Name: Irresistible Flavorful Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or sweet); 2 cups bell peppers (mixed red, yellow, green), chopped; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or Parmesan); 2 cups cooked pasta of your choice (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. With spicy or sweet sausage, colorful bell peppers, and melty cheese baked to golden perfection, it’s both hearty and satisfying.

A close-up of a baked casserole in a dark baking dish with white handles, showing multiple layers. The bottom layer is a red tomato sauce topped with crumbled cooked brown sausage pieces. Above the sausage are bright red and yellow bell pepper chunks that are tender and slightly charred. The top layer has melted light yellow cheese with golden crispy spots, sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs evenly over the surface. The casserole looks juicy and well-cooked with a mix of textures from soft to crispy. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
2 cups bell peppers (mixed red, yellow, green), chopped
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or Parmesan)
2 cups cooked pasta of your choice (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and slightly crispy.
Step 3: Add the chopped bell peppers and onion to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they have softened.
Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and the canned diced tomatoes, then let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If using, stir in the shredded cheese and cooked pasta to the mixture.
Step 6: Transfer everything into a baking dish. Top with additional mozzarella or Parmesan cheese if you like.
Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden.
Step 8: Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
Add cooked pasta or rice to make the casserole more filling and stretch servings.
Use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for extra depth and creaminess.
Try adding sliced mushrooms or zucchini along with the peppers for more veggies.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, drain some of the tomato juice before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave until hot. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a casserole dish with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a mix of chunky cooked yellow and red bell peppers, giving a bright red and yellow base with a soft texture. The middle layer contains browned ground meat pieces, scattered evenly and slightly crispy on the edges and blended with some melted cheese that looks creamy and elastic in light yellow. The top layer is melted cheese with a golden-brown crust and sprinkled green herbs that add freshness and color contrast. The dish is held in a white oven dish sitting on a white marbled surface, with a cozy, warm baked look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the Italian sausage and replace it with your favorite plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for added texture and flavor.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Any cooked pasta works well, but short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold the sauce nicely and are easy to serve with the casserole.