Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Italian Sausage Casserole! This delicious dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. It’s packed with juicy Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and creamy cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. Forget complicated recipes; this one is surprisingly simple, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quick and satisfying healthy meal. This recipe offers a delightful blend of homemade cooking with the ease of a quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!), casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 9 ounces lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for building flavor and preventing a greasy casserole.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combining the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage and vegetables with the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the delicious flavors.
Step 4: Layering the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sausage sauce. Layer half of the uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese over the noodles, followed by half of the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining sauce, noodles, ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the noodles are tender. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: For extra heat, use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina.
- Prep ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This Italian Sausage Casserole is a truly satisfying and delicious dish, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion. Enjoy! It's a great example of delicious dishes easily made at home. Remember to share this best recipe with your friends and family!