Ukrainian Sausage Noodle Casserole: A Hearty and Flavorful Delight
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Description: This Ukrainian Sausage Noodle Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals. Assemble the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and pop it into the oven 45 minutes before dinnertime. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the spiciness to your taste—two tablespoons of hot sauce gives it a robust kick, but you can reduce it to two teaspoons for a milder version. Even with the full amount, the heat is balanced and not overpowering. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a crusty roll. It also freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal fuss!
Category: Meat
Keywords: Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 3-4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2/3 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup sweet pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cups smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
- 1 can (300 ml) cream of mushroom soup
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion flakes
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it begins to soften and become translucent. Incorporate the sliced mushrooms and continue sautéing for an additional 4 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture and become tender.
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Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in the diced celery, chopped sweet pepper, and green onions. Sauté for another 3 minutes, ensuring that all the vegetables are well combined and start to soften.
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Combine Ingredients: Mix in the cream of mushroom soup and hot sauce, stirring until well combined and heated through. Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference—two tablespoons will add a noticeable kick, while two teaspoons will offer a milder flavor.
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Incorporate Sausage and Noodles: Add the sliced smoked sausage and cooked egg noodles to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Remove from heat once everything is well mixed.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9″x9″x3″ baking dish. Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the onion flakes evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This will allow the onion flakes to become crispy and add a delightful crunch to the casserole.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dish to set slightly.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and follow the baking instructions as directed.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble and bake as directed, then let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Enjoy this savory Ukrainian Sausage Noodle Casserole as a satisfying main dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. It’s perfect for feeding a family or for preparing in advance to make your meal planning a breeze. 🥘✨
