Print

Cozy Loaded Sausage and Peppers Casserole

loaded sausage and peppers casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm and hearty casserole featuring Italian sausage, caramelized bell peppers, and a cheesy topping, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
  • 3 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, green), thinly sliced
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (150 g)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Crusty bread or garlic bread (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer sausage to a bowl, leaving drippings in the pan.
  3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until softened and slightly caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Return browned sausage to the skillet with peppers and onions. Stir in smoked paprika, dried oregano, and drained diced tomatoes. Cook together for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Pour sausage and pepper mixture evenly into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown at edges.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or a green salad.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when browning sausage to ensure caramelization. Drain canned tomatoes well to avoid sogginess. Tent casserole with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: sausage casserole, bell peppers, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy casserole, Italian sausage, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-loaded-sausage-and-peppers-casserole-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/