Just like many tough guys you may know, the Tough Guy Casserole looks all big and mighty on the outside, but on the inside there’s lots of warmth and fluff. At a quick glance at the bake, it appears intimidating and bold from the juicy smoked sausage and the hearty grits. But if you get to know it a little bit better, you’ll find the fluffy eggs and melty cheese that is hidden within. Who knew hearty casseroles could be so mysteriously delicious? Tough Guy Casserole is definitely worth getting to know!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds smoked sausage, chopped
- 4 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking grits, uncooked
- 2 (8-ounce) blocks sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 3 –In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausages, stirring often, until heated through, about 7-10 minutes.
Step 4 –Drain the sausages on a paper-towel-lined plate.
Step 5 –In a large Dutch oven over high heat, add the water and the salt and bring to a boil.
Step 6 –Whisk the grits into the salted boiling water and return to a boil.
Step 7 –Cover the Dutch oven, lower the heat to medium, and simmer, while whisking occasionally, until the grits mixture has thickened.
Step 8 –Transfer the grits mixture away from the heat.
Step 9 –Add the cheese to the grits mixture and stir until the cheese is completely melted.
Step 10 –Stir the milk, the thyme, the garlic powder, the black pepper, and the eggs into the grits mixture.
Step 11 –Stir the cooked sausages into the grits mixture.
Step 12 –Pour the sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 13 –Bake until golden and warmed through, about 50 minutes.
Step 14 –Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes.
Step 15 –Serve.
