Country Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
Rich and creamy Country Sausage Hash Brown Casserole is one of the most comforting and beloved recipes of childhood. We’ve turned it into a freezer meal for convenience and ease during your busy week days. Equally at home for Saturday brunch, it’s a casserole recipe your kids will request when they move out on their own.
If you love a meal you can dump into a 9 x 13 pan and bake while you run around dealing with the other evening busyness of your household, this hashbrown casserole is a great choice. We are in the business of providing you with great choices though, so check out our Freezer Meals 101 Club for instant access to hundreds of easy, time-saving, and family-friendly recipes to keep your family happily fed without fast food restaurants.
Country Sausage Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Ingredients for Country Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
- 1 lb. garlic sausage ring, sliced and halved
- 2 lb. hash browns, frozen, shredded
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 10 oz. cream of mushroom soup
- 6 oz. evaporated milk
- 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
- 1 large (gallon) freezer bag or reusable silicone bag
How to Make Country Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
Assembly Instructions
- Mix in a large bowl.
- Transfer to a large freezer bag.
- Remove excess air, seal & freeze.
Cooking Instructions
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Dump into a large, greased casserole dish (9×13).
- Bake at 350°F for 45-65 minutes, uncovered.
What if I can’t find frozen shredded potatoes?
You can also use frozen diced potatoes or tater tots. Cooked rice or cooked quinoa would even work as a substitute in a pinch though you would lose that familiar potato flavor and goodness.
What if I don’t like country sausage?
Substitute with your favorite sausage, from ground breakfast sausage to andouille or chorizo. Leftover baked ham or deli ham, crumbled bacon, or even hamburger can also work. When we bake a ham for the holidays, I love to dice up the leftovers and freeze them in one or two cup measure for dishes just like this one.
Can I use freshly shredded potato?
Yes. Wrap the shredded potato in a tea towel and squeeze out as much of the excess liquid as possible before mixing your casserole. You might also wish to coat them in flour to soak up liquid. Spread the shredded potatoes out on a sheet pan and freeze separately. Once frozen they can be added to your freezer bag with the other ingredients.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
No. Cream of mushroom soup contains wheat. You can make your own gluten-free cream of mushroom soup with a little bit of extra work. You can sometimes purchase store-bought canned gluten-free cream of mushroom, but it tends to be too runny for recipes like this one.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Make it up to two days ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before serving. However, the benefit of making it ahead of time is minimal, so unless you have had a power outage and need to cook everything, it’s not necessary. That’s the beauty of freezer meals!
Country Sausage Hash Brown Casserole Recipe Ideas
If you love a little heat or spice in your casserole, use spicy sausage and add diced hot peppers such as habanero to the casserole. You could also add a dash of hot sauce or a dash of ancho chili powder.
Make a meat lovers version with a combination of sliced ring sausage as shown with ground sausage, ham, and crumbled bacon all combined into one dish.
Up the veggie power with a vegetarian version containing zucchini, yellow squash, sliced mushrooms, or sundried tomatoes.
Try different cheeses in your casserole. Any combination of Mexican cheese blends, cheddar, colby jack, parmesan, and provolone will work. Parmesan adds a little extra saltiness, but you may need to counterbalance by leaving out other salt in the recipe.
Pro Tip: Read the ingredients of your sour cream. Some generic brands or cheaper brands add fillers and thickeners, whereas the best brands do not. It often makes a difference in your end results.
How do I store Country Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
Leftovers of this dish should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Once it starts to get weepy or separate it should be discarded.
You may also freeze the leftovers in individual portions to reheat later. Leftovers will keep for up to three months, but the dairy may separate and change in texture.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave until hot and sizzling. It will take approximately 1-2 minutes. The sausage should be cooked to 165ºF internal temperature. This dish is perfect for taking to work or school for a quick, hot lunch.
What to serve with Country Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
This delightful casserole can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and pairs well with a bright, acidic salad to contrast with the richness of the sauce. It also goes well with biscuits, scrambled eggs, or a sunny side-up egg served over the top of each serving. Serve it for dinner with a side of roasted asparagus or broccoli and French bread.
Other make ahead brunch recipes:
- 1 lb garlic sausage ring, sliced and halved
- 2 lb hash browns, frozen, shredded
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 10 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 6 oz evaporated milk
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
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Mix in a large bowl.
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Transfer to a large freezer bag.Remove excess air, seal & freeze.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge.
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Dump into a large, greased casserole dish (9×13).
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Bake at 350°F for 45-65 minutes, uncovered.
