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Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers

Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers

A quick and hearty Cheesy Italian Sausage Bake with Peppers featuring juicy Italian sausage, sweet and slightly charred bell peppers, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a comforting, cheesy meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, pre-cooked or removed from casings)

Vegetables

  • 1 each red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 each yellow bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 each green bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables: Remove the sausage from casings if necessary, then crumble it into a skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Meanwhile, chop the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Sauté Peppers, Onions, and Garlic: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and peppers, cooking until softened and slightly caramelized, about 7 to 10 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last minute so it doesn’t burn but becomes fragrant.
  3. Combine Sausage and Vegetables: Mix the cooked sausage into the pan with the sautéed peppers and onions. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring well to meld the flavors.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the sausage and pepper mixture into a baking dish. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then add a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake Until Cheesy and Bubbling: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh Italian sausage for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing to allow peppers and onions to caramelize properly.
  • Choose freshly shredded mozzarella cheese for better melting compared to pre-shredded.
  • Adjust heat by balancing spicy sausage with sweet peppers or adding additional chili flakes.
  • Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the cheese set and ease serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sausage bake, cheesy sausage bake, sausage and peppers, easy weeknight dinner, Italian comfort food, gluten free dinner