Make-Ahead Sausage Casserole

 Make-Ahead Sausage Casserole

This hearty Make-Ahead Sausage Casserole is perfect for busy days. It’s packed with savory sausage, tender potatoes, colorful peppers, and a rich tomato-based sauce. You can prep it in advance, refrigerate it, and simply bake when you’re ready—comfort food made easy!

 Ingredients:

• 1 lb sausage (beef or chicken), sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken or beef broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes or chili powder
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion until soft.
4. Add the garlic and bell peppers; cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Add the potatoes and sausage, stirring until well combined.

 Baking:

• Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased casserole dish.
• Cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
• Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top.

 Make-Ahead Option:

• Allow the casserole to cool completely.
• Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• When ready to bake, place it straight into the oven and add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

 Serving:

• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Serve with crusty bread, rice, or a simple green salad.