A hearty and flavorful casserole packed with savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and melted mozzarella—perfect for a comforting family meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick – Ready in just 35 minutes.
- Rich & Savory – Italian sausage adds deep, delicious flavors.
- Cheesy & Comforting – Melted mozzarella makes it extra satisfying.
- Versatile – Serve as is or with your favorite side.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Great for leftovers and easy to reheat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 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 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Add diced onion, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the sausage and pepper mixture to a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy as is or serve over rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350 kcal
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Extra Cheesy – Add Parmesan or provolone along with the mozzarella.
- Herb-Infused – Stir in fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for added flavor.
- Tomato-Free – Replace diced tomatoes with Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead?
Yes! Both are great leaner options.
What can I serve this casserole with?
Rice, pasta, polenta, or crusty bread all pair well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but provolone or a mix of Italian cheeses also works great.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, chop about 2 cups of fresh tomatoes.
How do I make this dish creamier?
Mix in a little heavy cream or cream cheese before baking.
Can I add mushrooms or zucchini?
Absolutely! They add extra flavor and texture.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Use plant-based sausage or replace it with beans.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used are gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, use a larger casserole dish and adjust baking time as needed.
Conclusion
Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. With its cheesy, savory goodness, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it on its own or with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal!
Print
Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 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 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Add diced onion, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the sausage and pepper mixture to a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy as is or serve over rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
- Add diced onion, sliced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the sausage and pepper mixture to a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy as is or serve over rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Swap mozzarella for provolone or Parmesan for a different cheesy twist.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American