Italian Sausage and Pepper Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Combine the Ingredients:
Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet with the peppers and onions. Stir in the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce (if using), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Serve & Garnish:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness and flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips