Chopped Sausage Casserole
Need a dinner that feels hearty without spending all evening in the kitchen?
This Chopped Sausage Casserole is packed with smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and plenty of flavour in every bite.
Some dinners don’t need fancy ingredients to be satisfying, and this is one of them.
A handful of everyday staples come together into a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, even though it’s surprisingly simple to make.
The sausage brings plenty of smoky, savoury flavour, while the potatoes soak up every bit of the rich sauce.
White beans make it even more filling, and the spinach softens into the casserole without taking over.
Sweet peppers add little pops of colour and freshness that balance everything out.
It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy to make ahead and somehow tastes even better the next day.
Just warm it through and dinner is ready with hardly any effort.
Serve it with warm crusty bread if you want to soak up every last spoonful, or enjoy it just as it is.
Either way, this Chopped Sausage Casserole is an easy family dinner you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Uses affordable pantry staples.
- Ready in about 45 minutes.
- Filling enough for a complete meal.
- Great for meal prep.
- Packed with vegetables, beans, and protein.
- Easy to customize with what you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1½ pounds (700g) baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
Instructions
1. Brown the sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove to a plate.
2. Cook the vegetables
Add the onion and red pepper to the same pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the potatoes
Stir in the potatoes, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork tender.
4. Finish the casserole
Return the sausage to the pan along with the cannellini beans. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Fold in the spinach and cook just until wilted.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before sprinkling with fresh parsley.
Serve warm.
Tips
- Browning the sausage first adds lots of flavor to the whole dish.
- Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcook the spinach—it only needs a minute or two to wilt.
- If the casserole becomes too thick, stir in a splash of extra broth.
- Fresh parsley added at the end brightens the rich flavors.
Variations
- Use spicy Italian sausage instead of smoked sausage.
- Add mushrooms with the onions.
- Swap spinach for kale.
- Use butter beans instead of cannellini beans.
- Stir in grated Parmesan before serving.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Replace the potatoes with sweet potatoes.
- Add zucchini during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
What to Serve With It
- Crusty bread
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Buttered green beans
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth, or microwave until heated through.
Freezing
Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another sausage?
Yes. Italian sausage, kielbasa, chicken sausage, or turkey sausage all work well.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. The flavors become even better after sitting overnight.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
No. Baby potatoes have thin skins that become tender as they cook.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the sausage for a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
Can I use different beans?
Yes. Great Northern beans or butter beans are good substitutes.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Can I make this spicy?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or use hot sausage.
Can I cook it in a Dutch oven?
Absolutely. It’s perfect for this recipe.
Is it good for meal prep?
Yes. It reheats very well for lunches throughout the week.
