Imagine a dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian sausage, the sweet crunch of bell peppers, and the gooey, irresistible allure of melted mozzarella cheese. This Mozzarella Sausage and Pepper Bake is not just a meal – it's a culinary experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy with every single bite. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Remove the Italian sausage from its casings and break the meat into bite-sized chunks. If using whole sausage links, slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage pieces until they are fully cooked and have a golden color, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Slice the red and yellow bell peppers into thin strips. Peel and slice the onion into similar-sized strips.
- Add the sliced peppers and onions to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the sausage and vegetables, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the dish, then top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or parsley, and pair with crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh Italian sausage and ripe, colorful bell peppers to maximize flavor and visual appeal.
- Drain Excess Fat: After browning the sausage, be sure to drain excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Don't Overcook Vegetables: Sauté the peppers and onions just until they start to soften to maintain their texture and vibrant color.
- Cheese Melting Trick: For the perfect cheese topping, use freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Let It Rest: Always allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Customize Your Bake: Feel free to add extra herbs like fresh basil or red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with crusty bread, a light salad, or over pasta to make it a complete meal that will satisfy even the hungriest appetites!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
