Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

If you’re craving a meal that’s packed with bold flavors and feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole. Think juicy, savory sausage nestled with sweet bell peppers, onions, and a blend of Italian seasonings—all baked together with a melted layer of cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest and is perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering. Every bite is like a flavor explosion, and I promise you, it’s going to be a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

This dish combines classic Italian flavors in a hearty and filling casserole. It’s a meal that’s simple to make but so satisfying, you’ll be going back for seconds. Here’s why this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen:

Bold and Flavorful

The combination of Italian sausage, peppers, and onions is a flavor dream come true. The sausage brings a juicy richness, while the peppers and onions add a slight sweetness and a little crunch. Top it all with melty cheese, and you’ve got the perfect balance of savory and comforting.

Easy to Make

No complicated steps here! Just sauté, layer, bake, and enjoy. This casserole is incredibly easy to put together, and it’s basically a one-pan wonder. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Versatile

This casserole is versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides. Whether you serve it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or even over pasta or rice, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover sausage or peppers you may have hanging around.

Comforting and Filling

Packed with protein, veggies, and gooey cheese, this dish is as comforting as it gets. It’s the kind of casserole that’s guaranteed to fill you up and leave everyone at the table smiling.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this savory casserole to life:

• Italian Sausage (sweet or spicy): The star of the dish. Choose your favorite type of Italian sausage—whether it’s mild, sweet, or spicy, it will add loads of flavor to the casserole.
• Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green peppers gives the dish a colorful and sweet punch.
• Onions: Sweet onions work best to add a little sweetness that balances out the savory sausage.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic takes the flavor to the next level.
• Crushed Tomatoes: These create the perfect sauce to bring everything together and add a little tang.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For a gooey, melty finish that makes the casserole irresistible.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that pairs beautifully with the mozzarella.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
• Italian Seasoning (or a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme): To give the dish that authentic Italian flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the dish to perfection.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make this flavorful casserole:

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s hot and ready to bake the casserole once it’s assembled.

Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, toss in the sliced bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Sauté them until they’re softened and slightly caramelized—this brings out the natural sweetness in the veggies. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Combine the Ingredients

In a large baking dish, spread the cooked sausage and sautéed veggies. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring everything together to combine. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top, and then give it another gentle mix.

Bake the Casserole

Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Add the Final Touches

Remove the foil and let the casserole bake for another 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and crisp up a little on top.

Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with some garlic bread or a side salad, and dig into this savory, cheesy masterpiece.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: 400
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 950mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 25g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 100%
Calcium: 25%
Iron: 15%

(Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

How to Serve Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Garlic Bread: Nothing beats a warm, buttery slice of garlic bread to scoop up the flavorful sauce.
• Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Pasta: If you want to make the meal even more substantial, serve the casserole over a bed of pasta, like spaghetti or penne, for a comforting, pasta-packed dinner.
• Steamed Veggies: Some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side will add extra veggies to your plate without overpowering the dish.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips for making this dish even better:

• Make it ahead: This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead of time! You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven for a hassle-free dinner.
• Spicy Version: If you like a little heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add some red pepper flakes to the veggies for an extra kick.
• Veggie Swap: You can mix and match the vegetables—zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach would work wonderfully in this casserole.
• Cheese Varieties: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to mix in some provolone or fontina for added richness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of sausage?

A1: Definitely! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.

Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?

A2: Yes, you can freeze it! Simply let the casserole cool, then cover it tightly with foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

A4: Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A5: Yes, it’s perfect for prepping ahead! Assemble everything, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and bake.

Q6: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

A6: Yes, you can! Just chop fresh tomatoes and cook them down a bit to release their juices before adding them to the casserole.

Q7: Is this casserole spicy?

A7: It depends on the type of sausage you use! If you want to make it spicier, opt for spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the veggies for extra heat.

Q8: How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?

A8: Be sure to drain any excess liquid from the cooked sausage and vegetables before assembling the casserole. This will prevent it from becoming too watery.

Q9: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

A9: Yes, you can! Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables first, then layer everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and top with cheese in the last 15 minutes.

Q10: What side dishes go well with this recipe?

A10: Some great options include mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a simple rice pilaf.

Conclusion

This Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is everything you need for a warm, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, it’s sure to be a hit. With tender sausage, sweet peppers, and melted cheese all baked together in one dish, what’s not to love? Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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