A hearty, smoky, and cheesy comfort dish with tender potatoes or pasta—perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks!
🥘 Ingredients *(Serves 6-8)*
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1 (14 oz) package Hillshire Farm® Smoked Sausage (sliced into coins)
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4 cups diced potatoes (or 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni for a pasta version)
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1 small onion, diced
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1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
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1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cheddar cheese soup for extra cheesiness)
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1 cup milk (or half-and-half for richness)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika (enhances the sausage’s flavor)
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½ tsp black pepper
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Salt to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Optional Toppings:
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½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
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2 tbsp melted butter (for crispy topping)
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Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
Potato Version
1️⃣ Prep & Par-Cook Potatoes
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a pot, boil diced potatoes for 8-10 mins until slightly tender (don’t overcook—they’ll finish baking). Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Brown the Sausage & Veggies
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In a skillet, heat oil/butter over medium heat.
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Add sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned (~3-4 mins).
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Add onion and bell pepper, sautéing until soft (~5 mins).
3️⃣ Mix & Assemble
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In a large bowl, combine potatoes, sausage mixture, soup, milk, 1 ½ cups cheese, and spices.
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Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Top with remaining cheese and optional crushed crackers mixed with melted butter.
4️⃣ Bake
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Cover with foil and bake for 20 mins.
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Uncover and bake 10-15 mins more until bubbly and golden.
Mac & Cheese Version
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Replace potatoes with 3 cups uncooked macaroni (boil until al dente, then drain).
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Proceed with the same mixing/baking steps.
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Extra smoky flavor? Use Hillshire Farm® Beef Smoked Sausage or add a dash of liquid smoke.
✔ Vegetarian? Swap sausage for plant-based smoked “sausage” and use cream of celery soup.
✔ Make ahead: Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate overnight. Bake +10 mins.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Pair with steamed broccoli or a tangy coleslaw to balance richness.
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Leftovers? Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
“A crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under an hour!”