Ingredients
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating the Italian Sausage & Pepper Casserole can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage. Break it apart with a spatula until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
4. Season Mixture: Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Combine with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
10. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh basil on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Following these steps will guide you in creating this incredible casserole effortlessly!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g