Why Make This Recipe
Sausage Gravy Casserole is an easy and delicious dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. This recipe combines the savory goodness of sausage and creamy gravy with soft, flaky biscuits. Each bite is satisfying and comforting, making it a favorite for many families.
Not only is it delightful on chilly mornings, but it’s also simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can whip up this casserole quickly. Your family will love waking up to this warm and hearty meal.
Equipment Needed For Sausage Gravy Casserole
To make Sausage Gravy Casserole, having the right equipment can make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Oven mitts
- Cutting board
- Knife
Having each of these tools will ensure that you can prepare the dish efficiently and safely.
What You Need to Make Sausage Gravy Casserole
To prepare Sausage Gravy Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) package Jimmy Dean® Premium Pork Regular Sausage
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder, or more to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons quick-mixing all-purpose flour, or more to taste
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, or as needed
- 1 (10 count) package refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
These simple ingredients come together to create a rich and tasty breakfast dish that everyone will enjoy.
How to Cook Sausage Gravy Casserole Step by Step
Start by cooking the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a spatula to stir the sausage and break it apart. Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s browned.
Next, stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, chicken bouillon powder, and black pepper. Make sure the seasonings blend well with the sausage as it continues to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until everything is fully cooked.
Once you have a tasty sausage mixture, you can stir in the flour. Mix it well until the sausage is coated. Gradually add in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil. After it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to a simmer. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Taste your mixture and adjust the seasonings if necessary before setting it aside.
While the mixture cools slightly, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Now it’s time to prepare the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into four pieces. Take half of the biscuit pieces and arrange them evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour the sausage and gravy mixture over the biscuits, spreading it out evenly. Finally, top everything with the remaining biscuit pieces.
Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake the casserole until the biscuits are fully cooked and turn a golden brown, which usually takes about 13 to 15 minutes. Once it’s done, let the casserole sit for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This wait will help everything settle a bit.
How To Serve Sausage Gravy Casserole
When it’s time to serve Sausage Gravy Casserole, portion it out onto plates or into bowls. This dish looks appetizing, with bubbling gravy and fluffy biscuits peeking through. For a finishing touch, you can drizzle a bit more gravy on top if desired.
Sausage Gravy Casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad. This will help balance the richness of the casserole.
What To Serve With Sausage Gravy Casserole
If you want to make this meal even more delightful, consider pairing it with complementary side dishes. Fresh fruits like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a fruit salad add a refreshing touch. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a nice contrast.
For drinks, consider offering freshly squeezed orange juice or a hot cup of coffee. Together, these additions will create a well-rounded breakfast experience.
How To Store Sausage Gravy Casserole
If you have leftovers from your Sausage Gravy Casserole, it’s easy to store them for later. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
For longer storage, consider freezing portions. Cut the casserole into individual servings and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. This way, you can enjoy the casserole for up to two months.
Tips To Make Sausage Gravy Casserole
To enhance your Sausage Gravy Casserole, consider these helpful tips. First, don’t rush the cooking process for the sausage. Ensure it’s well-browned to develop flavor.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on personal preference. Some may prefer more garlic or onion flavor, while others might like a hint of spice. Adding red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick.
Another point is to keep an eye on your biscuits while baking. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a minute or two early. Your casserole should look golden and bubbly but not overcooked.
Variation
If you’re looking for a variation of Sausage Gravy Casserole, consider switching up the meat. Instead of pork sausage, try chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
You can also add extra ingredients to the gravy, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms. These will add flavor and texture, making your dish even heartier.
For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon and enjoy a meatless but still fulfilling meal.
Best Time To Make Sausage Gravy Casserole
Sausage Gravy Casserole shines as a breakfast or brunch dish, perfect for weekends or special occasions. It’s a warm, comforting dish that is sure to impress family and friends.
Consider making this casserole for holiday gatherings or family visits. It can feed a crowd and is simple to prepare ahead of time.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
There are a few common mistakes to watch for when making Sausage Gravy Casserole. One is not cooking the sausage long enough. Undercooked sausage can ruin the entire dish and may not taste good.
Another mistake is overheating the flour when cooking the gravy. If the heat is too high, the flour may clump rather than blend in smoothly. Stir constantly as you add milk to avoid this issue.
Lastly, make sure to let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Cutting too early can result in a messy presentation. Patience will pay off and enhance your serving experience.
Nutritional Notes
Sausage Gravy Casserole, while rich and delicious, may be higher in calories and fats due to the sausage and biscuits. It’s good to enjoy this dish in moderation.
Consider making it lighter by using lower-fat sausage or reducing the amount of gravy on the biscuits.
As with all meals, it’s important to balance indulgent recipes like this with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains throughout your day.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and gravy in advance and assemble everything just before baking.
Can I use frozen biscuits?
Absolutely! Frozen biscuits work well in this recipe. Just follow the package instructions for baking.
What if I don’t have chicken bouillon?
If you don’t have chicken bouillon, you can use vegetable broth or simply omit it. Adjust the seasoning to match your taste.
Conclusion
Sausage Gravy Casserole is not only a straightforward recipe but also a delicious way to start your day. The combination of savory sausage, creamy gravy, and flaky biscuits makes for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
With minimal effort, you can create a hearty dish that can feed your family or guests, and you can even customize it to suit your preferences. Whether for a special occasion or a casual breakfast, this casserole is sure to be a hit!
Sausage Gravy Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes until browned.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, chicken bouillon powder, and black pepper, and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Stir in the flour, coating the sausage well.
- Gradually add the milk, bringing the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring until the gravy thickens (about 5 to 7 minutes).
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Cut each biscuit into four pieces and place half of the pieces in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Pour the sausage and gravy mixture over the biscuits evenly, then top with the remaining biscuit pieces.
- Bake the casserole for 13 to 15 minutes or until the biscuits are fully cooked and golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to sit for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
