Good 'N' Fillin'
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining smoked sausage, vegetables, and a cornbread topping, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large onion, cut into short, thin strips ⓘ
- 2 large green peppers, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can tomatoes and green chilies ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz) cans black-eyed peas, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup corn muffin mix
- 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 beaten egg ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook sausage, onions, and green peppers over medium heat in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil until vegetables are tender and sausage is done.
- Stir in tomatoes and green chilies; reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cornbread topping by mixing the corn muffin mix, cayenne pepper, milk, and beaten egg until well combined.
- Pour the batter over the sausage and vegetable mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using spicy smoked sausage. If you don't have black-eyed peas, you could substitute with kidney beans or pinto beans. To enhance flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the cornbread topping. Make sure to let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving for better slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm straight from the oven for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or cornbread for added comfort. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving with a chilled Lemonade Ice Cream Pie for dessert. This dish is great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, covering them to retain moisture, for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good 'N' Fillin' contains roughly 1301 calories, with 22g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1952mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and vegetable mixture a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then add the cornbread topping just before baking. This allows for maximum freshness while still saving you time on the day you plan to serve it.
What can I substitute for the corn muffin mix?
If you don't have corn muffin mix, you can create your own by combining 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients with the milk and egg as directed in the recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the smoked sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely, adding more vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the flavor and enjoy a delicious vegetarian version of this comforting dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).