Description
Hearty Italian sausage casserole blends robust flavors of savory sausage, tender vegetables, and melted cheese in one comforting dish. Warm, rustic layers promise a delicious meal that connects you with traditional Italian countryside cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
Remaining Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces (227 grams) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 375 degrees, creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions, aiming for a perfectly tender al dente texture. Carefully drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame, then introduce the sausage, breaking it into crumbly pieces as it browns and develops rich flavor.
- Incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, and colorful bell peppers into the skillet, sautéing until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
- Pour in marinara sauce, add diced tomatoes, and sprinkle Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer, melding the flavors and creating a robust sauce. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste profile.
- In a generous mixing bowl, unite the cooked pasta with the savory sauce mixture. Gently fold in half of the mozzarella and the entire portion of Parmesan cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer the tempting mixture into a well-greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Generously scatter the remaining mozzarella across the top, creating a promising cheese blanket.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the dish becomes piping hot and the cheese transforms into a molten, golden blanket.
- For a final flourish, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herbaceous notes before serving.
Notes
- Choose spicy or mild Italian sausage based on your heat preference, letting you customize the dish’s flavor profile.
- Opt for whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, hearty dimension to the casserole.
- Swap regular mozzarella with low-fat or plant-based cheese for a lighter, diet-friendly version without compromising taste.
- Enhance vegetable content by adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms during the sautéing stage, increasing nutrients and texture variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg