Savory Sweet Potato, Apple, and Sausage Bake Recipe
A comforting and flavorful casserole combining savory sausage with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apples, accented by aromatic herbs and warm cinnamon. This easy-to-make bake is perfect for a hearty family meal or cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage
- 0.5 lb pork or turkey sausage, casings removed
Vegetables and Fruits
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 large apples, cored and sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tablespoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Optional chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Cook the sausage. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Brown the sausage until fully cooked. Transfer the sausage to a large mixing bowl, leaving some drippings in the skillet for added flavor.
- Sauté the vegetables. In the same skillet with the sausage drippings, add olive oil and then the diced sweet potatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften. Add the sliced onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until translucent. Finally, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine the mixture. Add the sautéed sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic to the mixing bowl with the cooked sausage. Stir in the sliced apples, ground cinnamon, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare for baking. Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial baking.
- Bake covered. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the ingredients to cook through and meld flavors.
- Finish baking uncovered. Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring the mixture halfway through to ensure even cooking. Bake until the sweet potatoes are tender and the apples become slightly caramelized.
- Serve. Once baked, remove from oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- You can substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If fresh rosemary is not available, dried rosemary is a suitable alternative but use half the quantity.
- Be careful not to overcook the apples to maintain their shape and texture.
- Stirring halfway through the uncovered baking helps the dish cook evenly and prevents sticking.
- This dish pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: sausage casserole, sweet potato bake, apple sausage dish, savory sweet bake, autumn casserole recipe
