Comfort Food Casserole

I have actually made this dish several times, but was nervous to blog it before now. Why would I be nervous to blog something? Well, because this dish is delicious. K loves it, I love it, the sister-in-law even loves it. But you see, there's this one ingredient in it that I thought if K found out about it, she wouldn't eat it anymore. LOL Assuming she reads my blog, I didn't want to share the recipe. I finally had to come clean the other day because she offered to make the dish. I wasn't about to turn down an offer for her to cook, so I came clean. We wont mention that she never got around to cooking it. Haha!

I got the recipe from Food.com

Ingredients:

• 3 cups idaho potatoes, peeled, boiled and cut into cubes when cool, approx. 1 lb
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, diced <~ This is the ingredient I didn't want K to find out about. LOL
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 lb skinless smoked sausage (Eckrich is my favorite brand)
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika <~ I skip this part.

Directions:

1. Cut skinless smoked sausage in half, lengthwise, and then chop into 1/2 inch "half moon" cuts. Cook in a frying pan for about 15 minutes, turning frequently to SLIGHTLY brown.
2. Meanwhile, put cooked & diced potatoes in 2 quart casserole. Add cooked meat and give it a gentle 
3. Mix all remaining ingredients (except for shredded cheddar cheese & the paprika) in a saucepan over medium heat until warm, melted and smooth. (Use a whisk and stir constantly.).
4. Pour white/cheese sauce over potatoes and meat. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top, and then sprinkle paprika evenly over the top.
5. Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes (watch, until golden brown on top).

NOTE: You can substitute: 1/2 lb. hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch slices OR 1/2 lb. ham diced into 1/2-inch dices OR 12 oz. can of Spam diced into 1/2-inch dices, instead of the smoked sausage.

Healthy? Not so much. Delicious? Abso-freaking-lutely! Good as leftovers and freezes well if you're into that sort of thing.