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 for less spice); 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 richer flavor); 1 (8-oz) package shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese

There’s something downright irresistible about this hearty, cozy Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe. Just imagine the scent of spicy sausage mingling with sweet cornbread baking in your oven — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect any time you want comfort food with a little kick.

A serving of a baked casserole sits on a white plate, showing three main layers: a golden crispy top layer with bits of melted cheese, a middle layer with cooked ground meat mixed with diced red bell peppers and a grainy yellow base layer likely made from cornmeal or cornbread. The casserole is topped with chopped green onions and more red bell peppers scattered on top, giving a fresh, colorful contrast to the warm tones. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a fork and a striped cloth napkin 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 first made this casserole on a chilly weekend morning when I wanted something that felt like a warm hug on a plate. The combo of juicy sausage and tender cornbread is insanely satisfying, and the melty cheese... well, that just seals the deal. You’ll soon find yourself reaching for seconds!

Simple one-pan bake: Everything cooks together with minimal mess—just your skillet and baking pan.
Balance of flavors: The savory sausage and sweet cornbread blend perfectly with a subtle spicy twist.
Versatile for any meal: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner—you have total flexibility here.
Kid-friendly adaptable spice: Easily tweak the peppers so it’s just right for kiddos or adults craving heat.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a part in the magic of this dish. The rich flavor and fat from the ground pork sausage keep the cornbread moist, while the cream-style corn adds unexpected creaminess that ties it all together. Choosing fresh peppers adds color and a little zing, but you can tailor that part to taste.

Flat lay of fresh ground pork breakfast sausage in a loose mound, a small diced yellow onion, finely diced red bell pepper, two whole jalapeño peppers, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden cornbread mix, a small white ceramic bowl containing creamy corn kernels, a small white ceramic bowl with clear water, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese, 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: Use a good-quality sausage with seasoning—it’s the flavor base of the whole casserole.
Diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth; cook it until soft but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Red pepper: Adds color and subtle sweetness that balances the savory sausage.
Jalapeño peppers: I love a little heat, but swap for green pepper if kids are sensitive to spice.
Cornbread mix: The star carbohydrate that soaks up flavors and bakes into a tender crumb.
Cream-style corn: Provides moisture and a naturally sweet smoothness that elevates the texture.
Water (or buttermilk): Buttermilk makes this richer and adds slight tang; water is fine for a lighter version.
Shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a gooey, savory layer that your taste buds will thank you for.

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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 like to switch things up depending on our mood or the season. This casserole is super adaptable, so feel free to experiment and make it your own—add a little something extra or skip what you don’t love.

Variation: Sometimes I throw in chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to brighten the flavors. Another time, I swapped the sausage for spicy chorizo and fell in love with that smoky twist.
Dietary modifications: To lighten it up, use turkey sausage and swap half the cheese for a reduced-fat version. It still tastes incredible.
Seasonal tweaks: In summer, roasting fresh corn kernels instead of canned contributes a smoky sweetness that’s unbeatable.

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

A scoop of baked casserole on a plain white plate is shown held by a woman's hand, with a silver fork placed next to the food. The casserole has a thick golden-yellow crust on top, with a softer crumbly yellow and slightly brown inner layer mixed with ground meat and small pieces of vegetables. The top is sprinkled with bright red diced bell peppers and fresh green chopped scallions, adding color contrast. The background features a white marbled surface, a white baking dish with more casserole, a striped cloth, and some green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Browning the Sausage and Veggies

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork sausage and cook it until it just begins to brown—don’t rush this part because you want those little crispy bits for extra flavor. Toss in the diced onion, red pepper, and jalapeño (or green pepper if you’re skipping heat). Let the veggies soften for about 4-5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Then drain off excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.

Step 2: Mixing the Cornbread Batter

In a bowl, combine your cornbread mix, cream-style corn, and water (or water/buttermilk mixture if you want richer flavor). Stir gently until everything is just blended—don’t overmix! The batter might look a little lumpy, but that’s perfect for a tender bake.

Step 3: Layering Your Casserole

Grease your 11"x7" pan lightly. Spread half an inch of the cornbread batter evenly across the bottom. Next, add the cooked sausage and pepper mixture in a layer, then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Finish by spreading the remaining batter carefully over everything—it’s okay if it’s not perfectly smooth.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25-35 minutes. Check at the 25-minute mark with a toothpick—it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs. Once done, let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing to let everything set up for easier serving.

Top Tip

From my many attempts, I’ve learned a few tricks that make a big difference when preparing this Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe. Paying attention during the browning stage and layering thoughtfully will really elevate your final dish.

Drain the sausage well: Removing excess grease prevents the casserole from becoming soggy and helps the cornbread layer stay tender but not oily.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overworking the batter can make the cornbread tough; gentle mixing keeps that homemade, rustic texture.
Layer cheese evenly: Spread the cheese so every bite has a lovely gooey surprise, making the casserole extra comforting.
Let it rest before cutting: Patience pays off here—letting the casserole cool slightly makes slicing cleaner and keeps the layers intact.

How to Serve Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Sausage Cornbread Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to top my slices with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or avocado crema brings a creamy tang that plays beautifully against the spicy sausage.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal veggies to balance the richness. Sometimes I serve it alongside eggs cooked your favorite way if we’re having it for brunch—makes for a complete, hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or brunch gatherings, I like serving the casserole in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own mini portion, and it looks so festive topped with sliced green onions or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually cover mine tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep the moisture in so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. Wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil prevents freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. The texture stays surprisingly good!

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 325°F for around 15-20 minutes covered with foil to warm through without drying out. A quick zap in the microwave works too, just cover it and heat in short bursts to keep the cheese melty.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another type of sausage for this casserole?

Absolutely! While ground pork breakfast sausage gives a classic flavor, you can swap in turkey sausage, chorizo, or even plant-based sausage depending on your preference and dietary needs.

How spicy is this recipe with jalapeños?

The spice level is moderate and can be easily adjusted. If you don’t like heat, replace the jalapeños with green bell peppers, or reduce the amount of jalapeños. The sausage and cheese help mellow out the heat nicely.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it the day before and bake it fresh the next day, or bake it ahead and reheat when you’re ready. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Oven reheating at a low temperature with foil on top works best to keep the casserole moist and melted. If you’re short on time, microwave on medium power in short intervals—just cover to avoid drying out.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something easy, filling, and delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together—whether it’s family or friends—and fills your kitchen with those comforting smells you just can’t forget. Give it a try and soon enough you’ll see how it earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation too.