Description

This Flavorful Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining spicy or sweet Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and rich tomatoes baked together with melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole delivers robust Italian-inspired flavors with the option to serve alongside your favorite cooked pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Vegetables

1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
2 cups bell peppers (mixed red, yellow, green), chopped
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Other Ingredients

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Cheese and Pasta

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or Parmesan)
2 cups cooked pasta of your choice (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Brown Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, slice and brown the Italian sausage for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and slightly crispy.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers and onion to the browned sausage and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and can of diced tomatoes, letting the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend flavors.
Season and Mix Cheese: Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Incorporate shredded mozzarella cheese into the mixture if desired for added creaminess.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. If using cooked pasta, layer or mix it in now. Top with additional shredded cheese if preferred.
Bake: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm as a comforting main dish.

Notes

For a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
Adding cooked pasta is optional but recommended to make the casserole more filling.
You can substitute mozzarella with Parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses for different textures and flavors.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium canned tomatoes and control added salt.