Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Sausage:
Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it up. Set aside; drain excess grease.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
Sauté onion and bell pepper (if using) in the same skillet for 4-5 minutes until softened. Combine with sausage.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix hash browns, sausage mixture, 1 1/2 cups cheddar, mozzarella, soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour mixture into prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top. Drizzle with melted butter.
6. Bake:
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish & Serve:
Garnish with parsley (optional) and enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Sausage: Use your favorite type! Adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Hash Browns: Shredded or diced work well.
- Cream of Soup: Substitute with cream of chicken or celery soup.
- Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses!
Variations
- Spicy: Use spicy sausage and add red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian: Omit sausage; add extra veggies or vegetarian sausage.
- Mexican: Add green chilies, use cream of chicken soup and pepper jack cheese. Top with salsa and sour cream.
- Bacon & Sausage: Add crumbled bacon!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes baking time.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight and bake; may need extra time.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Can I use fresh potatoes?
Yes, grate or dice, rinse to remove excess starch, and dry thoroughly before using.
What to serve it with?
Scrambled eggs, salad, or roasted vegetables.
This Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Casserole is a guaranteed hit! Enjoy!