Brown the sausage in the skillet and set aside.
If you are making this eggless breakfast casserole and serving it right away, turn the oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a casserole dish.
Melt 1 stick of butter in the microwave in the large (nonmetal) mixing bowl.
Mix in the cooked sausage, potatoes, sour cream, cheese, soup, salt and pepper. Spread the mixture into the greased casserole dish.
Crush 2 cups of corn flakes.
In the medium mixing bowl, melt the remaining 1/2 stick of butter in the microwave. Mix the crushed corn flakes with the melted butter.
Spread the buttery corn flakes over the top of the potatoes.
Cover and refrigerate overnight or until needed, if you wish. The casserole make also be baked right away.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours. If the casserole has been in the refrigerator, the baking time will be closer to 1 and 1/2 hours.