Description
A hearty and flavorful Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole featuring savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and melted cheese baked to perfection. This easy and comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping and brings together Italian spices and a rich tomato base for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Meat:
- 1 pound Italian sausage links (mild or hot)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Cheeses:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Finishing:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil, then add the sausage links. Cook them until browned evenly on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and slice into ½-inch pieces.
- Sauté vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Add garlic and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook these aromatics for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Combine with tomato base: Mix in the drained diced tomatoes and marinara sauce. Stir well, then return the sliced sausage to the skillet. Combine all ingredients thoroughly so the sausage and vegetables are coated with the tomato sauce.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked sausage to save time.
- Add cooked pasta or rice to the casserole for a heartier meal.
- This dish freezes well and is excellent for meal prepping.
- To keep this recipe gluten-free, ensure the sausage and marinara sauce you use are gluten-free certified.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
