If you love comforting dinners that are easy to make yet bursting with flavor, you’ll fall head over heels for Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole. This dish is everything great about home-style Italian-American cooking—sizzling sausage, sweet and colorful bell peppers, gooey cheese, and a hint of fresh herbs, all baked together to create a satisfyingly hearty meal. Whether you’re serving a family weeknight dinner or feeding friends for a casual gathering, this recipe always delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole couldn’t be easier, and each one plays a starring role in creating the ultimate comfort food. The best casseroles rely on straightforward, high-quality basics that enhance taste, provide vibrant color, and guarantee an irresistible texture.
- Italian sausage: The heart of the casserole, bringing spicy or sweet depth and plenty of rich, savory flavor. Choose your favorite type Main Course.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle, fruity richness and helps everything brown beautifully in the skillet.
- Yellow onion: Sliced for just the right amount of sweetness and mouthwatering aroma.
- Bell peppers (red, green, yellow): Bring vibrant color and gentle sweetness; mixing colors not only tastes great but looks wonderful, too.
- Garlic: A little bit of garlic goes a long way in building irresistible, savory depth.
- Dried oregano: This classic Italian herb ties all the flavors together with an earthy, aromatic touch.
- Salt: Just enough to balance and highlight the natural flavors in every bite.
- Black pepper: A little heat and warmth without overwhelming the dish.
- Diced tomatoes: Use good-quality canned tomatoes for a juicy base and subtle acidity.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates cheesy, stretchy, melty perfection on top of the casserole.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory, golden-brown finish that no Italian bake is complete without.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle for a burst of color and fresh flavor just before serving.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the olive oil and the sausage pieces, letting them cook until browned on all sides and nearly cooked through. This step fills your kitchen with a deliciously tempting aroma—be sure to let the sausages take on a lovely golden color, which is where a lot of flavor develops. Once browned, remove the sausage to a plate and set aside; they’ll finish cooking in the oven later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and the onions turn slightly translucent. This combination is a cornerstone of Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole, setting the stage for that sweet-savory balance. After the veggies have softened a bit, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let everything mingle in the pan for another minute—your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Sausage
Now it’s time to introduce the drained diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring them in so their juices coat all those tender veggies. Gently return the browned sausage pieces to the pan, making sure they’re nestled into the tomato and vegetable mixture. Let the whole thing simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing all the robust flavors to meld beautifully before assembly.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly (to make serving a breeze later), and spread the sausage and pepper mixture evenly inside. Now comes the fun part—grab your shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, and sprinkle them generously over the top. The mozzarella goes first for melty puddles, topped off by the Parmesan for that signature salty, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes. The cheese will become gorgeously bubbly and start to turn golden brown around the edges. The Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is ready when everything is hot throughout and the cheesy topping looks melt-in-your-mouth irresistible. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, then serve it up hot.
How to Serve Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley makes the whole casserole pop visually and adds a welcome brightness right before serving. For extra character, try a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes, a whisper of lemon zest, or even extra Parmesan—personalize it to your taste and enjoy every bite.
Side Dishes
Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is hearty on its own, but it plays beautifully with simple side dishes. Spoon it generously over fluffy rice, your favorite cooked pasta, or even creamy polenta. For something lighter, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a zingy vinaigrette, or add roasted potatoes for a total comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, scoop the casserole onto toasted hoagie rolls for the ultimate sausage and peppers sandwich! It’s also fantastic as a party snack, served in small bowls with toothpicks. Or try spooning it over baked potatoes for an unexpected but utterly delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate; the Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole will keep fresh for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so a reheated serving can be every bit as satisfying as the initial meal.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer-friendly dream! Assemble and bake as directed, then cool completely. Wrap the dish tightly in foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two months—just make sure to label and date your containers for easy meal planning.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole in a 350°F oven, covered, until hot and bubbly (about 20 minutes if thawed, slightly longer from frozen). Individual servings can be popped in the microwave for a quick lunch on the go. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top if you like it extra gooey and freshen it up with some chopped parsley.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage are delicious, lighter alternatives that work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to pick flavorful varieties for the best results in your Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
Simply check that your Italian sausage is certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go! All the other main ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so no further adjustments are needed.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to get creative with the cheesy topping. Fontina, provolone, or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar can add new flavors. Combining different cheese varieties with mozzarella in your Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole can make it even more decadent.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble everything up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold for best results.
Is it spicy?
That’s entirely up to you. Use sweet Italian sausage for a mild, family-friendly casserole, or go for spicy sausage if you love a little heat. For even more kick, add crushed red pepper flakes right into the veggie mix before baking.
Final Thoughts
Give this Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole a place at your table and watch it become a new go-to favorite! It’s crave-worthy, simple, and full of classic flavors everyone loves. No matter how you serve it or how you customize it, you can count on warm comfort and plenty of second helpings. Try it soon and bring some delicious Italian-American tradition into your kitchen!
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Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is a delicious one-pan meal that combines savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
Italian Sausage:
- 1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, cut into 1-inch pieces)
Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced)
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow – sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other:
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the Sausage: Brown the Italian sausage pieces in a skillet. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes and sausage back to the skillet. Cook briefly to blend flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with cheeses.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or on hoagie rolls for a hearty meal.
- Try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
