If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, colorful dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles, look no further than Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole. This beloved dish is a celebration of juicy sausage, vibrant bell peppers, sweet onions, and bubbling cheese, all cozied up together in one irresistible pan. It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser loaded with flavor and packed with Italian-American flair—the kind of meal that warms your kitchen and your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole comes from simple ingredients working in harmony. Each item is handpicked to deliver bite after bite of savory, comforting goodness. Don’t skip a thing—each ingredient pulls its weight, from the sausage to the final sprinkling of parsley!
- Olive oil: This gets everything started, infusing the veggies and sausage with rich, Mediterranean notes.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The star of the show! Choose your favorite for a unique kick—turkey or chicken sausage also work.
- Onion: Sliced for sweetness and depth, onions melt down to flavor every layer.
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, green): This trio brings a riot of color and that classic, slightly sweet peppery taste.
- Garlic: Minced for a gentle punch of aroma and warmth; don’t skimp on this!
- Dried oregano: This classic Italian herb ties all the flavors together with its earthy charm.
- Dried basil: Bright, herby basil adds freshness to balance the casserole’s richness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A sprinkle for those who like a gentle whisper of heat.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Drained for the perfect saucy texture, giving everything a juicy, tomato-kissed bite.
- Marinara sauce: Adds body, richness, and that beloved slow-cooked tomato essence.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For those dreamy, oozy, golden cheese pulls.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A salty-savory finish with a hint of nutty flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste—they make all the flavors sing just right.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A vibrant touch at the finish for color and freshness.
How to Make Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Trust me, you’ll want it hot and ready when your casserole is all assembled. Prepping ahead is key, so have your veggies sliced, sausage ready, and cheeses grated—this way, everything comes together seamlessly.
Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage
Grab your largest skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium. Toss in the sliced Italian sausage and cook, letting each piece get beautifully browned and aromatic—six to eight minutes does the trick. Once done, transfer the sausage out and let it rest for a moment. You’re building flavor in stages, and that’s what makes this Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole so scrumptious.
Step 3: Soften the Veggies
In the same skillet (no need to clean, those sausage bits are golden!), add your sliced onion and trio of bell peppers. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for everything to soften and turn slightly golden around the edges—this is how you get that signature sweetness and pop of color.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
It’s time to wake up the senses! Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, and (if you’re feeling spicy) red pepper flakes. Let them cook for just one minute—garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it. You’ll notice the fragrance in your kitchen becomes absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Pour in the drained canned diced tomatoes and the marinara sauce, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan. Give everything a gentle stir so the veggies and sauce meld together into a harmonious base for your casserole.
Step 6: Bring It Together
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and let everything simmer for a couple of minutes. This step infuses the flavors and ensures every bite of sausage is packed with that saucy, peppery goodness.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your sausage and veggie mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top—don’t be shy! Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if you have it. Not only does it look beautiful, but it adds a crisp freshness that balances the richness. Serve it hot, right out of the casserole dish—family style is best!
How to Serve Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, a scatter of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a touch of garden-fresh brightness to your Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole. If you want to go all out, consider a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or an extra pinch of Parmesan right before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with classic sides can elevate your meal. Try spooning it over fluffy rice or nestling it alongside a tangle of spaghetti. Crusty Italian bread is perfect for sopping up every bit of sauce, while a crisp green salad balances out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine! Serve Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole in individual ramekins for dinner parties or spoon it into hoagie rolls for the ultimate sausage and pepper sandwich. For a gluten-free twist, offer it over polenta or roasted cauliflower rice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply scoop the Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, and you’ll have a delicious, ready-to-go lunch or quick dinner that tastes just as good, if not better, the next day.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish in a double layer of foil. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until piping hot and the cheese is bubbling again—usually about 20 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved for a quick fix, but the oven keeps the texture at its best.
FAQs
Can I use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Chicken or turkey sausages are fantastic lighter options and work perfectly in this Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole. Just make sure to check the seasoning and adjust if needed, as poultry sausage is often milder than traditional pork.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! As long as you choose gluten-free Italian sausage and check that your marinara sauce doesn’t contain any wheat, this casserole fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet. Just double-check all your labels.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You sure can. Assemble the Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole completely, then cover and refrigerate up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple extra minutes in the oven to ensure everything is heated through.
What are the best peppers for this casserole?
I love using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for maximum color and flavor, but if you have a favorite, go ahead and double up! Sweet peppers work best, but you can also toss in a spicy variety for an extra kick.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Of course! Substitute your favorite dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives—it’ll still bake up gorgeous, gooey, and golden. You won’t miss a beat (or any delicious cheese pulls) in this version of Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dig into your own bubbling, cheesy pan of Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole. It’s weeknight-friendly, endlessly adaptable, and always a hit with family and friends. So grab those peppers and sausages, and let’s make dinnertime something to look forward to!
Print
Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. With a mix of Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese, this baked casserole is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage (mild or spicy), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook sliced sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, cook onion and peppers until softened. Add garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir in diced tomatoes and marinara sauce.
- Combine: Return sausage to skillet and simmer. Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside pasta.
- You can substitute chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
