Michigan Comfort on a Plate: Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole Recipe

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When it comes to heartwarming, comforting meals, Michigan’s food scene knows how to deliver. The Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole is a testament to the region’s love for hearty, no-fuss dishes that pack incredible flavor. Combining smoked sausage, tender green beans, and golden potatoes, this casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy evenings in.

As the seasons change in Michigan, there’s nothing better than gathering around the table with a dish that brings people together. The Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole does just that, showcasing simple, wholesome ingredients that turn into a mouthwatering, satisfying meal.

A Classic Midwestern Blend of Flavors

This casserole is a reflection of Michigan's food traditions, where casseroles are more than just a dish—they’re part of the culture. Smoked sausage, which adds a savory punch, is paired with tender creamer potatoes and bright green beans for a combination that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The richness of butter, onions, and garlic deepens the flavors, while the seasoning adds just the right amount of spice to keep it interesting.

This recipe captures the heart of Midwestern cuisine, where practicality meets comfort, and every bite brings a sense of warmth and home.

Recipe: Michigan-Style Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1½ lbs smoked sausage kielbasa or smoke sausage, sliced ¼" thick
• 2 lbs baby creamer potatoes, washed, sliced in half
• 2 (15 oz) cans green beans, drained
• ⅛ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish by spraying it with non-stick spray.
2. Take your washed and halved creamer potatoes, and place them into a large sealable plastic bag.
3. Add vegetable oil, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the bag with the potatoes. Seal the bag and shake it well to ensure all potatoes are evenly coated.
4. In a large frying pan, add your sausage slices and water. Cook over medium-high heat until the sausage is nicely browned and the water has mostly evaporated. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before adding to the bag with the potatoes.
5. In the same frying pan, melt butter over medium heat and add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions turn translucent, then set aside to cool slightly.
6. Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the bag, seal it, and shake everything to mix.
7. Lastly, add the drained green beans to the bag, shake to mix once more, and pour the entire contents into your prepared baking dish.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for about 40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
9. Once done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and serve hot.

A Taste of Michigan Comfort

This Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole captures everything we love about Michigan’s food culture—simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a commitment to comforting meals. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or saving the leftovers for a quick and tasty lunch the next day, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

With its combination of smoked sausage, tender potatoes, and crisp green beans, each bite is packed with flavor. And while it’s perfect for any time of year, it truly shines as the weather gets cooler and we start craving hearty, home-cooked meals that remind us of family gatherings and cozy kitchens.

Here are some sources for the Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole recipe and variations:

1. That Oven Feelin' explains the importance of using smoked sausage, baby creamer potatoes, and green beans for a rich and flavorful casserole. The site highlights how each ingredient complements the others, creating a simple yet hearty meal​(That Oven Feelin).
2. Everyday Family Cooking provides detailed instructions, recommending baby potatoes and offering tips for using fresh green beans for a crispier texture. This site also suggests using the crockpot as an alternative to baking​(Everyday Family Cooking).
3. Salt & Spoon shares helpful tips, such as how to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and options for adding cheese or cream for a richer dish. They also discuss substitutions for the green beans and sausage, giving the recipe added flexibility​(Salt & Spoon).
4. Bake It With Love offers advice on making this dish ahead of time, reheating instructions, and how to modify the recipe for the slow cooker. This is a great resource for those who like to meal prep or need adaptable cooking methods​(Bake It With Love).

These sources provide various techniques and suggestions for enhancing the Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole, ensuring it’s both flavorful and customizable.