Italian Sausage Casserole
A hearty Italian sausage casserole loaded with vegetables, olives, and mushrooms, baked to perfection and topped with Parmesan, ideal for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 medium red potatoes, unpeeled and quartered
- 3 cups celery, cut up ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1 medium eggplant, peeled and cubed ⓘ
- 1 large can pitted black olives, drained ⓘ
- 1.5 pounds Italian sausage, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1 large can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning ⓘ
- garlic powder to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage and cut it into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
- Place all vegetables and spices in a large bowl, mixing in olive oil gently.
- Combine the cooked sausage with the vegetable mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a large glass baking dish.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try swapping the eggplant with zucchini or adding bell peppers of different colors for extra flavor. If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage instead. Garlic powder can be adjusted to your taste, or you can use fresh minced garlic for more depth. Additionally, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavors. For an Italian twist, serve alongside Melvina'S Low-Fat Spaghetti Sauce or a side of Grilled Italian Sausage And Peppers. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top before serving adds a nice touch of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Sausage Casserole contains roughly 368 calories, with 9g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (157% of the Daily Value), potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What type of Italian sausage is best for this recipe?
Both sweet and hot Italian sausage work well in this casserole. If you prefer a milder flavor, go for sweet sausage. For a spicier kick, choose hot sausage. You can also mix both types for a balanced flavor profile.
Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Carrots, zucchini, or yellow squash would all be great options. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
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).