Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for ultimate comfort food, this Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is it! Loaded with juicy sausage, sweet and colorful peppers, melty cheese, and just the right amount of seasoning, it’s one of those no-fuss dinner recipes that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, or simply craving something hearty and flavorful, you’ll quickly see why this one-dish wonder becomes a regular request at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special, from bold flavor to vibrant color and irresistible texture. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh picks, you’ll have a dish that feels like a celebration every time.
- Italian Sausage: Choose your favorite sweet or spicy variety; each bite packs the heart of this casserole.
- Olive Oil: Adds rich flavor and helps everything sauté beautifully without sticking.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings a pop of color and sweet, fruity charm.
- Green Bell Pepper: Offers a slight bitterness to balance the sweetness of the sausage and other peppers.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: Adds mild, sunny brightness and extra visual appeal.
- Medium Onion: Sliced thin, it melts into the background, adding depth and sweetness.
- Garlic: Just three cloves, but they go a long way to create bold, aromatic flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: Drain them well—they’ll keep everything juicy without turning soggy.
- Italian Seasoning: This classic herb blend unites all the savory flavors in the dish.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient, so nothing tastes flat.
- Black Pepper: Offers a gentle kick and savory backbone.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For the irresistible melty, gooey top layer everyone loves.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled over for a toasty, sharp finish.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): Add for color and a fresh, herbal note at the end.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. This step makes sure your Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole bakes up golden and lovely every time.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add your sliced sausage and cook for about 5–6 minutes. You’re looking for browned edges that seal in the juicy flavors—don’t rush this, it’s worth the little extra patience!
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
Remove the sausage, then toss your bell peppers and onions into the same skillet. Sauté them for 4–5 minutes, just until they’re starting to soften and getting a little caramelized. The gentle heat brings out their natural sweetness and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 4: Add the Garlic and Build Flavor
With the veggies still in the skillet, sprinkle in your minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute. This gives a deep, savory aroma. Return the sausage to the pan, add the drained tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until everything’s warmed through and cozy.
Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese
Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish. Spread the mixture out evenly, then top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. These cheeses melt to create the golden, bubbly top that defines a true Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into your oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly around the edges. Resist the urge to dig in right away; giving it a few minutes to rest will make serving easier and help the flavors settle.
How to Serve Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley does wonders for color and a burst of freshness. If you like a little spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes over the top for that classic Italian-American kick.
Side Dishes
Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is hearty on its own, but it shines with sides. Try it over fluffy rice, buttery noodles, or classic polenta. A simple green salad or some crusty bread is all you need for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the casserole into toasted hoagie rolls for a fun sandwich twist, or serve it family-style in a big rustic baking dish at the center of the table. Leftovers? Tuck a few spoonfuls into warm wraps or top baked potatoes for lunch the next day—the bold flavors work so many ways!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes just as good reheated for lunches or another quick dinner.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream. Once cooled, divide into portions, wrap tightly, and store for up to three months. Be sure to use freezer-safe containers, and label with the date for best results.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just use a microwave-safe dish and check every couple of minutes to avoid overcooking the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or turkey sausage instead?
Definitely! Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is super flexible. Turkey or chicken sausage makes it lighter but just as delicious—just be sure to pick one with Italian seasoning for the full-flavored effect.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your sausage and canned tomatoes are gluten-free, this dish fits perfectly into a gluten-free meal plan. Double-check your sausage label to be sure!
How spicy is this Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole?
The spice level depends entirely on your sausage choice. Go with sweet Italian sausage for a kid-friendly version, or opt for spicy if you love a little heat. You can always sprinkle extra chili flakes if you want more fire!
What’s the best way to drain canned tomatoes?
Pour the tomatoes into a colander or fine mesh sieve and let them sit for a minute or two. This removes extra liquid so your casserole stays hearty instead of soupy.
Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything (except for the cheese topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to bake, add the cheese and pop it in the oven—it makes busy nights so much easier.
Final Thoughts
If comfort, convenience, and bold flavor matter to you, I can’t recommend Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole enough. Give it a whirl for your next dinner—there’s a good chance it’ll become a treasured favorite in your kitchen too!
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Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole recipe that makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. This easy-to-make casserole combines savory Italian sausage with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a blend of cheeses, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole:
- 1 ½ pounds Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onions for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Combine and bake: Return sausage to the skillet, add drained tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat through for 2–3 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
- You can also use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
