Name: Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground pork breakfast sausage; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 small); 1/2 cup finely diced red pepper (about 1 small); 2 diced jalapeño peppers (or 1/4 cup finely diced green pepper if avoiding spicy); 1 (16-oz) box cornbread mix; 1 (15-oz) can cream-style corn; 2/3 cup water (or 1/3 cup water plus 1/3 cup buttermilk for a richer dish); 1 (8-oz) package shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese

There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling fresh from the oven. This Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe blends savory sausage with sweet cornbread and melty cheese, making every bite a cozy, flavorful hug. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for brunch with friends.

The dish shows a thick, uneven slice of casserole on a white plate, with a crumbly golden-yellow crust on top and bits of cooked ground meat mixed in a soft, light yellow base. Bright red bell pepper pieces and chopped green onions are scattered on top and around the casserole, adding vibrant color. The casserole layers include the crispy top crust, a meaty filling with small orange and yellow vegetable bits, and a moist interior. The plate sits on a surface with white marbled texture, and a silver fork with a striped cloth napkin is placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this casserole — it’s one of those dishes that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing and pleases just about everyone at the table. Whether I’m making it for a family breakfast or a laid-back dinner, it feels like a warm hug in food form.

Perfect flavor combo: The sweet cornbread, savory sausage, and melty cheese create a harmony of tastes that’s hard to beat.
Quick and easy prep: You get all that goodness without spending all afternoon stuck in the kitchen.
Kid-friendly flexibility: Swap jalapeños for green peppers if spice is a no-go in your house — I’ve done it many times!
Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making your next meal just as satisfying as the first.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe come together like a cozy team. The savory pork sausage adds richness, the cornbread mix brings a sweet and tender crumb, and the cheese melts into creamy pockets of yum. Plus, those peppers add a fresh crunch and a bit of color that livens up the whole dish.

Flat lay of fresh raw ground pork breakfast sausage formed into a loose mound, a small diced yellow onion in a simple white ceramic bowl, finely diced red bell pepper in another small white bowl, two whole jalapeño peppers with smooth green skin, a small white bowl filled with golden cornbread mix powder, a small white bowl of creamy yellow cream-style corn, a small white bowl containing clear water, and a neat pile of shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese on a white ceramic plate, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground pork breakfast sausage: Choose a good-quality sausage for best flavor; it’s the heart of this dish.
Diced yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness when softened, balancing the sausage’s richness.
Red pepper: Brings a subtle sweetness and a pop of color — I like to choose a small, firm one.
Jalapeño peppers (or green pepper): I prefer jalapeños for a little heat, but green peppers work perfectly if you want milder flavors.
Cornbread mix: The foundation of the casserole — a quick way to get that classic cornbread flavor without fuss.
Cream-style corn: Adds moisture and natural sweetness, keeping the cornbread moist and tender.
Water (or buttermilk): Using a bit of buttermilk instead of all water gives the batter extra richness and tang.
Shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese: Combines sharpness and creaminess; this cheese blend melts beautifully over the sausage layer.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe — sometimes I add extra cheese, or swap in spicy sausage for a bolder kick. You should totally make it your own and adjust heat levels or toppings to suit your family’s tastes.

Variation: One time, I stirred in some cooked, crumbled bacon along with the sausage for double the smoky goodness — it was a big hit!
Dairy-free option: Try a vegan cheese and plant-based sausage to keep all the flavor but skip dairy.
Make it veggie-packed: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to boost nutrition without losing that cozy vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds one thick, uneven slice of a golden cornbread casserole mixed with ground meat and bits of vegetables inside, topped with small bright red diced bell peppers and sliced green onions, giving a fresh pop of color. The casserole has a crumbly and soft texture visible on the edges and top layer, with a golden brown baked crust. A silver fork rests on the plate's side, and a woman's hand gently holds the plate. In the background, a white baking dish filled with more of the same casserole sits on a wooden surface, with a white and black striped cloth and some green herbs visible nearby, all set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the sausage and veggies until fragrant

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground sausage, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. When it’s just starting to develop a little crust, toss in the diced onion, red pepper, and jalapeños (or green peppers if you’re skipping heat). Cook for about 4-5 minutes until everything’s softened and the sausage is nicely browned. Drain any excess grease so the casserole doesn’t get too oily, then set this savory mixture aside.

Step 2: Prepare the cornbread batter

Grab a mixing bowl and stir together the cornbread mix, cream-style corn, and your choice of water or a water-buttermilk combo to enrich the flavor. You want the batter smooth but not runny — it should spread easily but hold together well.

Step 3: Assemble your layers

Lightly grease an 11” x 7” baking pan and spread about half an inch of the cornbread batter evenly over the bottom. Next, add the sausage and pepper mixture in an even layer, followed by a generous blanket of shredded cheese. Top everything with the remaining cornbread batter, smoothing it out as best you can to seal in all those flavors.

Step 4: Bake to golden perfection

Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 25 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes — this helps it set and makes serving easier.

Top Tip

From my many attempts at this recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that make a huge difference. They’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and get a perfectly balanced, tender casserole every time.

Drain the sausage well: Too much grease will make the casserole soggy — so it’s worth taking that extra moment to drain well before assembling.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until combined to keep your cornbread tender and fluffy, not dense.
Use fresh peppers: Freshly diced peppers provide the best flavor and texture compared to frozen or canned.
Rest before serving: Letting it cool slightly helps the casserole hold its shape — no one wants a runny mess on their plate!

How to Serve Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe

sausage cornbread casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to garnish mine with a little fresh chopped parsley or green onions — it adds a fresh pop of color and a mild bite that complements the richness perfectly. For a spicy kick, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce works wonders.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite ways to round out this meal is with a fresh green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette, or some roasted seasonal vegetables. It balances the richness and adds a lovely crunch. Sometimes, I even whip up a quick fruit salad on the side for a sweet contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special brunches, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned, pretty presentations. It’s also a hit layered in a pretty casserole dish at potlucks — everyone loves to dig into that cheesy sausage goodness together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. They stay good for up to 3 days, and the flavors even deepen overnight, which is always a bonus.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well. I portion it into airtight containers or freeze the whole pan wrapped securely. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until warmed through — it tastes almost as fresh as the day you made it.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to keep that crispy top and gooey cheese texture. The microwave works too if you're in a rush, but you might lose a bit of that lovely crust.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or cooked lentils, and consider adding extra vegetables to boost flavor and texture. Also, use cheese alternatives if avoiding dairy.

What’s the best way to avoid a soggy casserole?

Drain the cooked sausage well before assembling the casserole, and don’t add extra liquid beyond what the recipe calls for. Also, letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and reduces sogginess.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will start cold.

What can I serve with Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe?

Simple green salads, roasted veggies, or fresh fruit are great sides that balance the richness of the casserole. For brunch, I like to add fresh orange juice and coffee for a perfect combo.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my recipe rotation because it’s foolproof, comforting, and a real crowd-pleaser. I’m confident you’ll love how easy it is to come together and how every bite feels hearty and satisfying. So go ahead, grab that skillet and baking dish, and treat yourself to a dish that feels like home.