Description
This Cheesy Broccoli, Sausage, and Cauliflower Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining savory Italian sausage with tender sautéed vegetables in a creamy cheese sauce. Topped with Parmesan and crispy breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
Vegetables
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Fats
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup (50g) bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons (10g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into pieces with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about one minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook vegetables: Add the cauliflower and broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some bite.
- Add cream and spices: Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer with cheese: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Combine sausage: Remove the skillet from heat and stir the cooked sausage back into the creamy vegetable mixture.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If you prefer spicy, increase the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs or omit them entirely.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a little shredded mozzarella on top before baking can enhance the cheesy texture.
