Cozy Savory Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Casserole Recipe

When autumn’s crisp breeze rolls in, nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty sausage and cranberry stuffing casserole that blends savory and sweet flavors perfectly.

Tender bread cubes soak up rich sausage drippings, creating a mouthwatering dish that brings comfort to every bite.

Fragrant herbs dance through the layers, complementing the robust sausage and tart cranberries.

Seasonal ingredients merge into a delectable side that steals the spotlight at any gathering.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of textures and tastes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

This crowd-pleasing recipe turns simple ingredients into a spectacular dish that elevates your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Get ready to savor every delicious spoonful of this irresistible casserole.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 21 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes into Savory Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Casserole

• Ground Sausage: Brings rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the casserole, choose fresh pork sausage with robust seasoning.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture, select low-sodium version for better flavor control.

• Onions, Celery, Green Beans: Create a flavor foundation with crisp, garden-fresh crunch, select firm and vibrant vegetables.
• Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic punch, use fresh cloves for most potent flavor.

• Butter: Enriches overall taste and helps ingredients meld together, use unsalted for precise seasoning.
• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Delivers silky, luxurious texture and tangy undertones, opt for high-quality brands.
• Stuffing Mix: Offers traditional holiday comfort and absorbs surrounding flavors, choose herb-seasoned variety.
• Cranberries: Introduces bright, tart contrast to rich ingredients, select plump, deep-colored dried berries.

• Fried Onions: Provides crispy, golden crown with delightful crunch, select pre-packaged or homemade.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, herbal finish and visual appeal, choose bright green leaves.

Tools for Baking Savory Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Casserole

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning sausage and sautéing vegetables.
• 13: Essential for baking and serving the stuffing.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring ingredients and mixing in the skillet.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure broth and other ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, celery, and garlic.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for adding salt, pepper, and measuring spices.
• Spatula: Helps transfer ingredients and scrape pan sides.
• Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes and skillet.

Instructions for Savory Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Casserole

• Sausage Preparation

Brown savory ground meat in a spacious skillet, creating a rich foundation for the casserole.

• Vegetable Medley

Soften diced onions, tender green beans, and crisp celery in melted butter, releasing aromatic flavors that will enhance the dish’s complexity.

• Seasoning Blend

Introduce minced garlic, a touch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper to elevate the vegetable mixture’s taste profile.

• Liquid Harmony

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, gently lifting caramelized bits from the pan’s surface to capture deep, concentrated flavors.

• Creamy Integration

Fold in velvety cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, and bursts of tart cranberries, creating a luscious binding for the casserole.

• Stuffing Fusion

Reunite the browned sausage with crispy stuffing mix, thoroughly combining all elements into a cohesive, mouthwatering mixture.

• Baking Magic

Transfer the blend to a greased baking dish, covering and baking until the casserole becomes bubbly and golden, then crown with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle fresh parsley across the top, adding a vibrant, herbaceous finish to this comforting seasonal dish.

Ways to Customize Your Sausage and Cranberry Casserole

• Swap green beans for roasted Brussels sprouts, diced carrots, or chopped mushrooms to add extra nutrition and texture to the casserole.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. This technique saves time during busy holiday cooking and allows flavors to meld together.
• Use gluten-free stuffing mix and cream of chicken soup to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising on delicious taste.
• Replace dried cranberries with fresh or homemade cranberry sauce for a more intense, tangy flavor that complements the rich sausage and creamy base.

How to Present Savory Sausage and Cranberry Casserole

• Serve Alongside Hearty Mains: Pair this rich, comforting casserole with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or succulent pork roast for a complete holiday meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Create Colorful Plate Presentation: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top for a vibrant pop of color that makes the dish look as delicious as it tastes.
• Perfect Potluck Performer: Prepare this casserole in advance and transport it easily to family gatherings, friendsgiving celebrations, or community potlucks where it's sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit.
• Balance with Fresh Sides: Complement the hearty casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to add a light, fresh contrast to the rich, savory flavors.

Keep Leftover Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing Casserole Fresh

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Package the casserole in freezer-safe containers, keeping it sealed for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or bake the entire casserole covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Prep Ahead Strategically: Assemble the casserole a day before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.

Rustic Sausage And Cranberry Stuffing Casserole

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comfort comes alive with sausage and cranberry stuffing casserole, a hearty dish blending Mediterranean and American flavors. Robust herbs, sweet cranberries, and golden-brown breadcrumbs make this recipe a gathering centerpiece you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground sausage
• 14 oz (397 g) stuffing mix
• 2.5 cups (590 mL) chicken broth
• 10.5 oz (298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• ¾ cup (120 g) celery, diced
• 2 cups fresh green beans
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup (80 mL) sour cream
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup crispy fried onions
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, to garnish

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Instructions

1. Sausage Preparation: Brown ground sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles until fully cooked and golden.
2. Vegetable Sauté: Utilize the sausage’s rendered fat to sauté onions, green beans, and celery until tender and slightly translucent, then introduce minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
3. Flavor Development: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping caramelized bits from the pan to intensify the dish’s savory profile.
4. Creamy Mixture: Remove from heat and fold in cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and whole cranberries, creating a rich, luxurious base.
5. Combining Ingredients: Reintroduce cooked sausage to the skillet and incorporate stuffing mix, ensuring thorough and even distribution of all components.
6. Baking Preparation: Transfer the mixture to a buttered 13×9-inch casserole dish, spreading evenly and covering with aluminum foil.
7. Initial Baking: Roast in a preheated 350°F oven for 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and stuffing to absorb moisture.
8. Crispy Topping: Uncover the casserole, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top, and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden and crunchy.
9. Serving: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot as a sumptuous side or main dish.

Notes

• Optimize Sausage Browning: Cook ground sausage thoroughly to develop deep, caramelized flavor and prevent excess moisture in the final dish.
• Master Vegetable Sautéing: Sauté onions, green beans, and celery until slightly translucent to release natural sweetness and create a robust flavor base.
• Control Moisture Balance: Use chicken broth and cream-based ingredients carefully to achieve the perfect stuffing texture – moist but not soggy.
• Enhance Topping Crunch: Sprinkle crispy fried onions in the final cooking stage to create a golden, textural contrast that elevates the entire casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg