Creating this delectable Pancake Sausage Casserole can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
3. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, maple syrup, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Batter: In another bowl, mix the pancake mix with enough water according to package instructions to make a smooth batter.
5. Layer Ingredients: Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the sausage, followed by the pancake batter, ensuring even coverage.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.

These straightforward steps will guide you through creating this amazing casserole effortlessly!