Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

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This Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is the kind of comforting dinner that brings everyone to the table without complaint. Loaded with juicy Italian sausage, tender bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato base, this baked casserole delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep when you need a reliable, hearty dish that reheats beautifully and satisfies every time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions for Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Add vegetables by stirring in bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook until softened.
4. Build the sauce by mixing in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer to baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Top with cheese and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Rest briefly before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Pro Tips

• Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat and depth.
• Slice peppers evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
• Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
• Fresh basil added after baking brightens the flavors.

Why This Recipe Works

• One-pan prep means easy cleanup
• Bold Italian flavors without complicated steps
• Budget-friendly ingredients with restaurant-quality results
• Perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and sauce

Substitutions & Variations

• Turkey sausage: A lighter but still flavorful option
• Vegetarian version: Replace sausage with mushrooms and zucchini
• Extra cheesy: Add provolone or parmesan with mozzarella
• Low-carb: Serve on its own or over zucchini noodles

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

• Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze fully cooked casserole for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through

Serving Ideas for Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

• Serve with crusty garlic bread
• Spoon over pasta or creamy polenta
• Pair with a crisp green salad
• Enjoy with roasted potatoes or rice

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal for prepping in advance and baking later.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze Italian sausage and pepper casserole?
Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months.

What sausage works best?
Both sweet and spicy Italian sausage work beautifully.

This Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is a dependable, flavor-packed dinner that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles. It’s comforting, customizable, and satisfying—everything a great home-cooked meal should be. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.

Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

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This Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked dinner made with juicy Italian sausage, tender bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce, finished with melted mozzarella. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• large skillet
• baking dish
• cutting board
• knife
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, canned
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks.
• Add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are softened.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
• Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
• Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets nicely. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Both sweet and spicy Italian sausage work well, depending on your heat preference.

Keyword baked sausage recipe, easy italian dinner, italian sausage casserole, sausage and peppers, weeknight dinner

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