Beef Sausage that was hiding in the back of the freezer.

Do you ever have one of those days where nothing goes like you thought it would, you forgot to pull anything out of the freezer and you need a dinner idea in a hurry?  Me either, but I know some people; and they tell me it’s rough.      Actually, it happens more often than I care to admit.  Why is it that those days are so wearying and stressful and they make you crave something warm and filling and “comfort-food-like”?  I know, technically that’s not a word, but tonight we’re just going to be flexible.  Those nights when I have peered into the pantry or freezer in hopes that something pre-made would jump up and reveal itself to find ingredients for a quick,

Potatoes browning in the skillet

“throw-together” meal, I have often been fortunate enough to create something that turns out to be a delicious surprise.  This was one of those happy occasions!

In the back of the freezer I found a bag of O’Brien-style Hash Browns with Peppers and Onions and one ring of beef sausage.  This could be the beginning of a beautiful thing, but I would have to find some ingredients to complement and accessorize them.  Here’s what I ended up putting together.

Adding cream cheese, sour cream and cream of chicken soup

Potato Sausage Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ring of beef sausage
• (1) 28 oz bag of Ore-Ida Potatoes O’Brien
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• (1) 8 oz block of cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 – 2 cups frozen broccoli florets
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 Tbls. butter

Melt the butter in the bottom of a large skillet and add the frozen potatoes.

Add the broccoli and cheddar cheese.

Slice the sausage into bite-size pieces and add to potatoes, stirring and cooking until they begin to soften and brown a bit.   Continue cooking until potatoes are tender (just a few minutes).

Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream and cream of chicken soup.

Add the frozen broccoli florets and cheddar cheese.  Stir and cook until heated through.

Our yummy meal!

I served this quick casserole with some honeydew melon and cantaloupe that I had cubed up.  With a glass of iced tea, it was a delicious and perfectly satisfying meal.  I hope your family can enjoy it, too.

What’s your favorite “happy accident” or “throw-it-together-at-the-last minute” meal.  Share your recipe and help us all to add to our list of make-it-quick meals.

This post is linked to Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Grocery Cart Challenge.