Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole Recipe

Cook Time: 80 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken apple sausage, sliced crossways 1/4-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, halved
• 1 1/2 pounds baby gold potatoes, halved
• 1 pound baby carrots
• 1 1/2 cups purchased fried onions

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and grease a 3-quart baking dish.

Step 2: Brown the sausage pieces in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and transfer them to a large bowl.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the dried thyme and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring until the flour has been fully absorbed, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6: Gradually stir in the chicken broth and half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 7: Add the green beans, potatoes, and carrots to the bowl with the sausage. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 8: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

Step 9: After 45 minutes, remove the foil, stir the casserole, and sprinkle the fried onions on top. Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the onions have crisped slightly.

Step 10: Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 365
• Total Fat: 13g (17% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 4g (20% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 60mg (20% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 612mg (27% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 43g (16% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 7g (27% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 21g (42% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 25mg (28% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 98mg (8% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (20% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 1104mg (23% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish perfect for cozy dinners. With savory sausage, tender green beans, creamy potatoes, and a rich sauce, it's a go-to comfort food that satisfies all your cravings. But how did this dish come to be, and what makes it so special? Lets take a closer look at its origins, regional influences, and unique qualities.

History and Origins

The origins of casseroles in American cuisine are rooted in the mid-20th century, with the rise of convenience cooking and a focus on easy, filling meals. The sausage green bean potato casserole is a modern twist on traditional casserole recipes, which often featured a combination of meat, vegetables, and a binding sauce. This particular dish likely emerged in the American Midwest, where hearty, one-pan meals were prized for their practicality and warmth. The use of sausage, a staple in the region, combined with green beans and potatoes reflects the simple, seasonal ingredients that families could readily access.

Regional Influences and Variations

Though this casserole is enjoyed nationwide, it has regional characteristics that set it apart from other similar dishes. The use of chicken-apple sausage adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor that is particularly popular in the Northeastern United States, where apples are abundant. In some variations of the recipe, different types of sausage may be used, such as smoked sausage or bratwurst, which bring additional smoky or spicy flavors. In the South, it's common to see casseroles that feature an abundance of fresh vegetables like okra or corn, but the basic combination of meat, potatoes, and beans remains a popular and adaptable standard.

What Makes It Different?

While the sausage green bean potato casserole might remind you of other similar casseroles like green bean casseroles with cream of mushroom soup or a classic shepherd's pie, it stands out due to its more complex flavor profile and the use of fresh, whole ingredients. Unlike the typical green bean casserole, which relies heavily on canned soup as the base, this casserole features a creamy sauce made from scratch, with fresh thyme, garlic, and a combination of chicken broth and half-and-half. The choice of chicken-apple sausage also makes it different from other sausage-based casseroles, where pork sausages are typically used. These variations give the dish a unique, comforting twist that balances savory and sweet flavors.

Where Is It Typically Served?

This casserole is a versatile dish, suitable for a variety of occasions. Its perfect for a casual family dinner or a holiday meal, particularly during the colder months. Its hearty nature makes it ideal for serving at gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas, where a filling dish is needed to complement other traditional sides. Its also commonly seen at potlucks, where its crowd-pleasing flavors are sure to impress. In some households, it may even be a regular feature on weeknight dinner menus, providing a quick and easy meal that doesnt sacrifice flavor.

Interesting Facts

• The use of fried onions on top of the casserole gives it a delightful crunch, adding both texture and flavor to the dish. This topping is reminiscent of the classic green bean casserole, a dish thats been a staple on Thanksgiving tables for generations.
• While this casserole can be made with a variety of sausages, the chicken-apple sausage is particularly favored for its lighter texture and the sweet note it brings to the dish.
• In some versions of the recipe, the green beans are replaced with other vegetables like peas or corn, depending on regional preferences and seasonal availability.
• This dish is incredibly adaptable, and its ingredients can be changed based on dietary preferences. For instance, vegetarian sausages can replace meat, and the sauce can be made dairy-free for those with lactose intolerance.

Whether youre cooking it for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at home, the sausage green bean potato casserole is a dish that brings warmth, flavor, and comfort to any table. With its roots in American home cooking, its a timeless recipe that continues to bring people together over delicious, hearty meals.

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