Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

3. Combine the Ingredients:

Once the vegetables are softened, return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the mixture. Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, so the flavors meld together.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese (or provolone). If you like a bit more cheese, feel free to add an extra sprinkle!

5. Bake the Casserole:

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy the layers of savory sausage, sweet peppers, and melted cheese!

Tips for a Perfect Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole:

• Choice of Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage for this casserole, depending on your heat tolerance. If you like things extra spicy, opt for hot sausage, or add extra red pepper flakes to kick up the heat.
• Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the oven, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
• Vegetable Variations: While bell peppers and onions are the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even eggplant for a different twist.
• Cheese Choices: You can easily swap mozzarella for other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for added depth of flavor. A mix of cheeses will give the dish a complex, melty texture.
• Add a Side: Serve this casserole with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole:

• Comfort Food: With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this casserole is the epitome of comforting home cooking. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a weeknight meal, or even as part of a larger spread for guests.
• Easy to Make: Unlike some casseroles that require multiple layers and lengthy preparation, this one is simple and quick to put together. Most of the cooking happens in one pan, which means less mess and easier cleanup.
• Customizable: This recipe is a blank canvas! Whether you prefer different vegetables or a different type of sausage, it’s easy to adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes.
• Great Leftovers: This casserole makes delicious leftovers, and it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Conclusion:

The Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole is a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together bold flavors, comforting ingredients, and simple cooking techniques. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a weeknight meal, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. With its savory sausage, colorful peppers, and melty cheese, it’s a dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger, no matter the occasion. Enjoy!