A Hearty, Flavorful One-Dish Meal

This Italian Beef and Pepper Casserole is a savory, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and packed with bold flavors. Featuring seasoned beef sausage, colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese, it’s a comforting meal that can be served as is or paired with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish comes together in just 40 minutes and delivers a warm, cheesy bite in every forkful.

---

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 pound beef sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
• 1 medium onion, diced (yellow or white onion works best)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (more if you love extra cheese!)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a richer taste)

---

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when the casserole is assembled.

---

Step 2: Cook the Beef Sausage & Vegetables

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the beef sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
   • Pro Tip: If using bulk sausage, cook as-is. If using sausage links, remove the casings before cooking for better texture.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften (5-7 minutes).
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

---

Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Seasonings

1. Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) to add moisture and richness to the dish.
2. Stir in Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste.
3. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

---

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer to a Casserole Dish: Pour the sausage and pepper mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish (9×13-inch works well).
2. Sprinkle Cheese: Evenly spread shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. If using, sprinkle with grated Parmesan for extra richness.

---

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
2. If you prefer a crispy cheese topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

---

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Let Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle.
2. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a fresh finish.
3. Serve Warm: Enjoy as is, or pair with:
   • Crusty Italian bread
   • Cooked pasta (penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni)
   • A side salad for a balanced meal

---

Recipe Notes & Tips

Choosing the Right Sausage

• For classic Italian flavor: Use mild or spicy Italian beef sausage.
• For a leaner option: Use ground turkey sausage or even ground beef.
• For a smoky twist: Substitute smoked sausage or chorizo.

Making it Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly

• Skip the diced tomatoes or use fire-roasted tomatoes with no added sugar.
• Use cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella for a higher fat content.

Extra Add-Ins for More Flavor

• Mushrooms: Add 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms for a deeper, umami flavor.
• Spinach or Kale: Stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Olives or Capers: Add 1/4 cup for a briny, Mediterranean touch.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

---

Nutritional Information

• Calories: ~350 per serving
• Protein: ~22g
• Carbohydrates: ~10g
• Fat: ~24g

This Italian Beef and Pepper Casserole is a quick, flavorful meal with bold Italian flavors, melted cheese, and satisfying textures. It’s easy to customize based on your preferences and a perfect dish for meal prep or busy nights.