Italian Sausage Casserole

Italian Sausage Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed dish featuring savory sausage, tender pasta or potatoes, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese all baked into one satisfying meal. It’s the perfect comfort food for weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal with bold Italian flavor
• Easy to prepare and customize
• Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
• Crowd-pleasing comfort food
• Works with pasta, potatoes, or low-carb alternatives

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed if using links)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell pepper (optional)
• Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
• Tomato paste
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Cooked pasta or diced potatoes
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
5. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes or marinara, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Combine sausage mixture with cooked pasta or potatoes in a greased casserole dish.
7. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Low-Carb: Substitute cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini for pasta.
• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
• Veggie-Loaded: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add ricotta or provolone for a richer texture.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble in advance and bake when ready to serve.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What type of sausage works best?

Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, gives the best flavor. You can also use turkey sausage.

Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Absolutely. It’s a great time-saver and adds lots of flavor.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well both before and after baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Sure—try provolone, ricotta, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta or potatoes?

Yes, cook them before combining with the sausage and sauce.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta or swap in potatoes or cauliflower.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based sausage and bulk up with extra vegetables.

What sides go well with this casserole?

A green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies make great sides.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger casserole dish or divide it into two pans for freezing.

Conclusion

Italian Sausage Casserole is the kind of dish that brings comfort to the table with every bite. Rich in flavor, easy to adapt, and incredibly satisfying, it’s a go-to meal for busy nights or casual gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it part of your regular dinner rotation.

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