Italian Casserole
Italian Casserole offers a hearty, flavorful combination of sausage, ground beef, vegetables, and pasta, topped with melted cheese. Its rich tomato-based sauce and savory seasonings make it perfect for family dinners and gatherings, delivering comforting, satisfying bites in every serving.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. bulk Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion
- 1 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cans (15 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cans (6 oz.) tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 cans (8 3/4 oz.) whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 2 cans (2 1/4 oz.) sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) pkg. wide noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 8 oz. Cheddar cheese, cut into strips ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook sausage, beef, onion, and green pepper until meat is browned and vegetables are tender; drain.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, and seasonings; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add corn and olives; cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cooked and drained noodles.
- Pour mixture into two greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dishes.
- Top with cheese strips.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage or lean ground turkey instead of bulk Italian sausage and ground beef. You can also substitute whole kernel corn with frozen corn for a fresher taste. To enhance the flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This dish can also be made ahead of time and frozen for later, much like Cheesy Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Italian casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Meatball Soup for a comforting dinner. You can also top with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and freshness. This dish is perfect for gatherings or meal prep, making it a fantastic choice for busy nights.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through, covering with foil to prevent drying out. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Casserole contains roughly 322 calories, with 21g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (81% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 723mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While Cheddar cheese adds a nice flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella or provolone for a gooier texture. Mixing different cheeses can also enhance the dish's richness, so feel free to get creative with your favorites.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and beef. Substitute with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, along with your favorite meatless protein, like lentils or chickpeas, for a satisfying alternative.
How can I adjust the spice level of the casserole?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more or less garlic powder or incorporate crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of dried basil and oregano, or use fresh herbs, which tend to be less intense. Taste as you go for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).