Southern Casserole
A hearty Southern casserole featuring tender vegetables and savory sausage or ham, simmered to perfection. Perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place sliced vegetables in a frying pan with water.
- Cut up sausage or ham and place on top of the vegetables.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for about 1 hour until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the water with garlic or onion powder. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, turkey sausage can replace the Hillshire Farm beef sausage. Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for extra color and nutrition. If you want a richer taste, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce while cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southern Casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a side of Homemade Grits for a complete meal. Additionally, consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. This dish is perfect for a family gathering or casual dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Casserole contains roughly 552 calories, with 21g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (212% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and potassium (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 994mg per serving (43% 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 use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used as a convenient substitute. However, be mindful that they may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they don't become mushy.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage or ham and substitute with a plant-based sausage or extra beans for protein. You can also enhance the flavor with vegetable broth instead of water.
What can I do if the vegetables aren't tender after simmering?
If the vegetables are still firm after an hour, simply continue to simmer, checking every 10 minutes. Adding a splash more water can help steam them if needed. Ensure the heat is kept low to avoid burning.
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).