If you’re looking for a dish that combines hearty, comforting flavors with a touch of sweetness, look no further than this Sausage and Sweet Potato Casserole with Pears. This recipe is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, bringing together juicy sausage, tender sweet potatoes, and ripe pears, all seasoned with warm cinnamon and topped with gooey melted cheddar. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just want to elevate your weeknight meals, this casserole is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole has everything you need for a satisfying meal. The crumbled sausage adds richness and depth, while the sweet potatoes provide a nutritious, hearty base. The pears, on the other hand, introduce a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon. Add a topping of melted cheddar cheese, and you’ve got a dish that’s both indulgent and wholesome. The combination of flavors is unique yet comforting—perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
2 ripe pears, peeled and diced
1 lb sausage, crumbled
1 onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly and develop a perfect, tender texture.
Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked. This step brings out the delicious, savory flavors of the sausage.
Cook the onions: Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened. This gives the onion a caramelized sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
Mix everything together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato, pears, cooked sausage, onion, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. The cinnamon adds warmth and enhances the natural sweetness of the pears and sweet potatoes.
Bake the casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.
Optional cheesy goodness: If you’d like, remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for another 5-10 minutes. The cheese will melt and create a delicious golden crust.

Dish Presentation

Once your casserole is done, allow it to cool slightly before serving. The vibrant colors of the sweet potatoes, pears, and sausage make this dish visually stunning, and the melted cheese on top adds an irresistible finish. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of green and added flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of savory sausage with the natural sweetness of pears and sweet potatoes creates a harmonious balance of flavors. The cinnamon ties everything together, while the optional cheddar adds richness. This casserole is perfect for those who want a dish that’s easy to prepare yet packed with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be a main course or a hearty side dish.

Enjoy this delightful casserole as part of a cozy family dinner, or make it for a potluck to wow your friends. Either way, it’s bound to become a favorite!

Sausage and Sweet Potato Casserole with Pears

Author: Alice
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Elevate your dinner game with this savory and sweet casserole. Juicy sausage is paired with tender sweet potatoes and luscious pears, all spiced with warm cinnamon and topped with melted cheddar for a dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
2 ripe pears, peeled and diced
1 lb sausage, crumbled
1 onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned.
3. Remove the sausage and set aside. In the same skillet, add the onion and cook until softened.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato, pears, cooked sausage, onion, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.
7. If desired, remove the foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Prep Time: 15 minutes