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 if avoiding spicy heat); 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 texture); 1 (8-oz) package shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese

There’s something irresistibly cozy about the mix of savory sausage, sweet cornbread, and melty cheese all in one dish. This Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes for any meal, making your kitchen smell just heavenly and your taste buds so happy.

The dish is a single, thick serving of a layered casserole on a white plate, with a crumbly golden crust on top. The first layer is a soft, yellow cornbread crust that is slightly crispy at the edges. Below this is a textured layer of cooked ground meat, mixed with bits of corn and melted cheese creating small gooey patches. The casserole is topped with finely chopped bright red bell peppers and fresh green sliced green onions scattered over it. The plate is sitting on a white marbled surface with a fork and a striped cloth napkin visible 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’m genuinely excited to share this Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that delivers warmth, comfort, and satisfaction all in one pan. It’s effortless but packed with flavor — and I know you’ll love how it comes together.

Unbeatable flavor combo: The sweet cornbread paired with spicy sausage and sharp cheese creates a perfect harmony of tastes you’ll crave again and again.
Simple prep: Minimal ingredients and only one pan to bake make it easy to whip up on busy days or weekends alike.
Flexible to customize: Whether you want it mild or a little spicy, packed with veggies or not, this casserole adjusts easily to your taste.
Great for any meal: Breakfast, brunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack — it fits perfectly on any menu you dream up.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this casserole is in how these simple ingredients marry together. Each adds a layer of texture and flavor, so choose fresh and quality items for the best result—and don’t skip the cheese, it’s essential!

Flat lay of raw ground pork breakfast sausage in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of diced yellow onion, a small white bowl of finely diced red bell pepper, two fresh green jalapeño peppers whole with stems, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with loose cornmeal cornbread mix, a small white bowl containing cream-style corn with visible kernels, a small white bowl filled with clear water, a small white bowl with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese mixed together in warm yellow and white hues, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and proportionally 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: Brings savory, juicy richness with just enough fat to keep everything moist and flavorful.
Diced yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth once sautéed.
Finely diced red pepper: Offers a crunch and mild sweetness balancing the savory notes.
Diced jalapeños (or green pepper): Jalapeños bring a spicy kick if you like heat; green pepper keeps it kid-friendly without the burn.
Cornbread mix: The base that pulls it all together with a tender crumb and slight sweetness that complements the sausage.
Cream-style corn: Adds moisture and natural sweetness, plus a lovely creamy texture in the batter.
Water (or buttermilk): Water keeps it light, while swapping half with buttermilk gives a richer, tangier cornbread flavor.
Shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.

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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

Personally, I like to play with spice levels and mix in veggies depending on the season and who’s joining me for the meal. Feel free to tailor the peppers or the cheese to suit your family's tastes.

Spicy variation: Adding extra jalapeños or a pinch of smoked paprika really turns up the heat and flavor — perfect if you love bold dishes, like I do on chilly evenings.
Mild version: Swap jalapeños for green pepper and pick a mild cheddar for a kid-approved casserole that still feels special.
Veggie boost: Toss in diced zucchini or corn kernels for added color and nutrition without compromising taste.
Cheese swap: Use pepper jack for more spice or a blend of mozzarella for gooey stretchiness—it’s your call.

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

A white plate holds a layered cornbread casserole piece with a rough golden-brown top layer that looks soft and crumbly. Inside, there are textured layers of browned ground meat mixed with cornmeal, creating a mottled light yellow and brown interior. Bright red diced bell peppers and fresh green chopped scallions are scattered on top, adding vibrant color contrasts. A silver fork rests on the plate, and a woman's hand holds the edge of the plate. In the background, a larger white baking dish with more of the casserole is visible on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

First things first, set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 11"x7" baking dish. I find a bit of butter or non-stick spray works best, ensuring the casserole won’t stick but will slide out nicely when done.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground pork sausage until it starts to get nice and caramelized. Toss in the diced onion, red pepper, and jalapeños (or green peppers if you prefer mild) and cook for about 4–5 minutes. The veggies should soften but still keep some texture. Drain off any excess grease to avoid a soggy casserole base.

Step 3: Mix the Cornbread Batter

In a bowl, combine the cornbread mix, cream-style corn, and ⅔ cup water (or half water and half buttermilk if you want a richer taste). Stir gently until everything’s just combined. Don’t overmix or your cornbread could get tough.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spoon about half of your cornbread batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly to form a thin layer. Then, evenly distribute the sausage-vegetable mixture over the batter. Top that with half the shredded cheese, then spread the remaining batter on top. Finish it off with the rest of the cheese sprinkled over so you get those melty, golden cheesy edges.

Step 5: Bake and Rest

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing—that resting time helps everything set up for perfect portions.

Top Tip

I’ve made this casserole plenty of times, and a few little tricks have really helped me nail it every time. These will save you from common pitfalls and make your casserole shine like a pro’s.

Don’t skip draining the sausage: Excess grease can make your casserole too greasy and soggy, so drain well after cooking the meat and veggies.
Layer thoughtfully: Starting and ending with cornbread batter helps keep the sausage moist and evens out the texture.
Use a toothpick test: Checking your casserole this way prevents over- or under-baking—it’s foolproof in my kitchen.
Let it rest: Give the casserole 10 minutes after baking before cutting, so those layers settle perfectly and slice cleanly.

How to Serve Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with a little fresh chopped parsley or green onions—they add a fresh pop of color and a mild bite that brightens the richness. A dollop of sour cream on the side is an extra creamy touch that goes so well with the spicy jalapeños.

Side Dishes

Since the casserole is already hearty, I usually pair it with a simple mixed green salad to balance out the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts also make tasty, easy sides that add a fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a brunch with friends, I served the casserole in individual ramekins—everyone got their own personal portion, baked right in. It felt festive and was a fun way to showcase this down-home favorite in a fresh way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It keeps nicely for up to three days and actually tastes better the next day once the flavors meld even more.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole before with great success—just wrap it well in foil and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This restores the crispy edges of the cheese and keeps the cornbread from getting too dry, unlike the microwave which can sometimes make it gummy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well if you want a leaner option. Just make sure to drain any excess grease after cooking to keep the casserole from getting soggy.

How spicy is this casserole with jalapeños?

It depends on your jalapeños! I find 2 diced jalapeños add a gentle kick but aren’t overwhelming. You can adjust to suit your spice tolerance or use green peppers for no heat.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Then bake it fresh the next day. This makes it a fantastic option for busy mornings or entertaining.

What should I serve with sausage cornbread casserole?

A crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or fresh fruit work beautifully as simple sides to balance the rich flavors of this casserole.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Cornbread Casserole Recipe is one I turn to whenever I want comfort food that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple, nourishing, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you find as much joy making and sharing it as I do — it’s like having a little bit of Sunday morning magic anytime you want.