Irresistible Flavorful Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole Recipe
This Irresistible Flavorful Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together spicy or sweet Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a savory tomato base, all baked to bubbly perfection with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a cozy dinner with family, this casserole combines bold Italian flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
Vegetables
- 2 cups bell peppers (mixed red, yellow, green), chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Canned Goods & Seasonings
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or Parmesan)
Others
- 2 cups cooked pasta of your choice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced Italian sausage for about 5-7 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers and onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic and tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and canned diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well. If using, also stir in shredded mozzarella cheese for extra richness.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the sausage and pepper mixture into a baking dish. If desired, add cooked pasta to the mixture for a heartier dish. Top with additional shredded cheese if you prefer a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
- You can substitute mozzarella with Parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- If you prefer a lower-fat version, opt for turkey sausage.
- Adding cooked pasta is optional but makes the casserole more filling as a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Italian sausage casserole, sausage and peppers, Italian dinner recipe, baked sausage casserole, easy Italian casserole
