.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Sausage type: Use a mildly spiced Italian sausage for robust flavor; turkey sausage works if you want to reduce fat.
- Potato doneness: If potatoes are large, cut into smaller pieces so they cook evenly within the time specified.
- Broth adjustments: Use vegetable broth for a lighter taste or add a splash of cream at the end for an extra silky finish.
- Crisp topping: For a crunchy finish, sprinkle panko mixed with a little melted butter over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Avoid sogginess: Don’t over-pour broth — enough to flavor and partially braise, but not to drown the veggies. Removing foil for the final bake time helps dry and brown the surface.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Cool completely then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes covered, then uncover for 5–10 minutes to refresh the top. Microwave portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway, for a quick meal.
- Note: Texture of green beans may soften slightly after freezing, so if you prefer extra crispness, add fresh green beans when reheating and bake until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes. Thaw and drain frozen green beans first, or add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time to compensate for the chill.
Do I have to use Italian seasoning?
No. You can substitute a mix of dried oregano and basil or use a tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs for a brighter flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely. Replace sausage with a plant-based sausage or cooked mushrooms and use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make this casserole creamier?
Stir in 1/2 cup of cream or sour cream after baking and gently warm until incorporated for a richer texture.
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time when starting cold from the fridge.
Conclusion
This Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is a dependable, homey dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love. It combines simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or sharing at family gatherings. If you want to compare different versions or get another take on the same comfort-food idea, see this similar recipe roundup at Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole – Great Grub, Delicious Treats and this cozy variation at Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole – That Oven Feelin. Try it this week and enjoy a warm, tasty dish that’s built to please.
Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound Sausage Casing removed if using links, crumbled or sliced as preferred.
- 1 pound Baby Creamer Potatoes Halved.
- 2 cups Green Beans Trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces.
- 1 medium Onion Diced.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth Low-sodium preferred.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil For drizzling.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or casserole pan.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until well browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Push the sausage to the side and add the diced onion to the skillet (add a splash of olive oil if the pan is dry). Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the halved creamer potatoes and trimmed green beans in an even layer.
- Add the cooked sausage, onion, and garlic mixture on top of the vegetables and toss gently to distribute.
- Pour the chicken broth evenly over the mixture, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the top lightly with olive oil to help with browning and moisture.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the potatoes to start softening.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top has a little color.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.