This creamy Whole30 casserole is the perfect easy and family friendly dinner. It’s with sausage and potatoes in under an hour and is a creamy, comforting Paleo or gluten-free recipe. It would be great for meal prep, and I think the leftovers are almost more delicious!
My midwest, Minnesotan youth was filled with all types of classic casseroles. In Minnesota we call a casserole a “hot dish”, which I’ve been told isn’t the norm in most parts of the country. Hot dishes, or, you know, casseroles, were a staple at every family gathering. That’s probably why I think of these foods as comfort foods now – hearty, and ate around a table with my favorite people.
Now it kind of makes me laugh because now that I make casseroles for myself, like this Whole30 casserole I know how easy they are. I’ve realized that that’s probably the real reason they’re always around or why my mom made them when she wanted to just throw things in one pan and be done with it.
This creamy sausage and hash brown Paleo and Whole30 casserole is ALMOST a one pan meal, but you will need a skillet for the creamy sauce and sausage. It’s worth the extra dish, I promise! I love this casserole so much I’ve made it specifically for breakfast too. I tell myself it’s like a hash brown sausage and gravy casserole when it’s before 9 a.m.
The potatoes I used for the paleo casserole came from a bag of compliant hash browns. You can find these in many stores, including Walmart! If going from frozen, you’ll want to let them thaw prior to baking. I used canned coconut cream and a Califia Farms almond milk. Any Paleo substitution would work for the milk, including nutpods. You’ll need a bit of ghee for the cream sauce, broth, and some arrowroot flour to thicken the cream and the rest of the ingredients will be your normal pantry and food items!
Califia, nutpods, coconut cream, ghee, broth and arrowroot can all be purchased from Amazon, or your local Whole Foods. You can also grab all of those products at a discount from Thrive Market (and get 20% off of your first 3 orders!) For more of my favorite Thrive Market budget favorites, check out my Paleo staples list, and Whole30 staples list!
The Whole30 casserole recipe itself is really easy. I mean, of course it is. You’re talking to me after all. Nothing fancy or complicated. Simply brown the meat first, make the creamy sauce, combine it all in a baking dish and you’re set! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
PrintCreamy Sausage & Potato Whole30 Casserole (Paleo + GF)
This creamy Whole30 casserole is the perfect easy and family friendly dinner. It’s with sausage and potatoes in under an hour and is a creamy, comforting Paleo or Whole30 recipe. It would be great for meal prep, and I think the leftovers are almost more delicious!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage (no sugar)
- 3 cups shredded potatoes (hash browns, no sugar added such as Mr. Dell’s brand)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 13.5oz can unsweetened coconut cream
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup broth (chicken or beef)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour (or tapioca flour)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a 2.5-3 quart casserole dish and set aside
- Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes, or until they begin to soften
- Add ground sausage, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook until meat is browned and crumbled
- Drain excess grease and transfer to a large bowl
- Add almond milk, coconut cream, ghee and broth to the skillet over medium heat with the remaining spices
- Combine well and bring to a simmer, about 5 minutes. While the sauce is heating, add hash browns, spinach, mushrooms to the bowl with the crumbed sausage and mix well. Place the potato and sausage mixture into the casserole dish.
- Slowly (to avoid clumping) whisk in flour to thicken the sauce in the skillet. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until sauce is thick
- Pour cream sauce over the sausage and potatoes in the casserole dish. Use a spoon to gently mix it in
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top of the mixture forms a slight crust and doesn’t give when you press in the middle of the casserole
Notes
- If you want a thicker cream sauce, or sauce is too thin, add an additional 1/2 tablespoon arrowroot flour and slowly whisk in.
- For a list of Whole30 compliant sausage brands, check this post, or make your own using ground pork using this recipe.
- For a list of Whole30 compliant almond milk brands, check this post.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 474
- Sugar: 3
- Fat: 36
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Protein: 19
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Laura says
This is such an amazing and delicious recipe for breakfast lunch or dinner!! We love it and it is in our regular rotation year round. Highly recommend!
paleobailey says
I’m so happy you love it!! It’s one of our favorites, too! Thank you so much, Laura!
Jackie says
This recipe was absolutely fabulous. It was heavily spiced, so I probably wouldn’t serve it for breakfast, but it was just perfect as a near-soup for dinner. Even my picky husband liked it, and suggested I add the extra 1/2 tbsp arrowroot next time to thicken it slightly.
Amy Holmberg says
Made this for the first time last night and loved it! Have never cooked with coconut milk before but will definitely be making this again!
paleobailey says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much!
Natalie says
This is definitely being added to our rotation, whole30 or not!! SOOO good! We eat this for breakfast and add a sunny side up egg or two on top. Crazy good! Thank you!
Kara says
I’m making this right now and did not realize it doesn’t have eggs in it! Guess I just assumed, anyway, wondering if you have ever tried that variation? Adding eggs to this to make it more of like a breakfast casserole?
paleobailey says
You could! I hadn’t thought of it, but it might turn out delicious!
