Growing up my mom tried to have big, early dinners on Sundays which was always a favorite. My mom would usually put a roast or something in early in the day and we'd have dinner around three. This allowed us to be able to relax and enjoy our evening all together before heading back to work or school the following day. I decided that as often as possible, I'd like to implement this concept with me and Steve, except simpler since its the two of us. I call it our "simple Sundays" where I put something in the crockpot in the morning or make a casserole the day before. Even sandwiches and canned soup might make an appearance for simple Sundays. I love this so much especially during Steve's busy season when Sundays are really all we have. Simple Sundays give us the freedom and liberty to do whatever we need to do during the day and relax at night without have to worry about stopping to make dinner or having to pick up something that's far from nutritious. I will guilt fully say, however that my first simple Sunday wasn't e aptly nutritious but mmmm mmmm was it delicious!
I got this recipe from HERE and followed it exactly as it was done. I would recommend, however, next time using a sausage with a softer casing than a traditional smoked sausage, possibly a soft skinned polish sausage or even diced ham.
Cheesy Sausage Bake
Adapted from food.com
Ingredients
3 cups idaho potatoes, peeled, boiled and cut into cubes when cool, approx. 1 lb
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, diced
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 lb skinless smoked sausage (Eckrich is my favorite brand)
1/8 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Cut skinless smoked sausage in half, lengthwise, and then chop into 1/2 inch "half moon" cuts. Cook in a frying pan for about 15 minutes, turning frequently to SLIGHTLY brown.
- Meanwhile, put cooked & diced potatoes in 2 quart casserole. Add cooked meat and give it a gentle toss.
- Mix all remaining ingredients (except for shredded cheddar cheese & the paprika) in a saucepan over medium heat until warm, melted and smooth. (Use a whisk and stir constantly.).
- Pour white/cheese sauce over potatoes and meat. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top, and then sprinkle paprika evenly over the top.
- Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes (watch, until golden brown on top).
This can be made the night before and just taken out an hour before wanting to heat it so it doesn't take too long to heat through. When I made it it seemed odd the one wouldn't mix all the ingredients together but upon baking, the cheese sauce melts through to the potatoes and sausage and creates an amazingly cheesy, gooey, casserole.
No comments:
Post a Comment