Here’s a hearty, family-style Sausage and Pepper Casserole recipe — full of flavor from roasted peppers, onions, and savory sausage, baked together in a delicious tomato sauce. 🍅🌶️
🥘 Sausage and Pepper Casserole
Ingredients (serves 4–6):
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1½ lbs (about 4–5 links) Italian sausage — sweet, mild, or hot
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 large onion, sliced
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3 bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow), sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes for thicker texture)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp dried basil
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese (optional topping)
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Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions:
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Preheat oven:
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). -
Cook the sausage:
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In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
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Add sausage links and cook until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked).
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Remove and slice into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
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Sauté vegetables:
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In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
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Add onions and peppers; cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
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Add garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
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Combine in casserole dish:
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In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine sliced sausage, sautéed peppers/onions, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
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Stir well to coat everything evenly.
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Bake:
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Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until sausage is fully cooked and sauce is bubbling.
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(Optional) Uncover, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake another 5–10 minutes until melted and golden.
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Serve:
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Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
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Serve hot with crusty bread, over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
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🌟 Variations:
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Add potatoes: Toss in parboiled baby potatoes or sliced russets before baking for a one-pan meal.
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Make it creamy: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream before baking.
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Spicy version: Use hot Italian sausage and extra chili flakes.
Would you like me to give you a make-ahead / freezer version of this casserole too? It’s great for meal prep!
