Pancake Sausage Casserole

2 cups pancake mix
1 ¼ cups milk
1 egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
½ cup maple syrup
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a bowl, mix pancake mix, milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

Pour half of the batter into the dish. Sprinkle cooked sausage over the top.

Drizzle maple syrup over the sausage layer. Sprinkle cheddar cheese if using.

Pour the remaining batter over the top.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.

Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with extra maple syrup!