Sausage and Potatoes Augratin

This recipe comes from my mother in law. It was also the first meal that my husband ever made for me, over 23 years ago, before he was my husband. I don't know where my mom in law got the recipe but I am guessing it was from a magazine or the back of the au gratin potatoes box. It is an easy, flavorful and satisfying meal. 

I've thought about experimenting with the recipe to take out the processed boxed potatoes but haven't tried it yet. 

Sausage and Potatoes AuGratin

1 pound polish sausage, cut into bite size pieces

1 onion chopped (about a cup)

1 package Betty Crocker Au Gratin potatoes

2 ½ cups hot water

black pepper to taste

4 carrots- julienne strips

1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped broccoli- thawed and drained

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook sausage and onion in oil in skillet until onion is tender and sausage is browned. Stir in potatoes, sauce mix, water and black pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer stirring occasionally. Stir in carrot strips, cover and simmer until carrots and potatoes are tender- about 10 minutes. Stir in broccoli and cheese and cook until heated through and cheese is melted.