Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole
This Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is the kind of cozy, flavor-packed dish that feels like home. It’s rich and savory from the browned sausage, bursting with sweetness from roasted bell peppers, and blanketed in melty mozzarella cheese. And the best part? It’s all made in just one pan and baked until bubbly and golden.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something so comforting about the combination of Italian sausage and bell peppers—it’s a tried-and-true classic. This version turns that combo into a weeknight casserole that’s:
- Easy to prep
- Full of flavor
- Great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd
- Naturally low-carb and gluten-free
Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or enjoy it on its own, it’s hearty and delicious.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🔄 Swaps & Notes
- Sausage Options: Use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version. Or try hot Italian for more spice.
- Cheese Additions: Mix mozzarella with provolone or parmesan for extra flavor.
- Add More Veggies: Mushrooms or zucchini make great additions.
- Make It a Meal: Serve over pasta, rice, quinoa—or stuff it into hoagie rolls for sausage-and-pepper subs!
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook Italian sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add Veggies
Add in the diced onion, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Stir in Tomatoes
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and season the mixture with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the sausage and pepper mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake
Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7. Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
✅ Tips for Success
- Use a broiler blast for the last 2 minutes for extra cheese browning.
- Slice peppers thinly for even cooking and a soft texture.
- Double the batch—it reheats beautifully for meal prep.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This casserole is extremely versatile. Try serving it with:
- Garlic bread or toasted ciabatta
- Over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes
- With a side of roasted broccoli or Caesar salad
- A glass of Chianti or Italian red blend
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze fully cooked and cooled portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F until heated through.
🍴 More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re into warm, savory dinners with big flavor, don’t miss these:
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
🔚 Final Thoughts
This Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is everything I love in a dinner—bold, simple, and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for company. Serve it hot, gooey, and fresh out of the oven—trust me, everyone will ask for seconds.
Tried it? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow for more one-pan dinner wins!
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