Wash Day Dinner
A hearty and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender vegetables, savory sausage, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large flat pan, cover the bottom with butter.
- Line the bottom of the pan with thick onion slices.
- Add potato slices on top of the onions.
- Sift 2 tablespoons of flour over the potatoes and onions.
- Pour the large can of tomato juice over the layered ingredients.
- Add enough boiling water to cover the ingredients.
- Place a layer of sausage slices on top.
- If the sausage gets too brown, turn them over.
- Bake at 350°F until the vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or skip it entirely. To thicken the sauce, you can add a bit of corn starch instead of flour. Additionally, you can use vegetable broth for more depth instead of plain boiling water.
Serving Suggestions
This Wash Day Dinner pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added flavor. For a sweet finish, consider serving a slice of Easy Strawberry Cream Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a stovetop pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wash Day Dinner contains roughly 400 calories, with 10g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 728mg per serving (32% 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 different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sausage with your choice of meat, such as chicken or beef, or even use a combination of meats for added flavor. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to fully cook the meat.
What if I don't have tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice, you can easily substitute it with crushed tomatoes or a mixture of tomato paste and water. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if necessary to reach your desired sauce thickness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling all the ingredients in the pan and covering it with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you cook it straight from the fridge.
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).