Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting, savory meal that’s perfect for a family dinner, Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is the answer. This dish combines juicy, flavorful sausage with bell peppers, onions, and a medley of herbs, all baked together into a deliciously satisfying casserole. It’s got that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors that will make everyone gather around the table and ask for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cozy, like you’re at your favorite Italian restaurant. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

• Comforting and Hearty: This casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s filling and hearty, with the smoky sausage and sweet bell peppers creating a perfect combination.
• Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients, this dish comes together quickly. The most difficult part is waiting for it to bake, but the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen will make it worth it.
• One-Pot Wonder: If you’re looking for an easy cleanup, this casserole is it. Everything bakes together in one dish, making prep and cleanup a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a small family or a big crowd, this casserole will please everyone. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to scale up, and it’s always a hit with both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Want to add more veggies or tweak the seasoning? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Add zucchini, mushrooms, or even some spicy heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Italian-inspired casserole:

Italian Sausages

The heart of this dish—Italian sausages bring bold flavor and savory richness to the casserole. You can choose mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference.

Bell Peppers

Sweet bell peppers provide a burst of color and sweetness, which perfectly balances out the savory sausage. A mix of red, yellow, and green peppers makes the dish look beautiful and adds a variety of flavors.

Onions

Onions add a savory depth to the casserole. As they cook, they become soft and caramelized, contributing to the overall flavor profile.

Garlic

Garlic is essential for flavor. It adds that aromatic touch that fills the room with a mouthwatering smell as it bakes.

Diced Tomatoes

The diced tomatoes provide moisture and a slight tang, adding to the overall balance of flavors. Plus, they help create a delicious sauce that ties everything together.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is perfect for sautéing the sausage and veggies, bringing everything together with a rich and smooth texture.

Italian Seasoning

A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme—Italian seasoning is a simple yet essential way to bring that authentic Italian flavor to the dish.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

For the perfect cheesy topping, shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, adding richness and a golden, bubbly finish to the casserole.

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

Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking and create this mouthwatering casserole:

Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding a little olive oil. Brown the Italian sausages on all sides until they’re fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Once done, remove the sausages from the skillet and set them aside to cool before slicing them into bite-sized pieces.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re softened and beginning to caramelize. This step is key for bringing out the natural sweetness of the peppers and onions.

Combine Ingredients

Add the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet with the veggies. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together. Once combined, add the sliced sausage back into the skillet and stir again.

Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the sausage and veggie mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want the cheese to get a little golden and crispy, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.

Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This casserole is perfect on its own or with a side of crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350 kcal
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
  Protein: 20g
  Cholesterol: 60mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are some ideas to take your meal to the next level:

• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh, light salad—think a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. It’ll help balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Garlic bread or a rustic baguette would be perfect!
• Over Rice or Pasta: If you want to bulk up the meal, serve the casserole over a bed of rice or alongside some pasta. The sauce and sausage pair beautifully with both.
• Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that complements the richness of the casserole.

Additional Tips

• Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Use Fresh Bell Peppers: Fresh bell peppers hold up better during baking than frozen ones. For the best texture, always go with fresh.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead! Simply prepare it, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes a great meal for lunch the next day or even a quick dinner.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken sausage instead of pork sausage?
A1: Yes, chicken sausage is a great alternative and will still provide plenty of flavor while being a bit lighter.

Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables?
A3: Yes, feel free to add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies. They’ll complement the other ingredients perfectly.

Q4: What kind of cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
A4: If you want to switch things up, try using provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor.

Q5: How do I make this casserole spicier?
A5: Use spicy Italian sausage, add red pepper flakes, or even include some sliced jalapeños to give the casserole a little heat.

Q6: Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
A6: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it the next day.

Q7: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A7: Yes, brown the sausage and sauté the veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and top with cheese towards the end.

Q8: Can I use frozen bell peppers and onions?
A8: While fresh is best for texture, frozen peppers and onions will still work fine in this casserole. Just make sure to thaw them first.

Q9: Can I add more cheese on top?
A9: Of course! If you love cheese, feel free to pile more mozzarella (or any cheese you like) on top for a cheesy, bubbly finish.

Q10: Can I make this vegetarian?
A10: Yes, simply omit the sausage and add more veggies like mushrooms, eggplant, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Conclusion

This Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is a perfect balance of savory, rich, and flavorful ingredients all baked together into one hearty dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying it with your family, this casserole is sure to impress. Easy to make, comforting, and absolutely delicious—what’s not to love? Try it tonight, and watch it become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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