Sausage Hash Brown Bake

2 lbs bulk pork sausage

2 cups (8oz) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 can (10-3/4oz) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted

1 cup (8oz) sour cream

1 carton (8oz) French onion dip

1 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped green pepper

1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 package (30 oz) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed

   In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain on paper towels.  In a large bowl, combine 1-3/4 cup cheese and the next seven ingredients; fold in potatoes.

   Spread half into a greased shallow 3 qt. baking dish.  Top with sausage and remaining potato mixture.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese.  Cover & bake at 350º for 45 minutes.  uncover and bake 10 minutes longer, until heated through.

Yield: 10-12 servings