Hearty Sausage Gravy Casserole for Breakfast Bliss

There’s nothing that says “comforting weekend breakfast” quite like a warm plate of biscuits and gravy. But what if you could take that Southern classic and make it even easier, heartier, and perfect for feeding a crowd? That’s exactly what this Sausage Gravy Casserole delivers. It brings all the cozy flavors you love into one easy-to-make dish that bakes beautifully in a single pan.

This recipe layers crispy diced potatoes, fluffy seasoned eggs, and rich homemade country sausage gravy. Then it’s topped with a generous layer of melty cheese for a golden, bubbly finish. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday brunch, a family gathering, or just meal-prepping breakfast for the week, this dish is always a hit.

Not only is it loaded with flavor, but it’s also practical; this breakfast casserole with sausage gravy can be made ahead and even frozen. Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleasing, Southern-inspired breakfast favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Sausage Gravy Casserole

This Sausage Gravy Casserole is more than just another breakfast recipe; it’s a complete comfort food experience that checks all the right boxes for taste, ease, and versatility. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen:

• The Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, creamy sausage gravy meets crispy potatoes, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese. It’s everything you love about a Southern breakfast in one dish.
• Perfect for a Crowd: This hearty Southern breakfast casserole serves 8 to 10 people with ease. Whether you’re hosting brunch or feeding hungry guests over the holidays, this recipe has you covered.
• Make-Ahead Champion: Mornings can be busy, but this make-ahead breakfast casserole keeps things simple. Assemble it the night before, refrigerate, then pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
• Simple, Hearty Ingredients: No fancy ingredients here. Just classic staples like ground pork, milk, eggs, potatoes, and cheese come together for a bold, savory flavor that satisfies.

Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just want to elevate your everyday breakfast, this potato and sausage breakfast casserole is an easy win.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sausage Gravy Casserole comes together with simple, budget-friendly ingredients that deliver big on flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.

For the Country Sausage Gravy

• Ground Pork: A good-quality breakfast sausage is key. Choose mild for a classic flavor or hot if you want a little heat. This is the heart of your sausage gravy.
• Whole Milk: Whole milk gives the gravy a rich, creamy base. If needed, you can use 2% milk, but the gravy may be slightly thinner in texture.
• All-Purpose Flour & Water (Slurry): Mixing flour with water first creates a smooth slurry. This prevents lumps from forming in the gravy, a simple but essential technique when learning how to make sausage gravy that’s silky and smooth.

For the Casserole

• Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes hold their shape well while baking. Dice them into small, 1/4-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly and soften fully during baking.
  Russet potatoes hold up best in casseroles like this. They’re also the star in our Latter-Day Saints Potato Casserole, another favorite comfort dish on the blog.
• Large Eggs: Beaten and seasoned, the eggs bind everything together, turning this into a true breakfast casserole with sausage gravy.
• Shredded Cheese: A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds a rich, gooey finish. For the best results, shred it yourself, pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly due to added starches.

How to Make Sausage Gravy Casserole (Step-by-Step Instructions)

This Sausage Gravy Casserole is easy to prepare and delivers big flavor in every bite. Just follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create a warm, comforting breakfast your whole family will love.

Prep the Potatoes

Start by peeling and dicing 3 pounds of russet potatoes into 1/4-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces small helps them cook evenly and become fork-tender during baking.

For best results, par-cook the diced potatoes before adding them to the casserole. You can either:

• Boil: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until slightly softened but not fully cooked. Drain well.
• Roast: Toss the diced potatoes with a little oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 15 minutes. This adds a little extra flavor and helps crisp the edges.

Set the cooked potatoes aside while you make the rest of the casserole.

Make the Perfect Sausage Gravy

• Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound of ground pork until browned and slightly crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
• Create the flour slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with 3/4 cup of water until smooth and lump-free. This helps thicken the gravy evenly.
• Make the gravy: Return the skillet with the cooked sausage to the heat. Pour in 4 cups of whole milk, then stir in the flour-water slurry. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir often and let the gravy simmer until thickened and bubbly, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Prepare the Eggs and Cheese

• Crack 6 large eggs into a mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This egg mixture helps hold the casserole together while adding rich flavor.
• Next, shred 8 ounces of cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix. Shredding your own cheese is best, as it melts more smoothly than packaged shreds.

Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a bit of the sausage gravy. Then layer the ingredients in this order:

1. Spread the par-cooked potatoes in an even layer on the bottom.
2. Spoon half of the sausage gravy over the potatoes.
3. Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the top.
4. Add the remaining sausage gravy.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across the top.

