Ingredients
1.5 lbs Italian sausage (mild or hot, pork or chicken/turkey, casing removed)
3 large bell peppers (assorted colors)
1 large onion (yellow or white, roughly chopped)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Core and slice bell peppers into strips, roughly chop onion, mince garlic.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove casings from sausage, add to skillet, and cook, breaking into crumbles, until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
3. Add chopped onion and bell peppers to skillet. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until softened.
4. Make a space in the center, add minced garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in chicken broth, scrape bottom of skillet to release browned bits.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Cover skillet (or transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish if not oven-safe). Bake for 20 minutes.
8. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens and vegetables are tender. If using Parmesan, sprinkle during last 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For meal prep, assemble casserole without baking, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake as directed. Leftovers keep in refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in microwave, oven, or stovetop. Variations include using different sausages, adding vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or making it creamy with a splash of heavy cream. For a spicier version, use hot sausage and increase red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1025mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg