01 -
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 -
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
03 -
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
04 -
In a large bowl, combine pancake mix, milk, egg, vanilla extract, melted butter, maple syrup (if using), and cinnamon (if using). Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
05 -
Pour half of the pancake batter into the prepared baking dish.
06 -
Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the batter.
07 -
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sausage layer (if using).
08 -
Pour the remaining pancake batter over the top.
09 -
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10 -
Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.