Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it up to three days early and keep it covered in the fridge. Let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off before baking.

What’s the best kind of sausage to use?

Breakfast sausage is classic, but sweet or spicy Italian sausage gives a unique flavor. If you only have links, just remove and discard the casings.

Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh or frozen?

Canned green beans will work in a pinch, but they’re much softer. If using canned, add them at the very end just before baking so they don’t get mushy.

How do I keep the stuffing moist?

If you prefer your stuffing on the wetter side, add an extra cup of chicken broth. Especially helpful if you’re making this ahead or baking instead of slow-cooking.

Stuffing Casserole Recipe - LittleSpoonBites

If cozy comfort could be served by the forkful, it would look a lot like this Stuffing Casserole! Packed with savory sausage, vibrant green beans, sweet cranberries, and the toasty crunch of fried onions, this casserole has everything you crave in an old-fashioned stuffing—plus a few delightful surprises. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to pull together, which makes it an absolute lifesaver on hectic weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleaser for gatherings. With minimal prep and a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up a hearty dish that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen (when, in reality, you didn’t).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless and Quick: With less than 15 minutes of hands-on prep and easy step-by-step instructions, this casserole practically makes itself.
One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes! Everything comes together in one pan before hitting the oven.
Comfort Food Redeemed: The classic stuffing flavor you adore, but amped up with sausage, fresh veggies, creamy goodness, and irresistible crispy onions.
Ultimate Flexibility: Works beautifully as a holiday side, a main course for busy nights, or a make-ahead dish when you want something special on standby.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Sausage: Choose your favorite! Breakfast sausage offers classic warmth, but Italian varieties (sweet or spicy) add a bold twist. Just make sure to cook and crumble it.
Butter: For rich flavor and to sauté veggies—unsalted is best so you control the saltiness.
Yellow Onion: Diced for a gentle sweetness and essential aromatic base.
Fresh Green Beans: They bring a juicy crunch and brighten up the casserole. Tip: Use frozen if you need to save time; no need to cook them first!
Celery: Adds a subtle peppery bite and perfect crunch.
Garlic: Don’t skimp here! Freshly minced garlic gives wonderful depth.
Salt & Pepper: Season to your taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of sausage and broth.
Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful. If you love extra-moist stuffing, feel free to add a splash more!
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Thickens and enriches, making every bite velvety.
Sour Cream: Adds gentle tang and creaminess.
Dried Cranberries: A must for pops of sweetness—trust me, they transform the whole dish!
Stuffing Mix: The backbone of the recipe and source of those herby, toasty flavors. Classic or cornbread-style work deliciously.
Crispy Fried Onions: Wait until the end to sprinkle these for ultimate crunch.
Fresh Parsley: The finishing touch—adds color and a hint of freshness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

There’s so much room to play here!

Veggie Lover’s Delight: Stir in extra chopped carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even a plant-based sausage to mix it up.
Vegan Version: Substitute vegan sausage, plant-based cream soup, and vegetable broth—skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free version.
Make it Gluten-Free: Pick your favorite gluten-free stuffing mix and check your soup label.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère over the top before baking for a melty finish.

How to Make Stuffing Casserole

Oven Method

Prep the Oven & Pan: Preheat to 350°F and lightly grease a 13″x9″ casserole dish.
Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the sausage. Remove it and set aside.
Sauté Veggies: Melt butter in the same skillet, then add diced onion, green beans, and celery. Cook about 5 minutes until just softened. Add garlic, salt, and pepper; cook for another minute.
Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for max flavor.
Mix it All Together: Take the pan off the heat. Stir in cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and dried cranberries. Add sausage back in, then fold in the stuffing mix until everything is combined.
Assemble & Bake: Spoon the mixture into your prepared dish. Cover and bake for 1 hour.
Finish with Crunch: Uncover; bake 5 more minutes to brown the top. Scatter crispy fried onions over and bake an extra 5 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, scoop, and enjoy every cozy bite.

Crock Pot Method

Cook and crumble the sausage. (Precooked sausage links? Dice them!)
Mix with all remaining uncooked ingredients (minus crispy onions and parsley).
Pour into a greased Crock Pot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours.
For the best texture, transfer to a casserole dish and brown in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes, add fried onions, then bake 5 more minutes.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cool Down the Veggies: Allow sautéed onions and beans to cool slightly before mixing with the stuffing. It prevents the stuffing from getting soggy.
Deglaze for Flavor: Don’t skip scraping those tasty brown bits off your pan when adding broth—big flavor lives there!
Adjust the Broth: Prefer ultra-moist stuffing? Add up to 1 cup more chicken broth, especially if prepping ahead.
Fried Onion Timing: Always add fried onions in the last few minutes to keep them perfectly crunchy, never soggy.
Get Ahead: Assemble everything the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready—so easy!

How to Serve

Serve this Stuffing Casserole piping hot, straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add brightness and color. It’s stunning as a festive side alongside roasted turkey, ham, or rotisserie chicken, but it can absolutely hold its own as a main dish for a cozy dinner with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables. For a delicious twist, scoop leftovers into a wrap or sandwich for lunch the next day—the flavors only get better!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the casserole cool, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully for easy lunches and quick dinners.

Freezing

Cooled casserole can be frozen (whole or in portions) for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil and a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the casserole (covered) in a 350°F oven until heated through. Uncover for the last few minutes to keep the top crispy.

FAQs

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it up to three days early and keep it covered in the fridge. Let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off before baking.
What’s the best kind of sausage to use?

Breakfast sausage is classic, but sweet or spicy Italian sausage gives a unique flavor. If you only have links, just remove and discard the casings.
Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh or frozen?

Canned green beans will work in a pinch, but they’re much softer. If using canned, add them at the very end just before baking so they don’t get mushy.
How do I keep the stuffing moist?

If you prefer your stuffing on the wetter side, add an extra cup of chicken broth. Especially helpful if you’re making this ahead or baking instead of slow-cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, brimming with warmth, flavor, and hearty textures in every bite. It’s quick, foolproof, and made to bring people together. Whether it’s a holiday dinner, potluck, or an easy weeknight meal, this recipe promises convenience and undeniable deliciousness. Gather your ingredients and dive in—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!