If your dish is very full, place it on a baking sheet to catch any overflow.

Bake to Golden Perfection

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes. It’s done when the potatoes are tender, the center is fully set, and the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.
• If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

Rest and Serve

• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows everything to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
• Now your Sausage Gravy Casserole is ready to enjoy, hot, cheesy, and packed with savory sausage gravy in every bite!

Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Gravy Casserole

Want your sausage gravy casserole to turn out perfect every time? These expert tips will help you get the best texture and flavor with every bake.

• Don’t Undercook the Gravy: Make sure the sausage gravy thickens fully on the stovetop before layering it into the casserole. If the gravy is too thin, it can make the dish watery and soggy. Stir constantly and let it bubble gently until it coats the back of a spoon.
• The Secret to Tender Potatoes: Always par-cook the potatoes before baking. Boiling or roasting them for a few minutes ensures they come out soft and fully cooked in the oven. Raw potatoes may stay hard, even after a full hour of baking.
• Drain the Grease: After browning the sausage, don’t forget to drain the excess fat. Too much grease can make the casserole feel heavy and overly oily. This step keeps the dish balanced and flavorful.
• Don’t Overbake: Overcooked eggs turn rubbery and dry. Check for doneness by gently shaking the dish, if the center is set and no longer jiggly, it’s ready to come out of the oven. Letting it rest after baking also helps it firm up perfectly.

If you love make-ahead comfort meals, you’ll also enjoy this ultra-creamy Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole, another easy crowd-pleaser with minimal prep.

Variations and Substitutions

Looking to customize your sausage gravy casserole to suit your taste or pantry? Here are some delicious and easy ways to switch things up. These ideas can help turn your dish into a new favorite every time you make it.

Variation	Description
Add Biscuits	For a true biscuits and gravy casserole, layer halved canned biscuit dough on the bottom before adding the other ingredients. You can also place whole biscuits on top during the last 20 minutes of baking.
Different Meats	Swap the pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option. Spicy Italian sausage adds heat, while crumbled bacon brings a smoky flavor.
Add Veggies	Mix in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the potatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. These pair well with the eggs and sausage.
Spice it Up	Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sausage gravy for a little kick. This is perfect if you like your Southern breakfast casserole with bold flavor.

These variations let you turn one recipe into many, perfect for keeping breakfast exciting all year round.

Want to try another hearty twist? Don’t miss our Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole, a cheesy, protein-packed dinner option for busy nights.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Instructions

This make-ahead breakfast casserole is perfect for busy mornings, holidays, or weekend brunch. You can prep it in advance or freeze leftovers with ease.

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole as directed, but don’t bake it yet. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes if it’s still cold in the center.
• Storing Leftovers: Once baked and cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a 325°F oven until heated through.
• Freezing: To freeze the fully baked casserole, let it cool completely. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F, covered, until hot throughout (about 30-40 minutes). This makes your freezer-friendly sausage gravy casserole a lifesaver on busy mornings.

This recipe is freezer-friendly just like Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, which also works great for prepping ahead of time.

What to Serve with Sausage Gravy Casserole

This hearty sausage gravy casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a few fresh and simple sides can make your breakfast or brunch spread even more satisfying.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A bowl of chilled fruit adds color, sweetness, and a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory casserole. Berries, melons, and citrus work especially well.
• Sliced Tomatoes: Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, fresh tomato slices balance out the richness of the casserole and add a nice pop of acidity.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great addition if you’re serving this casserole for brunch or lunch.
• Hot Coffee or Tea: Don’t forget a warm cup of coffee or tea. It’s the perfect companion to a cozy breakfast.

These easy sides round out the meal and keep your table feeling fresh and inviting.

Looking to complete your brunch table? Try pairing this with a sweet and cozy Brioche French Toast Casserole for a sweet-savory combo everyone will love.

Sausage Gravy Casserole FAQs

These common questions about sausage gravy casserole can help ensure your recipe turns out just right.

A Comforting Breakfast Everyone Will Love

I hope your family loves this hearty Sausage Gravy Casserole as much as mine does! It’s one of those dishes that always brings people together, whether it’s a slow Sunday morning, a special brunch, or a make-ahead meal to start the week off right.

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you, and your feedback helps others discover and enjoy it too!

And don’t forget to share it on Pinterest, Facebook, or with your friends, it’s too good not to pass along!

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