Jolean's Cheese Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

Stacky5's Note:

This was another one of our favorites in the 70's Very inexpensive and very easy to make. Just recently found this recipe hand-written by my Mom, and the warm feelings flood back to me, because this was a true favorite in our house. Little did I know that she was on such a tight budget, yet made things like this that we all loved!! NOTE: The meat that was used in this recipe always varied, according to whatever we had available at the time.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 3 cups idaho potatoes , peeled, boiled and cut into cubes when cool, approx. 1 lb
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ lb Velveeta cheese , diced
• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese , shredded
• 1 lb skinless smoked sausage (Eckrich is my favorite brand)
• 1⁄8; teaspoon paprika

Directions:

1. 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.
2. Meanwhile, put cooked & diced potatoes in 2 quart casserole. Add cooked meat and give it a gentle toss.
3. 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.).
4. Pour white/cheese sauce over potatoes and meat. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top, and then sprinkle paprika evenly over the top.
5. Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes (watch, until golden brown on top).
6. NOTE: You can substitute: 1/2 lb. hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch slices OR 1/2 lb. ham diced into 1/2-inch dices OR 12 oz. can of Spam diced into 1/2-inch dices, instead of the smoked sausage.

Reviews

[Southern Lady]

This is good ole comfort food. I followed the sugestions of several reviewers and added onion (3/4 C), added an additional cup of potatoes & used all cheddar cheese. I also took it another step and added 1 cup of chopped cabbage and 1/3 C of orange bell pepper. Sauted the veggies in the leftover grease from browning sausage. The added veggies add nutrician, enhance the flavor of the dish and they do not over-power. The most time consuming step is dicing the potatoes, so I may use another suggestion of frozen diced hashbrowns potatoes next time. Served with cornbread. Simple, quick and yummy. Thanks for posting.

[Ultraviolet Catastrophe]

My family LOVED this. I fried up the sausage with about 3 green onions, and that added a nice flavor. Otherwise, I kept it the same. It was pretty simple to make, although it did make up a lot of dishes to wash afterwards.We'll be making it again though.

[rickoholic83]

This is comfort food at its best! I used Louisiana Hot Links, frozen hash browns and added some garlic and onion powder to the white sauce. So good!