Cheesy Broccoli, Sausage and Cauliflower Casserole

When you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes—creamy, savory, and comforting—it’s hard to beat a Cheesy Broccoli, Sausage and Cauliflower Casserole. This dish blends wholesome vegetables with hearty sausage and a rich, cheesy sauce for a dinner that’s both indulgent and nourishing. It’s also versatile, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

Whether you’re aiming for a low-carb option or simply want to sneak more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing flavor, this casserole is the answer. Below, we’ll walk through everything from ingredient tips to step-by-step instructions so you can recreate this delicious recipe in your own kitchen.

Why This Casserole Works So Well

There’s a reason casseroles have been a beloved dinner choice for decades—they’re easy, adaptable, and a great way to feed a crowd. But this particular combination of sausage, broccoli, and cauliflower takes it to the next level.

• Balanced flavors: The smokiness of the sausage pairs beautifully with the earthy sweetness of roasted broccoli and cauliflower.
• Creamy, cheesy goodness: A luscious cheese sauce ties everything together, giving every bite that irresistible pull.
• Nutrient-packed: Both broccoli and cauliflower are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this a healthier comfort food option.
• Customizable: You can use your favorite sausage—spicy, sweet, chicken, or even vegetarian—and swap cheeses to suit your taste.

If you’re a fan of hearty one-pan meals, you might also enjoy the rich and creamy Cajun Potato Soup or the veggie-loaded Mediterranean Vegetable Casserole for more cozy dinner inspiration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get started, gather the following ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—you can adjust quantities based on your preferences or what’s in your fridge.

• Sausage – Italian, smoked, or chicken sausage all work well. Choose pre-cooked for convenience or raw if you prefer to brown it yourself.
• Broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Cauliflower florets – Fresh or frozen, similar size to the broccoli for even cooking.
• Shredded cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend. Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor, while mozzarella adds a melty stretch.
• Cream cheese – Adds richness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Milk or cream – For a creamier texture, use half-and-half or heavy cream.
• Butter – To sauté the sausage and create the base of the sauce.
• Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Breadcrumbs (optional) – For a crunchy topping.

For a fun appetizer before serving this dish, try pairing it with Garlic Bread Ritz Bits—a bite-sized snack with plenty of buttery garlic flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

If using fresh broccoli and cauliflower, cut them into even-sized florets. Steam or blanch them briefly until just tender. This ensures they won’t release too much water in the casserole and become mushy. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry.

2. Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook your sausage until browned and cooked through. If using pre-cooked sausage, simply slice and sear it for added flavor. Set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in milk or cream, then stir in cream cheese until smooth. Add shredded cheese gradually, stirring until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Pour the cheese sauce over and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased casserole dish.

5. Add the Topping

If you like a crispy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter and shredded cheese over the casserole.

6. Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

7. Serve

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. This gives the cheese sauce time to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat slices.

Tips for Success

• Roast the vegetables first for extra depth of flavor. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes before assembling.
• Go bold with cheese—try mixing in gruyère or smoked gouda for a more complex taste.
• Make it low-carb by skipping breadcrumbs or using crushed pork rinds as a topping.
• Add more veggies—zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms blend seamlessly into the mix.
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or by using spicy sausage.

For another flavorful low-carb dinner option, check out the Skillet Sausage and Zucchini recipe, which uses a similar protein-vegetable combo in a quicker stovetop format.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this casserole is how adaptable it is.

Chicken and Veggie Version

Swap the sausage for cooked shredded chicken, and add in roasted carrots or peas for a colorful twist. This version pairs wonderfully with Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken for a two-protein feast at gatherings.

Vegetarian Style

Use plant-based sausage and extra vegetables. A cheesy vegetable bake like this can be a hit even with meat-eaters.

Spicy Kick

Use hot Italian sausage, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for a fiery variation.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs well with lighter sides to balance out the richness.

• A crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or asparagus
• Crusty garlic bread for scooping up the cheesy sauce
• A refreshing drink like Blueberry Lemonade to complement the savory flavors

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent uneven heating.

If you love meal prepping, this casserole is just as freezer-friendly as Sweet Potato Chicken Chili, which is another hearty make-ahead dinner.

Why You’ll Love Making This Regularly

Once you try this Cheesy Broccoli, Sausage and Cauliflower Casserole, you’ll see why it earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s the perfect mix of indulgence and nutrition, and it’s endlessly customizable. The combination of melty cheese, flavorful sausage, and tender vegetables is satisfying without being overly heavy, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

If you want more inspiration for warm, bubbly casseroles, try the veggie-packed Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole or the creamy Cheesy Baked Zucchini Enchiladas for equally comforting alternatives.