Sausage, Peppers, and Pasta Casserole Recipe π
Overview:
This hearty Sausage, Peppers, and Pasta Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for warming up on a chilly winter’s night. Bursting with flavors from sweet and hot Italian sausages, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is sure to become a crowd favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is a winner. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be on the table in just over an hour!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: 489.2
- Rating: βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ (4.5 stars)
Ingredients:
- Pasta Dough
- 3 Spaghetti
- 1 Sweet Italian Sausage Link
- 1 Hot Italian Sausage
- 3 Green Peppers
- 1 Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Butter a 13×9 inch baking dish, ensuring it’s well-coated to prevent sticking.
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Boil Pasta: In a large stockpot, bring salted water to a boil. If using fresh pasta dough, boil for 4 minutes until al dente. If using dry spaghetti, boil for 10 minutes until tender. Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.
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Cook Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, cook the sweet and hot Italian sausages in a skillet over medium heat. This should take about 8 minutes or until the sausages are fully cooked and browned. Once done, remove the sausages from the skillet using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the cooked spaghetti.
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Saute Peppers: In the same skillet used for cooking the sausages, add the sliced green peppers. Cook them in the remaining drippings for about 3 minutes until they are slightly softened and caramelized.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the cooked sausages and sauteed peppers. Add in the shredded mozzarella cheese and red pepper flakes. Toss everything together until well-combined.
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Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot alongside a crisp green salad and warm breadsticks for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the ratio of sweet to hot Italian sausages.
- For a vegetarian option, swap the sausage for plant-based alternatives or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Make it ahead! This casserole can be assembled up to a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.