Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole – Easy, Cheesy, Delicious

Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is the kind of dish that makes you forget about takeout and actually look forward to dinner at home. Juicy Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, onions, and garlic all mingle in a rich tomato sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella that gets all golden and bubbly in the oven. The aroma alone could stop traffic—or at least make your neighbors a little jealous.

Whether you’re juggling a busy workweek or trying to feed a family that seems to be perpetually hungry, this hearty casserole is your new go-to comfort meal. And bonus—it’s naturally gluten-free, freezer-friendly, and totally delicious. If you love easy comfort food dinners like this, you might also want to check out my Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole or my Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole for more family favorites that don’t take all night to make.

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What is Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole?

Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is a baked dish that brings together everything we love about classic Italian flavors—without the fuss of standing over the stove for hours. It’s basically the cozy cousin of the traditional sausage and peppers sandwich but in casserole form.

Think browned sausage mixed with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and garlic, all coated in a tomato-rich sauce and finished with a layer of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s warm, comforting, and hits that perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet. The best part? You can throw it together in under an hour, making it a weeknight hero meal that still feels special enough for Sunday dinner.

Reasons to Try Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

If you’re tired of dinner recipes that require a culinary degree and a dozen dirty pans, this one’s for you. Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s one of those dishes that checks all the boxes—simple ingredients, quick prep, hearty enough to feed a crowd, and flexible for different diets.

You can easily swap in turkey sausage for a leaner option or go with spicy sausage if you like a little kick. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers (if you have any!). Plus, the colors from the bell peppers give it a cheerful, “look what I made” kind of vibe. This is comfort food done right—without the guilt trip.

Ingredients Needed to Make Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced
• 1 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 pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions to Make Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, grab your ingredients and maybe put on some Italian music if you want to set the mood. Slice the peppers, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This little bit of prep makes everything go smoothly once you start cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it’s browned and crumbly. This is where the magic begins—let those savory aromas fill your kitchen. If you’re using links, just remove the casings first. Once browned, you can drain off any extra fat if you prefer a lighter dish.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Now add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic right into the skillet with the sausage. Stir everything together and sauté until the veggies are soft and just a little caramelized—about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the onions turning slightly golden, and the peppers getting tender while still keeping some texture.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then add salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can blend together. This step is key—it turns a simple mix of ingredients into a rich, hearty sauce that tastes like it’s been cooking all day (even though it hasn’t).

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the sausage and pepper mixture into a casserole dish. Spread it evenly, then top it with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Don’t skimp here—the cheese is what gives you that irresistible golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on top. When you see that golden layer forming, you’ll know it’s ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes it easier to serve clean portions.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Scoop generous portions into bowls or plates and dig in. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s also amazing with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of pasta for extra comfort.

What to Serve with Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up all that savory sauce. Try serving it with warm garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or even roasted vegetables. For a full Italian-inspired meal, you could also whip up my Garlic Butter Chicken or pair it with Cheesy Baked Orzo with Vegetables. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet afterward, my Strawberry Shortcake Cups make the perfect light dessert.

Key Tips for Making Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

1. Use a mix of red and green peppers for both flavor and color—it makes the dish pop visually.
2. For a healthier twist, swap pork sausage for chicken or turkey sausage.
3. Don’t rush the sauté step—it’s where all the flavor develops.
4. Want a creamier finish? Stir in a spoonful of ricotta before baking.
5. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

Let leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge first.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use spicy sausage? Yes, if you like a little heat, go for it—it adds a great kick.
Can I add pasta directly? You can, but pre-cooked pasta works best; otherwise, it might soak up too much sauce.
Is this gluten-free? It is, as long as you check that your sausage and sauce are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full plates. It’s simple, hearty, and bursting with bold Italian flavor—perfect for those nights when you crave comfort without complication. Serve it up on a cozy weeknight, or make it ahead for easy lunches. Either way, it’s a keeper. And if you’re looking for more quick and cozy dinner ideas, check out my Easy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken or Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo.

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