Flavorful Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole

Ever caught a whiff of sizzling Italian sausage that made your mouth water?

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a hearty casserole bursting with flavor. This Flavorful Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole brings together the savory goodness of sausage, the vibrant crunch of bell peppers, and the melty warmth of cheese — all in one dish! Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that you can whip up in no time, leaving you with minimal dishes to clean. Who doesn’t love that?

Why Make This Recipe

Here’s the scoop:

• Easy cleanup is a must in my kitchen, and this casserole delivers. One pan for sautéing and a baking dish? Sign me up!
• It’s budget-friendly! You can typically find the ingredients on sale or already in your pantry.
• Family-friendly? Absolutely! Kids adore the cheesy, meaty goodness, and you’ll love the smiles at the dinner table.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 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
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or Parmesan)
• 2 cups cooked pasta of your choice (optional)

Directions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sliced sausage for about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion; sauté for another 4-5 minutes until softened.
4. Mix in the minced garlic and canned tomatoes; let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Combine with shredded cheese if desired.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with additional cheese if preferred, and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

How to Make Flavorful Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole (Overview)

This is cooking made fun! Start by browning that sausage until it’s beautifully golden. Just as it starts to sizzle, toss in some colorful bell peppers and a bunch of onion — the aromas will make your kitchen feel like an Italian bistro!

Next, mix in garlic and tomatoes, add some seasoning, and stir in cheese for an extra cheesy delight. Just pop it into the oven until it’s all bubbly and golden. Quick tip? Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!

How to Serve Flavorful Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole

This casserole is a masterclass in comfort food! Serve it hot in a big dish that shows off those luscious layers of cheese and sausage. It pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty bread for scooping up all that goodness
• A crisp green salad on the side, adding a nice crunch
• Or even a glass of red wine to complete the Italian vibe 🍷

The aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the table!

How to Store Flavorful Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole

Leftovers? No problem! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store in an airtight container. Want to freeze it? Go ahead! It’ll stay good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to dig in again, just pop it in the oven (or microwave) until warmed through.

Tips to Make Flavorful Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole

Here are some insider tricks to take this dish up a notch:

• Experiment with sausage: Try chicken sausage or turkey for a lighter option!
• Add more veggies: Zucchini or mushrooms would fit right in.
• Cheese lovers can mix different types for depth — gouda, anyone?
• If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked sausage to cut down on browning time.

Variation

Feeling adventurous?

• Swap out the sausage for plant-based options or even chickpeas for a delicious vegan twist.
• Add some heat with jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold!

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage gives you that classic flavor with less fat.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!

Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Flavorful Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole

A hearty casserole featuring Italian sausage, bell peppers, onions, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and easy cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Casserole

• 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or sweet) Choice of spice level
• 2 cups bell peppers (mixed red, yellow, green), chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Toasted for additional flavor
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or Parmesan) Use any preferred cheese
• 2 cups cooked pasta of your choice (optional) Can be added for a heartier dish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sliced sausage for about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the chopped bell peppers and onion; sauté for another 4-5 minutes until softened.
4. Mix in the minced garlic and canned tomatoes; let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Combine with shredded cheese if desired.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with additional cheese if preferred, and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and frozen for 2-3 months. Variations include using chicken sausage or adding more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.