This Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that brings the bold taste of savory Italian sausage together with sweet, tender bell peppers in a comforting, cheesy bake. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare, satisfying, and loaded with vibrant colors and rich, mouthwatering flavors that everyone will love.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 red bell peppers thinly sliced
- 2 yellow bell peppers thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz / 410g diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prep
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
-
Cook the Sausage
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
-
Cook Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking into chunks with a spatula (about 5–7 minutes).
-
Remove sausage and set aside.
-
Sauté the Vegetables
-
In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
-
Sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic until tender and fragrant (5–6 minutes).
-
Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes.
-
Add Tomatoes
-
Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
-
Simmer for 3–4 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
-
Assemble the Casserole
-
Transfer the cooked sausage to the casserole dish.
-
Pour the sautéed pepper and tomato mixture on top.
-
Gently stir to combine evenly.
-
Sprinkle cheese on top if desired.
-
Bake
-
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
-
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
-
Serve
-
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.
-
Serve warm with crusty bread, rice, or pasta.