Danielle Ansted says
Fantastic! My GF, DF kind of picky husband enjoyed as did our 2 year old!
Sandy Binion says
OK! I have become a fan of your recipes recently but this was exactly what we were looking for. I close my eyes and I think I’m eating that old style sausage gravy – minus the biscuits of course! We are trying to fix some health issues so are not using eggs, or gluten, or dairy, or pork- right???? Well this made us feel like we were eating breakfast and getting away with something!~. Used turkey instead of pork and made my own sausage. Didn’t have mushrooms, but did have paplano peppers, which I sautéed along with the onions. Next time – and there WILL be a next time, I will thicken the sauce more but other than that – WOW!!! Thank you so much!
Nat says
My family devoured it and couldn’t get enough. Very tasty. I did add a little sazon which upped the flavor a bit. Overall though excellent recipe. Thanks so much for your sharing your amazing recipe.
paleobailey says
I’m so glad you and your family enjoyed it! Thank you so much for giving it a try and taking the time to share your feedback with me!
Jeanette says
This was delicious! Mine came out super creamy, but it was still really tasty! This is my third recipe I made from your blog this week! Thanks for sharing your whole30 cooking tools. 🙂
paleobailey says
Oh wow, thank you!! I’m so glad to hear this!! Thank you so much for giving it a try, and taking the time to come back and let me know you enjoyed it!
Emily says
This is so good! It’s cozy and comforting and delicious. It has that “cream of” flavor I didn’t think I missed…but apparently I did. Thank you for this recipe!!
paleobailey says
Oh I’m SO glad to hear this!! Thank you so much!
Kari Knight says
Ghee is dairy! yes it is part of whole 30 but, it is dairy!
paleobailey says
Hello! The clarification cooking process removes the lactose and casein – the components that trigger milk or lactose allergies. Milk solids are taken out during production, so most with lactose intolerances or mild allergies, including myself, consider this a safe and dairy-free option to regular butter. As you mentioned, it’s also acceptable for both Paleo and Whole30, both eating guidelines that do not allow for any dairy. If you know ghee doesn’t work for you, simply just omit it 🙂
Happy New Year!
Briel says
I think it’s time to try this one! When you say light coconut cream, is that the same as light coconut milk?
paleobailey says
Oops! Thank you for catching that, Briel! I meant coconut cream. I’ll get that fixed 🙂 Sorry about that, and thank you again! <3 - B
Catherine Morris says
This is a very satisfying, flavorful meal that is perfect on a cold winter’s evening. My husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed it.
paleobailey says
This is so great to hear! I’m so glad you both enjoyed it 🙂 Thank you for giving it a try, and for taking the time to come back and leave a review! I really appreciate it! – B
Liz P says
This was super yummy! We’ve been making one of your casseroles a week and they never fail to disappoint! I don’t eat pork, so I used your sausage recipe with some ground turkey and it was amazing! Thanks for the recipe!
paleobailey says
I’m so happy to hear this!! Thank you so much, Liz! 🙂 – B
Katie Fuller says
This recipe is on heavy rotation in our home. It’s such a comfort food but healthy. I can also pack it full of spinach and my younger pickier eaters don’t even mind!! Great recipe!!
paleobailey says
I’m SO happy it’s a hit with your family! It’s one of my favorites, so I’m really glad you all enjoy it 🙂 Thank you so much, Katie! <3 - B
Kay says
On or off Whole30, this is the best, coziest most filling breakfast. My bf fights me for it. Only reason I buy cans of coconut milk ?
paleobailey says
Haha!! Love this. I’m so glad you both enjoy it! It’s totally one of our favorites, too <3 - B
Megan Schneider says
One of my absolute favorites!! So perfect to breakfast meal prepping!
paleobailey says
I’m so glad to hear this! Thank you so much, Megan! <3 - B
Emerald Power says
AMAZING! This recipe is a weekly staple. Is it just me or does this remind others off guilty pleasure thanksgiving stuffing?! Either way so savory and worth every bite❤️
paleobailey says
Yes! I totally see how it could remind you of that! I’m so glad you love it!! Thank you! – B
Courtney ausmus-dietrich says
do you think I could use ground turkey instead of ground sausage?
paleobailey says
Absolutely!
Krystal says
We loved this hot dish! I switched the mushrooms and spinach for cooked green beans based on our preferences and it was perfect! Easy, comforting, and the perfect meal for a cold day in Wisconsin. Thanks for another great recipe, Bailey!
paleobailey says
Ooo green beans sound like such an awesome veggie for this!! I’m so glad you loved it! Thanks so much for giving it a try, and taking the time to come back and let me know you enjoyed it! I really appreciate it 🙂 – B
Cori says
This is the best recipe I’ve ever made. My husband and his brother basically ate the entire thing!!