Oven Baked Sausage and Red Potato Casserole
When you need an easy, hearty dinner that feeds the whole family without creating a mountain of dishes, this 5-Ingredient Oven Baked Sausage and Red Potato Casserole is a perfect choice. Tender baby red potatoes, smoky sausage, sweet onion, olive oil, and savory onion soup mix come together in one casserole dish for a comforting meal with very little prep.
Everything bakes together in the oven, allowing the potatoes to become tender while the sausage develops delicious browned edges. It’s an especially easy option for a Labor Day dinner, family gathering, weekend meal, or busy weeknight when you want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Sausage and Potato Casserole
- Only 5 simple ingredients: You don’t need a long grocery list to make a satisfying family dinner.
- One-dish meal: Everything cooks together in a single casserole dish, making cleanup easier.
- Easy weeknight dinner: Most of the work involves simply cutting, tossing, and baking.
- Hearty and filling: Potatoes and smoked sausage make this a satisfying meal for hungry families.
- Great for holidays: It’s an easy Labor Day recipe that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Budget-friendly: Simple potatoes and sausage create an inexpensive meal with plenty of flavor.
- Easy to customize: Bell peppers, different smoked sausages, or fresh herbs can easily be added.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby red potatoes, halved
- 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, cut into thick wedges
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
How to Make Sausage and Red Potato Casserole
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish.
- Add the ingredients: Place the halved baby red potatoes, sliced smoked sausage, and onion wedges directly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Season everything: Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes, sausage, and onions. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top.
- Toss well: Carefully toss everything together directly in the casserole dish until the potatoes and sausage are evenly coated.
- Cover and bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Finish uncovered: Remove the foil and carefully stir the casserole. Return it to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sausage and potatoes have developed golden-brown edges.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors and juices to settle.
Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Sausage and Potatoes
Cut the potatoes evenly
Try to cut the baby red potatoes into similarly sized halves. If some potatoes are noticeably larger, quarter them so everything finishes cooking at approximately the same time.
Choose your favorite smoked sausage
Kielbasa, turkey smoked sausage, or another fully cooked smoked sausage can be used. Each variety gives the casserole a slightly different flavor while keeping the recipe simple.
Add vegetables
For extra color and flavor, add a chopped bell pepper. Green beans, zucchini, or additional onions can also work well.
Get extra crispy edges
For especially browned potatoes and sausage, leave the casserole uncovered during the final few minutes of baking. You can also briefly use the broiler, but watch the dish closely to prevent burning.
Don’t automatically add salt
Dry onion soup mix is already well seasoned, so taste the finished casserole before adding additional salt. Freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley are easy ways to finish the dish.
What to Serve With Sausage and Red Potatoes
This baked sausage and potato casserole is filling enough to serve on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try it with:
- Sweet corn on the cob
- Fresh green beans
- Sliced garden tomatoes
- Simple green salad
- Warm dinner rolls
- Coleslaw
- Peach cobbler
- Homemade apple crisp
Easy Variations
Sausage, Potato and Pepper Casserole: Add one large bell pepper, cut into chunks, for sweetness and color.
Kielbasa and Potato Bake: Replace the smoked sausage with sliced kielbasa for a classic combination.
Turkey Sausage Potato Bake: Use turkey smoked sausage for a lighter variation.
Cheesy Sausage Potato Casserole: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole during the final 5 minutes of baking for a rich, cheesy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby red potatoes?
Yes. Yukon Gold potatoes or other waxy potatoes work well. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
You can chop the potatoes, sausage, and onions ahead of time and refrigerate them separately or assembled until you’re ready to bake. For best texture, add the olive oil and seasoning shortly before cooking.
What type of sausage works best?
Fully cooked smoked sausage, kielbasa, and turkey smoked sausage are all good choices. Use your family’s favorite.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Insert a fork into the thickest potato piece. It should slide in easily without resistance.
