Hey y’all! If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings the family together, this Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole is just what you need. Packed with juicy Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a cheesy, golden topping, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, casual potlucks, or lazy Sunday suppers. Get ready for a bubbling, aromatic dish that’s easy to whip up and impossible to resist. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole
- Quick and easy to prepare, with less than 20 minutes of hands-on time.
- Layered with savory sausage, tender peppers, and gooey cheese for ultimate comfort.
- Perfect for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Family-friendly and customizable with your favorite veggies or cheeses.
- Bakes in one dish for fast clean-up and minimal fuss.
Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook for 6–8 minutes until browned. Remove to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Veggies
Add remaining oil to the same skillet. Toss in onions and all bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until just tender. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Return sausage to the pan with the veggies. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the sausage and pepper mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle over the Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake to Win
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Rest for 5 minutes, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes & Expert Tips for Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole
- For extra richness, try adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before baking. Learn about choosing the best Italian sausage here.
- If you like it spicy, use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes.
- For a vegetarian twist, substitute sausage with meatless crumbles or roasted chickpeas (see technique).
Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole Variations
- Low-Carb: Omit the tomatoes and reduce the onions; add more peppers and use less cheese.
- Pasta-Loaded: Mix in 3 cups of cooked penne before baking for a filling one-dish meal.
- Cheesy Deluxe: Add a layer of ricotta cheese or swap mozzarella for provolone for an extra-rich flavor.
Required Equipment for Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole Storage Instructions
Cool completely, then cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months (food safety tips).
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
Serve this casserole hot with warm crusty bread or garlic knots, a crisp green salad, and a glass of Chianti or sparkling water with lemon. It’s also wonderful alongside roasted potatoes or a bowl of simple buttered pasta.
Pro Tips for Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole Success
- Drain tomatoes well to prevent excess liquid in your casserole.
- For a melty, golden cheese crust, broil for 2 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely!
- Double the batch and freeze half for a ready-made dinner on busy nights (freezer tips).
Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole FAQ
Can I use chicken or turkey sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Just substitute with equal amounts of your preferred sausage—adjust seasonings if needed for milder varieties.
How can I make Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free shredded cheese or simply omit the cheese layer—it's still delicious!
Can I assemble this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving (add 5–10 minutes if baking from cold).
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage links, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 6 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
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4Return sausage to the skillet. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
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5Transfer the sausage and pepper mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
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6Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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