Description
This Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring browned Italian sausage cooked with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and garlic, simmered in a blend of diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and aromatic herbs. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this baked casserole is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Vegetables
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Herbs & Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and crumbled, about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove any excess grease and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the tomatoes and sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine sausage and vegetables: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Pair it with garlic bread or pasta for a full meal.
Notes
- You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- If you prefer a lower-fat dish, remove the sausage casing before cooking or use turkey Italian sausage.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure marinara sauce and broth are gluten-free.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
